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Restoring and reinterpreting Auckland Castle

Restoring and reinterpreting Auckland Castle

A visitor listens through an exhibition headset in front of a display of information about faith
The Faith Museum, Bishop Auckland.

Heritage Grants

Bishop Auckland Town
County Durham
Auckland Castle Trust
£12400000
This bold heritage-led regeneration project aims to create inspiring experiences and learnings on faith for visitors to County Durham.
A family walking around an exhibition space
Visitors explore the new displays at the Faith Museum.

Auckland Castle is part of a unique cultural destination in Bishop Auckland that includes historic buildings, art galleries, gardens, parkland and a heritage railway.

As part of the project, £12.4million – thanks to National Lottery players – has helped to restore and create spaces for visitors to explore.

New interpretation tells the stories of the Prince Bishops of Durham in the castle’s State Rooms. Paintings by 17th- century Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbarán are on display in the conserved Long Dining Room.

Faith through time

An exhibition features a display of the ancient stone in front picture of trees with the sun shining through
The cup and ring marked stone dates to 4000-2500 BC.
On loan from The Bowes Museum.

An extension of the castle makes up part of the new Faith Museum. It explores how faith has shaped communities across the UK over 6,000 years, through a series of gallery spaces and a programme of temporary exhibitions.

The ongoing project also includes:  

  • repairs to the castle building 
  • a community activity programme 
  • access improvements at the castle 

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