Auckland Palace — Attraction in Bishop Auckland

Fabulous Cultural Visits. The Auckland Project is a world-class group of attractions, including the Auckland (Bishops) Palace, formal gardens, Faith Museum, Spanish (art) Gallery, & Miners (art) Gallery. These are located off the central town square of Bishop Auckland, within 5 minutes flat walk from the North Bondgate car park (£4 for all-day parking). Entry is £18 per person covering all the collections (except the Miners Gallery, £8) - reasonable for such a range of attractions. This is a full day visit (or makes a good weekend trip).

Located within the Palace complex is the new Faith Museum (the focus of this review), a beautiful new church shaped structure made from local natural stone. This explores the history of religious belief in Britain, from prehistory, Roman Britain, medieval times, the Reformation, the Great Revival of the 19th C, to the growth of multicultural Faith in the last 50 years. The curating is thoughtful & all the exhibits (drawn from across the UK's best collections) are really top quality, & the displays are modern & clear. The top floor houses special exhibitions of modern collections, including currently a video art installation. There is a nice cafe on the ground floor serving drinks, snacks, & light meals (£6 each for a home made quiche with salad).

The Faith Museum is unique in the UK - & the Auckland Project as a whole is surely one of the best Museum complexes.

Overall...

We recently spent a day exploring Auckland Palace (formerly Auckland Castle), and it was nothing short of enchanting. Set above the River Wear in Bishop Auckland, this magnificent former bishop’s residence spans nearly a millennium of history, evolving from a 12th‑century manor to a fortified medieval castle, and finally into the grand Georgian palace we see today .

Upon entering through the impressive clock‑tower gateway and across manicured lawns, it really felt like stepping back in time. Inside, the Long Dining Room houses the stunning life‑size Zurbarán portraits of “Jacob and His Twelve Sons,” part of a rare collection held here since 1756 . The Throne Room, restored by James Wyatt in the late 1700s, showcases the palace’s opulent Gothic‑Revival charm .

Highlights include St Peter’s Chapel, one of Europe’s largest private chapels, and the Bishop Trevor Rooms, where exhibitions by masters like Gainsborough and Reynolds rotate regularly .

Since reopening in 2019, Auckland Palace has welcomed the public into its historic halls. The recent addition of the Faith Museum and restored gardens adds even greater appeal . It’s a beautifully curated experience: rich in art, architecture, and spiritual heritage.

Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or simply curious, Auckland Palace offers a captivating escape close to home. A genuinely regal day out — we highly...

Historically impressive with wonderful architecture and beautiful grounds. I would have given it 5 stars but felt the access for people with disabilities, wheelchair/walking aids from the Robinson Clock Tower incredibly difficult. There are cobbles then small shingle to negotiate before you arrive at the entrance, even at the Faith Museum which is accessed at the main entrance to the Castle. It's a long way for a carer pushing a wheelchair or an elderly person wanting to push their walking aid? Car parking is at Bondgate... Why couldn't the Auckland Trust just design a wheelchair user friendly paved path to the entrance of the Castle? Also disabled parking to? They have been working on the entrance for the last year? There appears to be a paved area when walking through the arch then it stops at the Faith Museum which is then accessed much further along through the Castle entrance? Although disability facilities are good in the Castle the external access from the road is extremely poor. What a shame that this has not been given a high priority? I assessed the access before our visit and unfortunately didn't feel I could take my elderly Mum as she is extremely independent and felt she wouldn't cope with the difficult cobbles/shingle terrain. We are not talking about a few yards..I think it could have taken us at least 10-15 minutes before reaching the...