Auckland Palace, Faith Museum and Gardens

The ancient seat of the Bishops of Durham, now the subject of one of the twentieth century’s most ambitious restorations. Auckland Palace is one of the best-preserved Bishop’s palaces in Europe and, for almost a thousand years, was home to England’s only Prince Bishops. Today, visitors can step inside this remarkable historic house and discover the stories, splendour and personalities that have shaped its long history.

Explore the magnificent State Rooms, dance your way around the Throne Room, discover the beauty of the private Chapel, and take a seat in the Long Dining Room, home to one of the finest collections of paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán, a master of Spain’s Golden Age, which have hung here since 1756.

Beyond the pageantry of the State Rooms, discover the lives of Auckland Palace’s more recent occupants – the Bishops of Durham, whose personalities and opinions often proved as colourful and controversial as the palace itself.

Auckland Palace is also home to the Bishop Trevor Gallery, offering an additional space to discover art and temporary exhibitions within this historic setting. Step inside the award-winning Faith Museum and discover the powerful stories of faith in Britain. From treasured objects and ancient traditions to deeply personal experiences, the museum explores how belief has shaped the lives of individuals and communities across the country. Thought-provoking, immersive and full of surprising stories, it offers a fascinating journey through Britain’s diverse faith heritage, all within the extraordinary setting of Auckland Palace.

After exploring the Palace, make yourself at home in the Bishop’s Kitchen Café, where you can enjoy homemade treats, light refreshments and food made using produce grown in the palace’s historic Walled Garden. There is also a gift shop offering a range of souvenirs and locally inspired gifts.

The gardens surrounding Auckland Palace have been restored and thoughtfully reimagined as an integral part of the Palace’s wider transformation. Designed by landscape architect Pip Morrison, the gardens create a sequence of beautiful spaces to explore, from the historic 17th-century Walled Garden to the wider parkland. The Walled Garden is once again flourishing, combining ornamental planting with a productive kitchen garden, where visitors can see seasonal produce growing throughout the year.

The Palace and its new visitor spaces have received significant recognition for their architecture, conservation and design. The Faith Museum was named Grand Winner of the 2024 Building Beauty Awards, while the Auckland Palace, Tower and Faith Museum won the RIBA North East Building of the Year, RIBA North East Conservation Award and RIBA National Award in 2024.

Auckland Palace and the Faith Museum are fully accessible, with the exception of the Walled Garden.

With its extraordinary architecture, world-class art, fascinating stories, gardens, galleries, café and museum, Auckland Palace offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the Prince Bishops of Durham and the centuries of history they left behind.