Auckland Castle

Auckland Castle is an historic episcopal palace in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, long associated with the Bishops of Durham. The complex combines a medieval castle site with later palace buildings and formal interiors.

Restored state rooms and a notable collection of paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán, displayed in purpose-made galleries within the castle complex. The site also offers guided tours that explain the building’s role as an episcopal residence and its collections.

The site has medieval origins and developed over several centuries as the principal residence of the Bishops of Durham; it underwent significant architectural changes and additions from the medieval period through the 18th and 19th centuries. Recent conservation and reuse work has been led by the Auckland Project, which restored interiors and opened new galleries.

The castle stands in the market town of Bishop Auckland in northeast England, within County Durham, and serves as a cultural centre for the town and surrounding county.

• Art collection: Houses an important collection of Spanish baroque paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán, including the series portraying Jacob and his sons, displayed in the state rooms.
• Restoration: Much of the building and grounds were restored and opened to the public as part of the Auckland Project, with major phases of work completed and exhibits reinstated from 2019 onward.