Auckland Project What's On - Spring 2024

What’s On

April - July 2024

• New for this Season pg 4–5

• Family Fun pg 6–7

• Easter pg 8–9

• Live Performances pg 10–11

• Workshops pg 12–13

• Summer Fest pg 14–15

• Drop-ins pg 16–17

•

• Food

pg 18–19

pg 20–21

• Weardale Railway pg 22–23

• Volunteers and Friends pg 24–25

•

•

pg 26–27

Explore

Auckland Castle

Once the seat of power and influence of the mighty Prince Bishops of Durham, Auckland Castle has a legacy spanning over 900 years.

Auckland Tower

This unique building fuses contemporary design with historic form, and is your first stop for tickets, information, and a 360° view of Bishop Auckland.

Faith Museum

A decade in the making, with a story spanning 6,000 years, discover how faith has impacted the lives of people across Britain.

Spanish Gallery

Immerse yourself in the Spanish Golden Age at the UK's first gallery dedicated to the art, history and culture of Spain.

Mining Art Gallery

Explore the extraordinary everyday life of coal miners through stunning artworks created by the same hands that hewed coal.

Auckland Gardens

AUCKLAND GARDENS

Exquisitely planned and expertly maintained, the collection of gardens in the grounds of Auckland Castle are unique experiences rich in history.

Deer Park

150 acres of stunning parkland with a rich history as the private hunting ground of the Prince Bishops of Durham.

El Castillo

Get a taste of Spain in El Castillo, our tapas restaurant in the heart of Bishop Auckland’s historic Market Place.

Park Head Hotel

Newly refurbished award-winning hotel and restaurant just minutes from the centre of Bishop Auckland and within easy reach of Durham City.

No. 42

A creative community hub for all ages, hosting regular groups, sessions, and events, including the Monthly Makers’ Market.

Weardale Railway

Step on board vintage trains to explore picturesque Weardale, a National Landscape, on 18 miles of heritage railway line.

New for this Season

New exhibitions, experiences and spaces for Spring 2024.

Nature and the Ideal: Pioneers of the British Landscape

Wednesday 13 March – Sunday 23 June, Bishop Trevor Gallery, Auckand Castle

Explore the origins and development of landscape tradition with works by renowned artists of the eighteenth century, including Richard Wilson, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, and George Barret.

The Last Cage Down

Friday 3 May – Sunday 6 October, Mining Art Gallery

10:30–16:00

Marking the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike of 1984-85, this exhibition showcases art depicting the coal mining industry's decline. Witness how mining artists captured a vanishing way of life, offering insight into the closures' effects on communities and landscapes, and the strike through their eyes.

Summer Archaeology

Monday 3 June – Saturday 22 June, Auckland Gardens

10:30–16:00

Come and see live excavations as Durham University archaeologists search for the lost house of the man who blew up Auckland Castle’s medieval chapel - the infamous Sir Arthur Haselrig. Be the first to find out about the discoveries as they happen! Free with admission

New Works in the Spanish Gallery

The Spanish Gallery has been refreshed for this season, with a host of new treasures on display, including one of only a handful of El Greco sculptures in the world. Don’t miss the third floor - it’s been transformed, and now explores the origins of the Golden Age. With new artworks spanning the Spanish Empire, including rare gothic pieces from the 15th century, this is an experience not to be missed.

Opening Celebration: The Upper Walled Garden and Faith Garden

Saturday 25 May, Auckland Gardens

11:00–15:00

Join us for a day of celebration as we formally open the Upper Walled Garden and Faith Garden. With talks and activities held across the day, come along to see these stunning spaces which have been years in the planning. Free with admission

Limited Time Only: The Siddur comes to the Faith Museum

Wednesday 15 May – Sunday 11 August, Faith Museum

A rare opportunity to see a remarkable medieval manuscript. Dating back to the late 1100s and belonging to an Arabic-speaking Jewish man living in England, this prayer book offers a glimpse into the faith of Jewish communities living in England during a time of upheaval and division.

By permission of the President and Fellows of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. CCC MS 133, fol. 137r

Family Fun

Get ready to make memories with events for all the family including our Father’s Day Falconry Experience and upcoming Little Acorns group.

Hawk this Way: Falconry Experience

Sunday 16 June, Auckland Castle

10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45, 14:45

This Father’s Day, treat the family to something truly special: a 40 minute private Falconry encounter in the historic hawking grounds of Auckland Castle! Ticket price covers the whole family or group (up to 5 people) and includes Castle access and a digital image of your experience. Book your slot for an unforgettable day. Delivered with Walworth Falconry.

