The Auckland Project

The Auckland Project A unique collection of visitor attractions in Bishop Auckland centred around Auckland Palace.

⚽ "West Auckland World Cup Champions Painting" ⚽West Auckland, a small mining community in County Durham, became one of ...
11/06/2026

⚽ "West Auckland World Cup Champions Painting" ⚽

West Auckland, a small mining community in County Durham, became one of football's earliest legends.

Sir Thomas Lipton insisted that Great Britain be represented in an early international tournament, and a substitute team from the Northern League, West Auckland, an amateur colliery side was selected. These local miners even sold their furniture and belongings to fund the journey to Europe, where they competed and won through grit, sacrifice, and belief.

They went on to become two-time winners, earning the right to keep the trophy and becoming remembered as pioneers of an early "World Cup"-style competition.

That spirit is captured in "West Auckland World Cup" (2010, oil on canvas) by artist Robert Olley — the original painting held in our Mining Art Gallery collection, reflecting the many powerful works within our gallery that tell stories of mining heritage, resilience, and history.

From the coalfields to the canvas, from history to inspiration.

As the FIFA World Cup begins today, may England carry that same belief, pride, and determination.
Bring it home. ⚽🏆🇬🇧

Who do you think will win ?

Uncover the stories behind Auckland Gardens 🌿Join knowledgeable volunteers for a guided 'walk and talk' through the gard...
11/06/2026

Uncover the stories behind Auckland Gardens 🌿

Join knowledgeable volunteers for a guided 'walk and talk' through the gardens while discovering the actual story behind them.

📍 Collect your ticket from Auckland Tower
🕰 Tours start from the Clock Tower
🎟 Bookings essential – Book online or at the Auckland Tower
🗓️Wed 1:30pm–2.30pm & Sat 1pm-2pm & 2.15pm-3.15pm for all gardens

Please note: this tour includes steps and is not suitable for wheelchair users. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. The tour goes ahead in all weather, so please wear suitable footwear and outdoor clothing. Weekly garden tours will continue throughout the season.

Booking Link : https://aucklandproject.org/event/auckland-gardens-tours/

🎵 BRASS BASH IS COMING TO BISHOP AUCKLAND! 🎵Get ready for an unforgettable, high-energy evening as the Durham Brass Fest...
10/06/2026

🎵 BRASS BASH IS COMING TO BISHOP AUCKLAND! 🎵

Get ready for an unforgettable, high-energy evening as the Durham Brass Festival takes over the Auckland Palace Courtyard! 🎺✨
Join us for a FREE night of spectacular live music featuring an incredible line-up of international street bands:

💃 Girlesque
🎺 Back Chat Brass
🇪🇸 Artistas del Gremio

Bring your friends, family and your best dance moves as we celebrate the festival atmosphere right on your doorstep.

📅 Wednesday 15 July
🕕 6.00pm – 8.00pm
📍 Auckland Palace Courtyard
🎟️ FREE admission

Find out more: https://aucklandproject.org/event/bishop-auckland-little-brass-bash/

🍺 Cheers to dad this Father's Day! 🍺Treat dad to a Gentleman's Grazing Board, which is packed with savoury favourites, i...
09/06/2026

🍺 Cheers to dad this Father's Day! 🍺

Treat dad to a Gentleman's Grazing Board, which is packed with savoury favourites, including sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, mini quiche, cheese scones, chutney, ham, olives, crudités & hummus.

