Auckland Castle
Auckland Castle (The Auckland Project)
The residence of the Bishops of Durham for nearly nine centuries. After restoration it displays Zurbarán's Jacob and His Twelve Sons, and several galleries are nearby.
Auckland Castle served as the country palace of the Prince-Bishops from the 12th century onward. It was restored in 2019 and is now run by the Auckland Project. Its State Rooms, chapel and long gallery display Zurbarán's series of paintings Jacob and His Twelve Sons. Across the square are the Spanish Gallery, which holds works by El Greco, Velázquez and others, and the Mining Art Gallery. Outside the castle are a large deer park and walled gardens. Admission is about £15. The castle lies in the town of Bishop Auckland, about 17 km from Durham, a 40-minute bus ride away.
Opening hours
Wed–Sun approx. 10:00–16:00 (check official site)
Nearby sights
- Kynren – An Epic Tale of England
- Locomotion – National Railway Museum Shildon
- Oriental Museum
- Durham University Botanic Garden
- River Wear Riverbanks & Prebends Bridge
- Durham Cathedral & Castle
- Palace Green Library
- Durham Market Place