£110, recommend age 4+

Pregnant to Preschool

Every Monday, 25 March – 29 July, No. 42

13:00–15:00

Weekly drop-in for parents with young children (0–5). A safe space to play, meet new people, and develop valuable social skills. With support from County Durham NHS Growing Healthy team. Free

Open Art Space: Pitman’s Palette

Monday – Saturday (*closed on Tuesday), 27, 29, 30, 31 May, 1 June, Auckland Tower

11:00–15:00

Step into the fascinating world of mining art at our free drop-in sessions for families in Auckland Tower. Illuminate the darkness with the stories behind lamps, lights, and candles to create your own response inspired by the artistic legacy of County Durham miners. Free

Little Acorns

Friday 7 June and 5 July, Auckland Gardens

10:30–12:00

Join us for a new nature-based toddler group. Full of fun and discovery, these sessions draw from art, heritage and the wonders of the great outdoors. From little acorns grow mighty oaks!

£5, booking required

Once Upon a Sketch: A Family Drawing Adventure

Thursday 30 May, Auckland Castle

13:00–15:00

Prepare to wield pencils and pads in this drawing adventure as you uncover stories, patterns, and symbols within Auckland Castle’s historic walls. Once Upon a Sketch includes artist guidance, and is a perfect creative activity for families to explore the castle together in a whole new way. Free with admission, booking required

Easter

Easter Weekend at Auckland Castle

Friday 29 March – Monday 1 April, Auckland Castle

Join us at Auckland Castle this Easter Weekend for a very special programme of activities!

What’s in store?

10:00–15:30 Be an Easter explorer in Auckland Gardens with our fabulous Easter Egg Hunt, with a chocolate prize for every child*.

11:00–11:45 & 12:45–13:30 ‘Meet and Greet’ and photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny himself.

11:00–13:00 Get up close and personal with an adorable array of animals at our Animal Petting Area.

12:00–15:00 Be creative with family Easter crafts.

13:00–15:00 Our special children’s entertainment will be full of fun!

Free with Auckland Castle admission

Buy tickets now to avoid disappointment

We recommend that Unlimited Pass holders book online in advance

* Dairy free, vegan and FREE FROM chocolate prize options available

Easter Egg Hunt

Friday 29 March – Sunday 14 April (excluding 2, 8 & 9 April), Auckland Gardens 10:30–14:30

Our brand new Easter Egg Hunt continues throughout the Easter holidays. Join us for this festive adventure and search for giant colourful eggs hidden in nests around the historic gardens and grounds of Auckland Castle. Within each nest is a clue - find all of them to solve the riddle, and win a chocolate prize!*

Free with Castle admission

Live Performances

Experience music and song like never before as our unique spaces becomes settings for live performance.

Royal Northern Sinfonia: A Throne Room Concert

Saturday 30 March, Auckland Castle

17:00–19:00

Join us for a special concert in the Throne Room of Auckland Castle with the world-renowned Royal Northern Sinfonia. Enjoy the lush Romantic music of Brahms alongside a brief interlude from Richard Strauss’ opera Capriccio.

£29.50, booking required

Jazz in the Old Library

Friday 12 April, 3 May, 14 June, Auckland Castle

13:00–14:00

A series of one-hour lunchtime recitals by the cream of North East talent, brought to you by Bishop Auckland Jazz.

£7 admission, pay on the door

St. Peter’s Chapel Concert with Ushaw Chapel Choir

Thursday 25 April, Auckland Castle

19:00–20:00

Join us for a Spring concert with the Ushaw Chapel Choir in St. Peter’s Chapel. Featuring the Ralph Vaughan Williams Mass in G Minor and Miserere mei, Deus by Allegri. Director of Music: Alex ChisholmLoxley; Accompanist: Adam Herron. Bar available at the Bishop’s Kitchen from 6pm.

£10, booking required

Spotlight:

Spanish Guitar

Friday 21 June, Spanish Gallery

11:00, 12:30, 14:00

As you walk through the dramatic spaces of the Spanish Gallery, enjoy live music performed on the Spanish Guitar.

