Auckland Castle Deer House

Auckland Castle (also known as Auckland Palace or locally as the Bishop's Castle or Bishop's Palace) is a castle in the town of Bishop Auckland in County Durham, England.

The castle has been home to the Prince Bishops of Durham for more than 800 years.

Originally established as a hunting lodge for the Prince Bishops, Auckland Castle was the sole official residence of the Bishops of Durham from 1832 until July 2012, when the castle was transferred to the Auckland Castle Trust, a charitable foundation whose aim is to begin a major restoration of the grounds and castle, and set up permanent exhibitions on the history of Christianity in Britain and the North East. Auckland Castle remains a working episcopal palace, being the official office of the Bishop of Durham.

It is more like a Gothic country house than a true castle with a military function. The Castle's Scotland Wing presently serves as the administrative offices of the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance.

The castle's long dining room is home to 12 of the 13 17th century portraits of Jacob and his 12 sons painted by Francisco de Zurbarán. The room, in which they have hung for 250 years, was specifically designed and built for them. In 2001 the Church Commissioners voted to sell the paintings which have a £20m valuation, but relented until a review in 2010.[2]

The castle is surrounded by 800 acres (3.2 km2) of parkland, which was originally used by the Bishops for hunting and is today open to the public.[4] The castle and its grounds contain seven Grade I listed buildings.These include a Deer House within the park which was built in 1760. It is a large stone castellated structure and acts as a shelter for deer.

There is a viewing room for people to view the deer. Please note that these opening times refer to the English Heritage operated Auckland Castle Deer House only. For details on admission charges and opening times for the neighbouring Auckland Castle which change throughout the year, and is closed over the winter period, please visit www.aucklandcastle.org

Address:

Durham - DL14 7NR

Sat Nav:

Tom Tom Download

Garmin Download

Bus Access:

Arriva 1, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 8, 8A, 8B, 18, 19, 56, 69, 86, 86A, 88, 90, X24, Go Ahead Angel 21, X23, Arriva North East 8, Weardale Motor Services 101, Classic Coaches 352

Road Access:

Located in Auckland Park, Bishop Auckland; N of town centre on A68

Train Access:

Bishop Auckland 1 mile

Bicycle Access:

Find this site on the National Cycle Network