auckland castle

The castle grounds are a great walk to on during Sunday, with the views outside and Spanish artwork inside. Also worth seeing is the deer house which is just as old.

Thanks very much for your feedback. As you are already aware the castle is undergoing major redevelopments over the next couple of years and I can confirm that the lighting in the galleries will be adressed as part of that.We do offer limited parking on site for our staff, volunteers and for disabled guests. Unfortunately due to the layout of the site it just isnt possible to create parking to accommodate all of our visitors. Our plans for redevelopment don’t just focus on the Castle, they will spill out into the market place and surrounding area. We are working very closely with Bishop Auckland Town Team on this and you should see some improvements to this area soon. This will include North Bondgate Car Park and the route to the Castle.

This is still the office of the Bishop of Durham, and was the Prince Bishops' weekend hunting lodge for the past 800 years or so. It houses the best collection of Spanish art in the UK. Do try to go on a guided tour. Much more interesting if it is your first visit.Also take lunch in the tea room. This was at at various times the Bishop's Library, and Reception Room. It is supervised by the chef from the Raby Hunt (the only restaurant in the North East with a Michelin star), and although the food is not up to his Michelin Star standards, it is significantly better than any other lunch venue nearby, in both quality and imagination. The ambience alone justifies a visit, and the catering staff are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Entrance to the lunch room is free, but there is a small charge for entry to the rest of the castle. The guided tour is free.

Interesting. We had a guided tour without further cost. Light lunches in the bishops library excellent. Extensive renovation work to ancient walled garden has begun.

Arrived on bike from durham (easy cycling along old railway lines) absolutely gorgeous peaceful surrounds. Lunch was really tasty. Everything home made including bread for sandwiches. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.

What a beautiful peaceful place. Visited with friends had a delightful walk then lunch. An absolute gem. The quality of the food was exceptional as was the service. Yes, we will be returning.

As two Americans studying in Durham for a year, we're trying to see as much of County Durham as possible. We took the easy bus ride from Durham City to Bishop Auckland Saturday morning and joined the 11:30 tour. Before the tour began we were greeted by a friendly volunteer who walked us through the cathedral and it's different iterations. Our tour guide Lydia was funny, engaging, and accommodating as well as knowledgeable. Totally worth the £6 ticket!After our tour we walked about the beautiful grounds and then ate lunch at the cafe. Do not pass on the artichoke soup! We are already planning our return visit when my parents come to visit. Thank you for the wonderful day!

So much beauty and history to be appreciated in this one place - the castle itself and the surrounding park in particular . The knowledgeable guide played a major part in helping me to appreciate the art and historical background of the amazing chapel and especially the Zurbaran paintings. I spent a couple of hours there but that was not enough so I shall be returning in the near future!

Lovely grounds and gardens. The castle is very worth a visit ad has a wealth of knowledge and artifacts going back to Cuthbert's days.

There is a Genuine Reason for placing this note; Auckland Castle and District gets my highest Vote.The Building is most Regal with a History to Moot; Whilst local Regeneration will boost interests of Visitors to boot.The Gardens and Woodland stretch down to the River Wear; A planned Art Gallery of Distinction compliments 'Zurbaran' Paintings already here.The Area is steeped in Royalty,hailed as the 'Land of The Prince Bishops' centuries long;Where Hunting and Fishing was enjoyed by the Landed Throng!So do not delay,Book your Hotel and stay; There are miles of Countryside and Forrests in which your family can play!

We went to Auckland Castle whilst on our honeymoon. It is a beautiful and historic building. The staff are extremely friendly and we were given a free talk on the history. A must see if you are in Bishop Auckland or surrounding areas.

A great historical legacy from the days of the mighty Prince Bishops who ruled the north on behalf of the English King.Home to an excellent collection of outstanding Zubaran oil paintings and a lovely Chapel and grounds.

Auckland Castle is undergoing a significant change as it is developed as a tourist attraction of national importance at the heart of a community. We only had time for a walk in the grounds and didn't get back before the tearoom closed (winter opening hours) but we will return.

The new tea room at the castle (Less a Norman bastion, and more a splendid residence) is by far the most attractive and comfortable place I have ever taken tea! The room is wood panelled and book lined, with selections from the castle collection, ranging from ancient compilations of sermons to bound volumes of Punch, the chairs are comfortable,deep, and leather; and the service excellent.The menu is reassuringly brief, and imaginative.We had soup - chestnut, parsnip and apple; and I enjoyed their take on a Croque Monsieur (Smoked Wensleydale Cheese and home-made chutney). The tea was proper leaves, with a strainer provided.If looking at the book spines (Strictly no browsing!) palls, the view from the windows, across the river and Deer Park is great, with an attractive walk in prospect (to settle one's digestion).Of course, the food shouldn't be the only reason for visiting. The Restoration era chapel is a unique masterpiece, and the spacious rooms on the upper floor, with the collections of portraits of Bishops of Durham, and the paintings by Spanish Renaissance masters make for a rewarding visit.Recent innovations, including a stair-climbing wheelchair, make all parts of the building accessible. Blue Badge parking (only) available within the courtyard, otherwise, there is an on street public car park a few minutes away in North Bondgate.

No charge for Car parking and access to the cafe was easy. The lunchtime menu offered an excellent choice of top quality meals using local produce. Tempting home made cakes were nicely packaged to take away. One slight drawback, outside walk to the Toilets. Closed on Tuesday's. Highly recommended after a walk in the beautiful deer park