Free with admission

Songs from the Coalface

Thursday 18 April, Mining Art Gallery

Top of the hour, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00

Listen to mining songs with Laura Roberts as she takes you on a journey through County Durham’s mining heritage with her captivating performances. Delve into a repertoire of songs that pay homage to the coalface; lament and remember, celebrate and rekindle memories from days gone by.

Free with admission

©: Artist's Estate

©: Graeme Peacock

Workshops

Let your creativity flourish at our regular and one-off workshops for adults and young people.

Sketches and Stories:

Drawing Inspiration from Spanish Artistry

Friday 26 April, 31 May, 28 June, 26 July, Spanish Gallery

13:00–15:30

Immerse yourself in the art of the Spanish Golden Age with exclusive ‘Sketching Tours’ led by artist Jilly Johnston. Connect with iconic masterpieces and learn drawing techniques under professional mentorship in the stunning spaces of the Spanish Gallery. All skill levels welcome.

£18, booking required

Creative Forum

Every Wednesday, 27 March – 24 July, No. 42

10:30–12:30

Bring your own creative project, whatever that may be - from fine art to proggy mats and everything in-between. Join like-minded individuals in a supportive, collaborative environment. Self-guided with peer support. Free, booking required

Young Archaeologists’ Club

Saturday 13 April, 11 May, 8 June, 13 July, No. 42

10:00–12:00 for 7–11 year olds

13:00–15:00 for 11–16 year olds

Discover how some of the most amazing things in history are right beneath your feet – from Roman forts to medieval castles, golden treasures to ancient bones. Suggested donation £3. Booking essential email yac@aucklandproject.org

Young Artists’ Club

Thursday 21 March, 25 April, 23 May, 20 June, 25 July, No. 42

16:00–17:30

Each month young artists get together to learn new techniques, discover the works of great artists throughout history, and create their own pieces of art. Suitable for all abilities. Free, booking required

Flower Wreath Making

Friday 21 June, Auckand Gardens

13:00–15:00

Use fresh blooms from Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden to craft stunning floral wreaths, surrounded by the charm of the historic grounds.

£28, booking required

Summer Fest

We are thrilled to announce a major new annual arts festival coming to the grounds of Auckland Castle this summer. With pop and classical music concerts, outdoor cinema, live theatre and more, along with refreshments on site, it’s like nothing Auckland Castle has seen in over 900 years!

Mania - The ABBA Tribute

Saturday 22 June

18:00–20:00

From London’s West End to Las Vegas, Mania is the world’s number one touring ABBA tribute, with their authentic and unforgettable recreation of the Swedish supergroup’s last ever concert.  Dig out those platforms, dust down those flares and ‘Take A Chance’ on Mania – you won’t be disappointed!

£25, booking required

A Country Night in Nashville

Sunday 23 June

18:00–20:00

Spend a country night in Nashville and celebrate the very best of country music. With a stellar range of songs from Johnny Cash to Willie Nelson, Dolly to The Chicks, this is a night not to be missed!

£25, booking required

The Unthanks

Friday 28 June

18:00–20:00

The Unthanks - a multi-awardwinning, Mercury Prizenominated folk group - bring their hauntingly beautiful vocals and innovative blend of traditional melodies to Auckland Castle for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of music.   £25, booking required

Royal Northern Sinfonia

Saturday 29 June

18:00–20:00

See the saxophone in a whole new light in the talented hands of Jess Gillam, alongside the string players of Royal Northern Sinfonia - the UK’s only full-time chamber orchestra. Expect an eclectic, joyful, memorable evening in the company of some of the North’s very best musicians.

£25, booking required

Family Night

Sunday 30 June

17:00–19:00

Unicorn Dance Party: Celebrate joy, sparkles, and finding your inner unicorn in this interactive show for ages 5+

Save our Sandwich: Join Cordelia, Professor-Queen of Carrotology for all things veg! Wacky, silly, and highly participatory - featuring live music and dancing.

£12, booking required

Motown

Friday 5 July

18:00–20:00

This exciting new show takes you back in time to 1960s Detroit. Packed with all your feel-good favourites from the heyday of Motown and soul, this must-see show is sure to have you dancing in the aisles and the streets!

£25, booking required

Beyond the Barricade

Saturday 6 July

18:00–20:00

The UK’s leading musical theatre concert, bringing your favourite songs from the world’s greatest West End and Broadway musicals. This blockbusting show has been delighting audiences across the globe for 25 years.

