Prepare for a new season of inspiring exhibitions, tempting culinary events and family days out as tickets go on sale for a host of Spring activities at The Auckland Project, County Durham.
Visitors can now pre-book for the upcoming season at the Bishop Auckland-based visitor destination’s full Spring programme, which kicks off with the re-opening of Auckland Castle on Saturday, 15 February.
Family Activities
From arts and crafts activities during February half-term to the opportunity to Train Like a Tudor Prince Bishop in the May Bank Holidays, the rich history of 900-year-old Auckland Castle will come to life for all ages.
Youngsters can dig even deeper into the Castle’s history and the stories of the Prince Bishops at Young Archaeology Club sessions, which meet at Auckland Tower on the second Saturday of every month.
Families visiting Auckland Castle can also reconnect to nature with Easter adventures from Saturday, 4 April to Sunday, 19 April, from exploring the Castle’s 180-acre Deer Park to hunt hidden eggs to getting hands-on with horticulture in planting sessions.
For more information, ticket prices and opening times for family activities, visit
aucklandproject.org/whats-on, call 01388 743 797, or call into Auckland Tower, Bishop Auckland Market Place.
Culinary Events
In February, The Auckland Project‘s first season of culinary events will launch at Auckland Castle’s Old Library, using produce grown in the Castle’s grounds in a new menu of seasonal treats.
All of the food uses locally sourced produce where possible and is created by The Auckland Project’s in-house Catering Team, headed by Culinary Director Ant Brown who will host new, monthly Dining Club events taking place on Friday, 13 March, Friday 17 April and Friday, 8 May.
Each monthly Dining Club event will offer a delicious four-course dining experience celebrating the changing seasons and some events will also include a talk.
And on selected dates from February to May, visitors can tuck into a seasonal selection of treats for Afternoon Tea, including special themed events such as Spring Afternoon Tea and Gardening Talk and Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea. For more information, or to book a place at one of the Dining Club or Afternoon Tea events email, bookings@aucklandproject.org or call 01388 743 797.
Inspiring Exhibitions
For seasoned art lovers and novices alike, the arrival of Spring will see new exhibitions open at The Auckland Project’s galleries.
This will include a special exhibition at the Mining Art Gallery to mark the 80th birthday of mining artist, Bob Olley and exhibitions showcasing local artists in No 42, The Auckland Project’s shop and gallery space. Full details on the exhibition programme, including admission charges can be found online,
Talks
The new season also marks the return of The Auckland Project’s popular talks programme including an opportunity to meet artist Bob Olley in person.
In Conversation with Bob Olley will take place on Thursday, 23 April 2020, and includes a live discussion and private tour of the exhibition. And to mark Durham’s Year of Pilgrimage 2020, there will be a talk at Auckland Tower on Thursday, 19 March 2020, Forward to the Ancient Future: The revival of pilgrimage in contemporary culture with special reference to County Durham.
To book a ticket for an event or activity or purchase an Auckland Pass, which costs £12.50 and allows multiple visits to all Auckland Project sites until January 2021, visit aucklandproject.org/whats-on, email bookings@aucklandoproject.org, call 01388 743 797 or call at Auckland Tower, Bishop Auckland Market Place.