Plus, dad gets a FREE drink on us - choose from:
🍺 Estrella Beer
🍏 Sassy Cider
🍺 0% Beer option

📅 Father's Day – Sunday 21st June
🕧 Two sittings: 12:30pm & 2:30pm
⏱️ 90 minutes per sitting
💷 £25 per board

🚆The Inspiration Train is stopping at Stanhope Station tomorrow for 6 days as part of its anniversary tour ‼️There's sti...
08/06/2026

🚆The Inspiration Train is stopping at Stanhope Station tomorrow for 6 days as part of its anniversary tour ‼️

There's still time to secure your tickets for a once in a generation train experience here:
https://railway200.co.uk/location/weardale-railway/

And you could join us at Stanhope for our 🎉🚂 COMMUNITY BIG WEEKEND 13th & 14th June at Weardale Railway! 🚂🎉
Join us for a fantastic family weekend packed with live music, food, heritage trains and fun for all ages across the Weardale Railway line! 🎶 🥳
🎟️ Book now: https://weardale-railway.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Nissan 🌟National Volunteers’ Week isn’t just about celebrating individuals; it’s ...
07/06/2026

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Nissan 🌟

National Volunteers’ Week isn’t just about celebrating individuals; it’s also an opportunity to recognise the businesses that give their time and skills to help make a difference in our community.

Over the last three years, The Auckland Project has benefited from an incredible 2,054 hours of corporate volunteering support from around 20 different organisations.

Even more remarkable is that almost a quarter of those hours – 23% – have come from one dedicated partner:

Through our Employee Supported Volunteering (ESV) programme, Nissan colleagues have rolled up their sleeves time and again, helping to care for and enhance our green spaces. From planting and digging to raking, tidying and general garden maintenance, their efforts have played an important part in keeping The Auckland Project looking its very best for visitors and the local community.

Corporate volunteering days like these demonstrate the power of businesses working alongside charities to create a lasting, positive impact. Alongside organisations including National Highways, Gleeds Newcastle, Durham University, Reeds, Believe Housing and Costain, Nissan’s continued support has helped us deliver projects that benefit Bishop Auckland for everyone.

An almighty thank you to everyone at Nissan who has given their time, energy and enthusiasm to support our work. Your contribution is helping us build a brighter future for Bishop Auckland.

Ready to make a difference? By volunteering with us, your time helps support a regeneration charity working to build a brighter future for Bishop Auckland.

📧 [email protected]

Learn more: www.aucklandproject.org

BishopsAlive

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: John & Les 🌟 As National Volunteers’ Week continues, today we’re celebrating two ...
06/06/2026

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: John & Les 🌟

As National Volunteers’ Week continues, today we’re celebrating two volunteers whose craftsmanship and dedication have left a lasting mark across The Auckland Project.

John and Les bring with them an incredible wealth of skill, continually developing their craft and taking immense pride in everything they create.

If you’ve visited The Auckland Project, chances are you’ve already admired their handiwork. Their talent can be seen throughout the estate, from the beautifully crafted blue door in the gardens and the gate at one of our holiday cottages, to bespoke artisan shelving.

Most recently, John and Les completed their largest project yet – the magnificent tables and benches in the meticulously restored and recently unveiled Cart Shed Garden. Thoughtfully crafted from trees brought down during Storm Arwen, the tables transform something lost into something that can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.

Their work highlights that volunteering comes in many forms. Whether it’s sharing practical skills, preserving heritage or helping create welcoming spaces for our community, every contribution helps make a difference.

Thank you John and Les.

Ready to make a difference yourself? By volunteering with us, your time helps support a regeneration charity working to build a brighter future for Bishop Auckland.

📧 [email protected]

Learn more at: www.aucklandproject.org

Hungry? We’ve made it hard to miss us 👀🍔Our new roadside banner is officially up and proudly shouting:“HEARTY, CLASSIC P...
05/06/2026

Hungry? We’ve made it hard to miss us 👀🍔

Our new roadside banner is officially up and proudly shouting:

“HEARTY, CLASSIC PUB FOOD SERVED EVERYDAY”
🕛 12 noon – 8pm
🐾 We’re dog friendly

So whether you’re after a hearty lunch, an easy dinner, or somewhere to stop after a walk with the dog — come and pull up a chair.

https://parkheadhotel.co.uk/drink-and-dine/

Good food. Proper pub classics. Served daily.

Address

Auckland Tower, Market Place
Bishop Auckland
DL147NJ

Telephone

+441388743750

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