£25, booking required

Emilio as Elvis

Friday 12 July

18:00–20:00

Put on your ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ and get ‘All Shook Up’ as World Champion Elvis Impersonator ‘Emilio’ and his authentic ‘50s live band The Creoles perform the greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll hits of all time.

£25, booking required

Majesty - A Tribute to Queen

Saturday 13 July

18:00–20:00

The UK’s premiere touring Queen tribute band, Majesty have been entertaining audiences across the world for the past ten years and are acclaimed for their electrifying recreation of Queen’s iconic live performances.

£25, booking required

Community Concert

Sunday 14 July

17:00–18:00

Formed in 1950 and winning awards and competitions along the way, the band continues to keep the local mining heritage alive, playing a wide variety of music from a traditional brass band repertoire to rock and pop. Free, booking required

The Princess Bride (Outdoor Cinema)

Friday 19 July

21:30–23:00

Brace yourself for swashbuckling duels, pirates, and six-fingered men as we welcome this charming cult classic for our inaugural Outdoor Cinema event.

£14 adults / £12 children (12 and under), booking required

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Outdoor Cinema)

Saturday 20 July

21:30–23:00

Dive into a world of pure imagination with the timeless classic, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory For the young, and the young at heart. ‘We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.’

£14 adults / £12 children (12 and under), booking required

Drop-ins

Faith Museum: Objects in Focus

Every Wednesday, 3 April – 10 July, weekly, Faith Museum

14:00–14:15

Join our team of curators as they reveal fascinating stories behind some of the treasures in the Faith Museum. Each week they will highlight an object and explore its significance.

Free with admission

Mining Art Gallery: Personal Highlights

Every Thursday, 4 April – 11 July, weekly, Mining Art Galley

14:00–14:15

Explore artworks, artists and social history in our short talks each Thursday, as our volunteers pick their personal highlights from the collection.

Free with admission

Spanish Gallery: Exploring Art

Every Friday, 5 April – 12 July, weekly, Spanish Gallery

14:00–14:15

Step into the Golden Age of Spanish art in our weekly short talks. Delve deeper into the stories behind the artworks on display and learn about the development of the gallery itself.

Free with admission

Spotlight: Discover the Siddur

Wednesday 15 May, Faith Museum

11:00–15:00

To celebrate our short-term loan of the Siddur at the Faith Museum, come along and engage in discussions about this extraordinary medieval manuscript with our Learning Officer. Experience history first-hand with our handling collection, offering a tactile journey through time.

Free with admission

Auckland Gardens: Walk & Talk

Every Saturday, 25 May – 13 July, weekly, Auckland Gardens

14:00–14:30 and 15:15–15:45

Discover the captivating evolution of Auckland Castle’s gardens over the past decade. Join our weekly ‘walk and talk’ sessions with knowledgeable volunteers unveiling garden tales and showcasing unique features. Whether strolling through the Walled Garden, exploring the Wilderness Garden, or wandering around the Cosin Garden, expect intriguing discoveries at every turn.

Free with admission

Spotlight: Alla Prima Painting in the Gardens

Wednesday 17 July, Auckland Gardens

13:00–15:30

Come along to watch a professional artist capture the beauty of the Gardens as she paints using the alla prima technique.

Free

Expert Lectures and Conversations

Our selection of specialist talks will engage and inspire, whether you are a subject enthusiast or interested in discovering something new.

Mat Collishaw and Elizabeth Oldfield in Conversation

Tuesday 7 May, This is a Faith Museum event, held in the Throne Room of Auckland Castle

19:00–21:00

Renowned artist Mat Collishaw discusses his inspiration for the Faith Museum’s Eidolon with Elizabeth Oldfield, host of The Sacred. Collishaw’s striking installation of an iris in flames delves into themes of faith, suffering, and renewal, and has had a powerful impact on thousands of people since the museum opened. Hosted by Elizabeth Oldfield, The Sacred podcast explores our deepest values, the stories that shape us, and how we can build empathy and understanding between people who are very different.

£15, booking required

Mat Collishaw, Eidolon, 2023. Commissioned by the Faith Museum, Bishop Auckland

If These Walls Could Talk: Tales from the Archives of Auckland Castle

Wednesday 10 April, Auckland Castle

13:00–14:00

Join Castle Curator Charlotte Grobler as she uncovers lesser-known stories of Auckland Castle, from the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s ghost story to Bishop Henson’s bold stance against fascism.

