After months of closure, Auckland Castle is to reopen its doors for a new season which will give visitors a chance to catch up with the ongoing drive to offer a range of attractions across one site.
The castle at Bishop Auckland, County Durham, will be back in business from Wednesday when it will emerge from its winter closure to welcome back visitors with its spring programme. Tickets are now on sale.
Returning visitors also will be able to reap the rewards of the new season with walks in the castle gardens and grounds. The grounds and deer park - a stone's throw from the Kynren site which itself is gearing up for its 2022 return - are always a huge draw at the castle and will be coming to life in the warmer weather.
Read more: 'Come back to culture' urge North East attractions
The restoration of the medieval castle, which was home to the prince bishops of Durham for more than 900 years, lies at the heart of The Auckland Project charity which runs several attractions in one setting. Others include Auckland Tower, which has panoramic views across the town, and the Spanish Gallery - described as a UK first - which opened last year.
Dedicated to the art, history and culture of Spain, it celebrates the Spanish Golden Age of art and was inspired by the Jacob and his Twelve Sons series of paintings which have hung in the castle's Long Dining Room for 250 years. Another attraction is the Mining Art Gallery which will launch a new exhibition on March 23.
Called David Venables: Hewing Out the Image, this is a retrospective of work across the decades by the artist who said of it: “It was born of the realisation I’m not getting any younger, and how important mining was in my family’s life." The exhibition will run until June 12.
Robyn Brown, chief operating officer at The Auckland Project, said: “Everyone has been counting down the days to reopening and all our wonderful staff and volunteers can’t wait to see people coming back through the doors.
“We’ve been delighted with the reception given to the Spanish Gallery since it first opened in October last year and now with the reopening of our other attractions, we invite people to make the most of all we have to offer.”
Other attractions at the castle include the Throne Room and The Bishop’s Kitchen which serves a menu of hot drinks, sandwiches and cakes. There is also an outdoor Kitchen Courtyard, a sun-trap in good weather.
Tickets for The Auckland Project’s attractions - which can be booked individually - are now on sale, including single and family tickets. To buy them, or for more information and opening hours, see here.
Another part of the project is the Faith Museum, said to be the first museum in the country to explore the history of faith, which is due to open next year.
