Auckland Castle set to reopen following restoration works

Named The Auckland Project, the castle’s conservation has been supported by a number of organisations and individuals, including a £12.4 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The castle will reopen to the public with a Community Day from 10.30am to 4pm, with general admission beginning at 10am the following day - 3rd November.

When open, visitors will be able to walk from St Peter’s Chapel, following the 18th century processional route through the State Rooms, to the private apartments where the Bishops lived with their families.

Along the route, there will be an opportunity to learn more about the Prince Bishops of Durham’s role in British history and see items belonging to or related to them, including paintings of Jacob and His Twelve Sons by Francisco de Zurbarán.

By the time the castle opens its doors, Bishop Trevor Gallery will also house The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour 2019, featuring Poussin’s The Triumph of Pan, which runs until 5th January 2020.

Clare Baron, head of interpretation and exhibitions at The Auckland Project, said: “The story of Auckland Castle and the Prince Bishops of Durham spans more than 1,000 years but for various reasons has remained relatively untold. Now, thanks to extensive conservation work and research, we will be able to walk in the footsteps of the men who helped shaped the country we live in today.”

Auckland Castle for groups

• Groups of 12 or more receive a 20 per cent discount on pre-booked tickets.  
• Admission for group organiser. 
• Complimentary admission for coach driver, plus a £5 voucher for the Bishop’s Kitchen. 
• Destination map.

More information

Each room in Auckland Castle will present episodes in the life of a particular bishop who lived there, capturing a specific moment in time.

Interpretation within the rooms will be delivered through a range of interactive media, including soundscapes, animations and audio-visual displays bringing the stories of Auckland Castle to life.