Free with admission

The Walled Garden Reborn: In Conversation with Jane Ruffer and Andy Nesbitt

Friday 17 May, This is an Auckland Gardens event, held in the Old Library of Auckland Castle

16:00–18:00

Delve into the secrets of Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden with Jane Ruffer, Co-founder of The Auckland Project and Andy Nesbitt, Head Curator of Parks, Gardens, and Landscapes. Explore the history of Bishop Cosin’s 17thcentury masterpiece, from Bishop Trevor’s innovative pineapple-growing Pinery Vineries to the garden’s modern revitalisation. Afterwards, enjoy a private visit to the garden.

£10, booking required

Professor Judith Olszowy-Schlanger: A Pocketful of Prayer

Wednesday 05 June, This is a Faith Museum event, held in the Old Library of Auckland Castle

19:00–21:00

Professor Judith Olszowy-Schlanger, Fellow in Hebrew and Jewish Studies at the University of Oxford, tells the story of a medieval Jewish siddur (prayer book) on short-term loan to the Faith Museum from Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Dating to the late 1100s the prayer book opens a window into the faith of Jewish communities living in England during a time of upheaval and division.

£10, booking required

Richard Jacques: Francisco de Zurbarán, ‘Ornament of the City’

Thursday 20 June, Spanish Gallery

13:00–14:00

Who really was the astonishing artist behind Auckland Castle’s own Jacob and his Twelve Sons? Richard Jacques, currently undertaking a PhD exploring Spanish Art, brings to life the story of the man behind the masterpieces. Free with admission, booking required

Bob Olley in Conversation with Robert McManners and Gillian Wales

Tuesday 11 June, A Mining Art Gallery event, held in the Spanish Gallery Conference Suite

19:00–21:00

Join artist Bob Olley and the Gemini Collection founders for a thought provoking conversation exploring Olley’s

journey from the mining industry to celebrated painter. Expect moments of profound reflection intertwined with Olley’s trademark humour as he reflects on his works, and the upcoming Mining Art Gallery exhibition, The Last Cage Down £10, booking required

Food and Drink

Explore a delectable fusion of flavours with a series of events, special occasions and new menus for this season, we’ve got something to satisfy everyone.

Park Head Hotel

Park Head Hotel and Oak Room Restaurant

Whether you’re planning a weekend in Bishop Auckland or have friends and family needing a place to stay, the newly renovated Park Head Hotel is winning excellent reviews for its comfortable accommodation and friendly service. Proud winners of the Visit England Breakfast Award.

Easter Celebrations

Friday 29, Sunday 31 March, Oak Room Restaurant, Park Head Hotel

12:00–20:00

A traditional roast including Spring lamb, served all day from 12:00–20:00 celebrating Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Father’s Day

Sunday 16 June, Oak Room Restaurant, Park Head Hotel

12:00–20:00

Make Dad’s day by celebrating the main man with a traditional hearty roast, served all day from 12:00–20:00.

El Castillo

Classic Spanish flavours infused with Northern spirit

El Castillo offers a taste of Spain with a local twist, in the heart of the historic town. Our tapas combines the rich flavours

Bishop’s Kitchen

Auckland Castle was once a regular haunt for passing royals who would stop off to enjoy the lavish hospitality of the Prince Bishops.

Our Tudor kitchens would have been used to prepare decadent banquets, using fresh ingredients from our own gardens and parkland- a tradition we proudly keep.

Afternoon Tea

Finger sandwiches / homemade scones / sweet treats & cakes / speciality teas or coffee £19.95 per person

Bookings must be made 24 hours in advance. Call 01388 743 750 or email enquiries@aucklandproject.org

of Spanish cuisine with the best our region has to offer. Expect a changing menu of unfussy, flavourful small plates celebrating seasonal ingredients.

Our chefs cook with the freshest produce, much of which is grown in the 17th-century Walled Garden at Auckland Castle.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

Saturday 20, Sunday 21 April

10:00–16:00

The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is back with a weekend of foodie delights. From celebrity chefs to artisanal treats and local beverages, it’s a feast for all. Don’t miss our new People’s Broadwalk section outside the castle, fun family activities, and El Castillo’s signature paella cooked “street food” style.

Food Festival Makers’ Market

Saturday 20, Sunday 21 April, No. 42

10:00–16:00

This Food Festival don’t miss our Makers’ Market inside No. 42, featuring a host of local creatives at dozens of stalls. You can also pick up a drink and a snack while you’re there.

