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The Auckland Project is usually closed January and part of February for the annual refresh but open all other months of the year.
Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area is steeped in history. Auckland Palace was, from 1183, the country home of the Prince Bishops of Durham and is now owned by art collector and philanthropist, Jonathan Ruffer.
Originally from the northeast, Jonathan Ruffer has returned with a vision for the area. He has promoted and funded The Auckland Project which includes the renovation of Auckland Palace along with the deer park and walled garden plus the Mining Art Gallery, the internationally recognised Spanish Art Gallery, the recently opened Faith Museum and the Auckland Tower Visitor Centre that offers far-reaching views.
Kynren, The Park Head Hotel, El Castillo tapas bar, holiday cottages near the Palace gates, and the new hotel that is being built in the Market Place are all part of the project with a view to increasing visitor numbers and encouraging them to stay longer in the town to benefit the local economy.
Quite a few of our own u3a members are volunteers on this project and you will find them in the Palace, the Faith Museum, the Mining Gallery, and the Spanish Gallery so say hello if you see them.
The Auckland Project has a varied programme of events throughout the calendar year. The Italian Nativity is usually displayed in the Faith Museum late November through December as well as the Palace decorations that are always a delight to see as is the outdoor Christmas light trail, AGLOW. Kynren runs during the summer months. There is the popular April food festival plus Christmas events in the Market place and other events during the year. Some regular attractions are described below.
Another project is the creation of an historically themed event called Kynren with a spectacular evening show at its heart providing an epic story of England. This magnificent fireworks photo is from the Kynren website. Something to really impress your summer visitors, Kynren is modelled on Puy du Fou in the Vendée region of France which has developed over 40 years and is now the 2nd largest tourist attraction in France, bringing huge economic benefits to the region.
Another Auckland Project initiative is the Weardale Railway. The Bishop Auckland West to Stanhope line reopened in 2023 with stops at stations in between. The journey takes 50 minutes each way. There are other attractions throughout the season. A slice of history returns.
Bishop Auckland is also known as the Gateway to the Dales. The area offers some spectacular scenery and walking as well as a wide variety of activities and excursions.
Durham County Council sponsors the archaeological excavation of Binchester Roman Fort.
Raby Castle reopened in 2023 with new displays and a Behind the Scenes Tour. The Plotters Forrest is a great day out for kids. The remodelled walled garden is now open as well as a completely updated central area with a shop and places to eat. Many special events such as vintage car meetings, craft and farmer's markets, outdoor cinema or music events, talks, tours, and more, are regularly scheduled. Numerous seasonal events are also on offer including a selection of Christmas offerings.
Bishop Auckland Food Festival returned in April 2025 with live music, star appearances, chefs on display, and of course wonderful food. Our Market Place was once again filled with wonderful aromas to tempt our palates. With a fantastic range of delicious street food traders and artisan food producers, bars with real ales, pop up cafés and attractions for all, the festival truly had something for everyone!
Christmas Town also returned with events during November and December including a Christmas Parade.
Our Town Hall is more than just a place for our Monthly Meetings. There is a café for a tasty snack and just off the café is a gallery where you can find a permanent free art display but also varied exhibitions throughout the year. The large room where we meet on the 1st floor transforms into a theatre or cinema with remarkably comfortable seating and ever changing shows.
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