Photo: Pit-yacker / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
About this place
For nine centuries, Auckland Castle served as the principal residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham, giving it an authority that few English castles can match.
The castle stands at the heart of Bishop Auckland in County Durham.
The medieval great hall was converted into St Peter's Chapel by Bishop John Cosin in the 1660s and is described as one of the largest private chapels in Europe.
The site is now managed by The Auckland Project, a charitable foundation that has invested significantly in its restoration since 2012.
The castle's private chapel was itself converted from a twelfth-century banqueting hall.
Elsewhere in the palace, the Long Dining Room houses a remarkable set of paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán depicting Jacob and his twelve sons.
Read more on WikipediaFacilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Bishop Auckland Rail Station (0.7 miles)
Open to visitors throughout the year; check the official Auckland Project website for current opening days and times.
Nearby properties