Monthly Makers’ Market

Friday 31 May, 28 June, 26 July, 30 August, 27 September, 25 October, 29 November, No. 42

16:00–late

At Bishop Auckland’s monthly street food markets, step inside No. 42 for the best in local artisan craft. Take home unique pieces handcrafted with love and skill.

All Aboard!

Enjoy a variety of experiences to remember on our heritage railway as you pass through one of the most picturesque landscapes in England.

Weardale Railway: Easter Services

Friday to Monday 29 March – 1 April, Weardale Railway

10:00–16:00

Hop onboard this Easter! Enjoy train services between Stanhope and Wolsingham on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and Bishop Auckland and Stanhope on Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday. Kids travel for £1! Join our Easter Treasure Hunt and grab refreshments at Platform One café in Stanhope.

Booking required

Weardale Railway Photography Train

Sunday 14 April, 14 July, 10 November, Weardale Railway

10:00–14:00

Enjoy a unique photographic journey on Weardale Railway. Capture six scenic vistas and sites of industrial heritage. Suitable for all photographers, with train stops for safe photography opportunities, and complementary refreshments provided. £40 adult, £30 child, booking required

Driver Experience

See website for dates, Weardale Railway

Fulfill your dream of being a train driver! Experience driving our powerful Sentinel Locomotive under expert instruction. Start at Stanhope Station, receive a safety briefing, then drive to a scenic viewpoint. Return for photo opportunities and a memorable keepsake. Various dates from Feb–Dec. Contact 07729 765504 or weardalerailway@aucklandproject.org

Gin and Cheese Train

Saturday 27 April, 13 July, 19 October, Weardale Railway

13:00–16:00

Join us for a delightful journey through Weardale with Durham Gin and Weardale Cheese. Depart from Bishop Auckland, enjoying the relaxing ride to Stanhope with delicious Durham Gin and Weardale Cheese onboard. Tickets only available in pairs. £60, booking required

Volunteer

Explore fulfilling volunteering opportunities, where your time and talents contribute to enrich the experience for all who encounter us. With the support of dedicated volunteers, we can achieve so much more!

Join our community and share the joy of connecting with new people and forging meaningful friendships. Discover newfound interests and a passion for local history.

If you are considering volunteering, check out our website www.aucklandproject.org/ volunteering where you will see our current opportunities. If these are not for you, still get in touch - you may have skills to support us that we don’t yet know we need.

Email volunteers@aucklandproject.org or call 01388 600505

Buddy Up: Dive into Volunteering

Wednesday 17 April, Thursday 23 May, Saturday 8 June, Auckland Tower 11:00–14:00

Join us at Auckland Tower for a taste of volunteering. Dive into hands-on experiences alongside seasoned volunteers in our visitor attractions, who will show you the ropes. Leave with new connections and a sense of what volunteering could look like for you. Booking required for the Big Help Out on 8 June

Friends

Become a Friend of The Auckland Project and join a collective of people who not only love art and heritage, but share a common goal – to make Bishop Auckland an even better place to live, work and visit.

By becoming a Friend of The Auckland Project you will be supporting the regeneration of Bishop Auckland whilst enjoying unlimited access to The Auckland Project’s attractions. An annual membership includes unlimited entry to The Auckland Project’s attractions,

additional complimentary tickets for family and friends, exclusive events, and 10% discount on food, drink and retail.

Single membership: £90

Joint membership: £130

at a glance

March

13 Nature and the Ideal - Pioneers of the British Landscape opens, Auckland Castle

29–14 April

Easter Egg Hunt, Auckland Castle and Gardens

29–1 April

Easter Weekend, Auckland Castle and Gardens

29–1 April

Easter Services, Weardale Railway

29 Good Friday Park Head Hotel

30 Royal Northern Sinfonia, Auckland Castle

31 Easter Sunday Park Head Hotel

April

10 ‘If These Walls Could Talk’, Auckland Castle

14 Photography Train, Weardale Railway

17 Dive into Volunteering, Auckland Tower

18 Songs from the Coalface, Mining Art Gallery

20–21 Bishop Auckland Food Festival, People’s Broadwalk

20–21 Food Festival Makers’ Market, No. 42

25 Spring Concert: Ushaw Chapel Choir, St Peter’s Chapel

26 Sketches and Stories, Spanish Art Gallery

27 Gin and Cheese Train, Weardale Railway

May

3 The Last Cage Down opens, Mining Art Gallery

7 Mat Collishaw & Elizabeth Oldfield in Conversation, Auckland Castle

15 Unveiling the Siddur, Auckland Castle

17 The Walled Garden Reborn, Auckland Castle

25 Opening Celebration: Upper Walled Garden and Faith Garden, Auckland Gardens

27, 29, 31, 1

Open Art Space: Pitman’s Palette, Auckland Tower

30 Once Upon a Sketch, Auckland Castle

31 Sketches and Stories, Spanish Art Gallery

31 Maker’s Market, No. 42

June

5 A Pocketful of Prayer, Auckland Castle

8 Big Help Out: Dive into Volunteering, Auckland Tower

11 Bob Olley in Conversation, Mining Art Gallery

16 Falconry Experience: ‘Hawk This Way’, Auckland Castle

16 Father’s Day Park Head Hotel

20 Francisco de Zurbarán, ‘The Ornament of the City’, Spanish Art Gallery

21 Flower Wreath Making, Auckland Gardens

21 Spanish Guitar, Spanish Art Gallery

22 Summer Fest: Mania - The ABBA Tribute, Auckland Castle

23 Summer Fest: A Country Night in Nashville, Auckland Castle

28 Summer Fest: The Unthanks, Auckland Castle

28 Sketches and Stories, Spanish Art Gallery

29 Summer Fest: Royal Northern Sinfonia, Auckland Castle

30 Summer Fest: Family Night, Auckland Castle

July

5 Summer Fest: Motown, Auckland Castle

6 Summer Fest: Beyond the Barricade, Auckland Castle

12 Summer Fest: Emilio as Elvis, Auckland Castle

13 Summer Fest: Majesty: A Tribute to Queen, Auckland Castle

14 Photography Train, Weardale Railway

14 Summer Fest: Community Concert, Auckland Castle

17 Spotlight: Alla Prima Painting, Auckland Gardens

19 Summer Fest: The Princess Bride, Auckland Castle

20 Summer Fest : Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Auckland Castle

26 Sketches and Stories, Spanish Art Gallery

Various Dates

Driver Experience, Weardale Railway

Regular Events

Pregnant to Preschool: No. 42, Mondays (weekly) see p.(7) for dates

Creative Forum: No. 42, Wednesdays (weekly) see p.(12) for dates

Communion Service: St. Peter’s Chapel, Wednesdays 11:15 (weekly)

Objects in Focus: Faith Museum, Wednesdays (weekly) see p.(16) for dates

Personal Highlights: Mining Art Gallery, Thursdays (weekly) see p.(16) for dates

Exploring Art: Spanish Gallery, Fridays (weekly) see p.(16) for dates

Walk & Talk: Auckland Gardens, Saturdays (weekly) see p.(17) for dates

Jazz in the Old Library: Auckland Castle, Fridays (monthly) see p.(10) for dates

Little Acorns: Auckland Gardens, Fridays (monthly) see p.(7) for dates

Young Archaeologists’ Club: No. 42, Saturdays (monthly) see p.(13) for dates

Young Artists’ Club: No. 42, Thursdays (monthly) see p.(13) for dates

Booking events:

You can book in person at Auckland Tower or at aucklandproject.org , where you can also find out further details and venue locations.

Opening Times:

Auckland Castle, Auckland Gardens, Faith Museum, Mining Art Gallery, Spanish Gallery, Auckland Tower: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30–16:00

Deer Park: Daily, dawn until dusk

No. 42: Monday to Friday, 10:30–16:00 and selected other days; see website for details

El Castillo: Wednesday & Sunday, 11:30am–17:00 / Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 11:30–20:00

Oak Room Restaurant at the Park Head Hotel: Open 7 days a week, see parkheadhotel.co.uk for dining times

Weardale Railway: See weardale-railway.org.uk for timetables

UNLIMITED PASS

Auckland Castle and Gardens | Spanish Gallery | Mining Art Gallery | Faith Museum

More time to explore

Our Unlimited Pass is the best way to discover the remarkable story of Bishop Auckland, from the Prince Bishops of Durham to our surprising connection with the Golden Age of Spanish Art. Open 10:30 –16:00, Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays.

* Family tickets include access for up to four children. Free entry for children under 5.

** 20% discount for households in DL4, DL5, DL13, DL14, DL15, DL16 or DL17 postcodes