The Auckland Project

01/06/2023

Volunteers' Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.

We couldn't do what we do without the team of volunteers at The Auckland Project, who help out over many departments and across all our sites💙

Our Commitment is to provide volunteering opportunities that are enriching, rewarding and potentially life changing.

Join us in Auckland Tower today and Saturday to learn more about volunteering at The Auckland Project or visit our website to apply -> https://aucklandproject.org/news/volunteers-week/

31/05/2023

🖼️ Have you seen the 11 remarkable paintings on loan from The Hispanic Society Museum & Library in the Spanish Gallery?

Join curator Morlin Ellis on 15 June to hear the fascinating story behind the Hispanic Society collection & its founder Archer M Huntington.

Tickets £6.50 including tea or coffee (free for Friends of The Auckland Project ➡️ https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/lecture-the-hispanic-museum-and-library-new-york/

30/05/2023

🏰 Looking for FREE family-friendly activities this half-term?

Join us for Castle Crafts and dressing-up in the Old Library of Auckland Castle tomorrow from 10.30am - 4pm.

Entry to the Old Library is free and everyone is welcome. No ticket required.

https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/free-castle-crafts/

28/05/2023

Few pleasures compete with relaxing on a comfortable train 🚂 and watching the landscape slip by beyond the window. So jump aboard the Weardale Railway this Summer for a train ride to remember!

For info on timetables and fares go to https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/

Operating from Stanhope to Bishop Auckland, 29th May 🤩

27/05/2023

🌞 Get ready for a delightful taste of summer as the temperatures soar to a pleasant 22 degrees, accompanied by clear blue skies!

⏰ Hurry up! This week marks your final opportunity to savor our exclusive Beer & Bite offer at El Castillo! 🍻

We are offering a bottle of Estrella Galicia with either Jamon de Serrano Croquetas or charred Padron Peppers (Ve) for £9.50 all throughout May😋



Don't miss out! -> https://aucklandproject.org/eat-shop-and-stay/eat/el-castillo/

26/05/2023

🌞 Keep the whole family entertained this half term with a visit to The Auckland Project.

With The Auckland Project Annual Pass you can enjoy a whole host of free events and activities including:

🏰 Castle Crafts
🌸 Meet the Gardeners
🖼️ Free Spanish Gallery tours
⛏️ Free Mining Art Gallery tours

🚂 Plus Weardale Railway are running a 'Kids for a Quid' offer on 29 May, 31 May and 3 June!

Plan your visit ➡️ https://aucklandproject.org/

25/05/2023

⛏️ Meet the founders of the Mining Art Gallery!

Join Dr Robert McManners OBE and Gillian Wales on Thursday 14 June at 11am for a special lecture about the Mining Art Gallery and the extraordinary Gemini Collection of Mining Art, which includes over 460 works of art.

Tickets cost just £6.50, including tea and coffee (free for Prince Bishop Friends).

Book Now ➡️ https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/exhibition-lecture-coal/

📷 Murdo MacLeod

25/05/2023

📸 Fancy the opportunity to photograph some unique and scenic locations on Weardale Railway? Come along and enjoy a masterclass with photography expert Nat Wilkins behind the lens.
10am - 2pm

⭐️ Sunday 2nd July 2023
⭐️ Monday 11th September 2023
⭐️ Sunday 12th November 2023

Tickets £40 - concessions apply. Our last event sold out, so book soon to avoid disappointment.

https://weardale-railway.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/46438?catID=46030&

24/05/2023

How has art shaped our understanding of sin? 💭

In just over three weeks' time, we open our newest exhibition - Sin: The Art of Transgression 🖼️

The exhibition includes eight exceptional paintings from the National Gallery collection as well as works on loan by Tracey Emin and Ron Mueck.

Read more -> https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/sin-exhibition/

24/05/2023

The Spanish Gallery is the only gallery in the UK dedicated to the art, history and culture of Spain.

🖼️ Immerse yourself in the majesty of the Spanish Golden Age with our highlight tours every Wednesday

FREE with an Annual Pass 🙌

https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/free-spanish-gallery-highlight-tours/

23/05/2023

Meet our gardeners!👨‍🌾

Come and learn about our planting activity in the lower Walled Garden, where we grow fresh produce for our cafes, restaurants and local community groups🤩

Free with an annual pass or Castle and Gardens ticket

https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/free-planting-activity/

22/05/2023

🌳Thousands of visitors enjoy exploring our historic parkland each year. But what lies beneath?!

Our archaeologists will be Digging up the Past from 5 June to uncover the secrets of the Deer Park.

Come & see our archaeological discoveries as they happen! https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/free-digging-up-the-past/

21/05/2023

🤴Discover remarkable stories
🖼️Enjoy free talks & tours
🏰Explore almost 1,000 years of history

Our new annual pass is the best way to uncover the story of Bishop Auckland, from the Prince Bishops of Durham to our surprising connection with the Golden Age of Spanish Art.

Find out more -> https://aucklandproject.digitickets.co.uk/category/47387

21/05/2023

Only one week left to see the Missing Women exhibition in Auckland Castle.

Inspired by the Zurbarán paintings of Jacob & his Twelve Sons in Auckland Castle, this remarkable exhibition gives a voice to the 'missing women' of Jacob's family.

Missing Women is a collaborative project led by Creative Youth Opportunities, The Auckland Project and Bishop Auckland Town Hall, working with young people from Bishop Auckland and five local artists.

Missing Women is on display until Sunday 28 May and entry is FREE with an Annual Pass:

https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/missing-women-and-with-dinah/

20/05/2023

✍️Attention all poetry lovers!

We are offering a poetry workshop session, which will include entry to Auckland Castle, a tour of the Sin exhibition with a curator and a workshop with a professional poet.

Participants must be 18+

Find out more -> https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/sin-poetry-workshops/

©️ Tracey Emin. All rights reserved, DACS 2023. Courtesy the Artist and White Cube

19/05/2023

🚂 Weardale Railway are launching a special 'Kids for a Quid' offer this May half-term.

One adult can travel with up to two children, and each child travels for £1 on Bank Holiday Monday, Wed 31 May and Sat 3 June.

Timetables➡️ https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/timetables

Tickets ➡️ https://weardale-railway.digitickets.co.uk/category/48465?branches.branchID=2846

18/05/2023

Paella night at El Castillo!💃

Escape to Spain every Thursday with our new paella nights.

Choose between a delicious Seafood or Vegetable paella😋

Booking is essential -> https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/paella-night/

18/05/2023

Aglow at Auckland Castle – An illuminated Christmas light trail

✨ Exciting News… A dazzling new light trail will illuminate the skies of Bishop Auckland this Christmas!

AGLOW at Auckland Castle promises to be one of the most spectacular Christmas light trails in the North East 💫

With seventeen incredible illuminations and some of the largest light installations in the country, AGLOW is a must-see experience for all the family 🌟

Book before 31 July to secure your Early Bird discount ➡️

With seventeen incredible illuminations and some of the largest light installations in the country, AGLOW is a must-see experience for all the family.

17/05/2023

A date for your diary! 🖼

It's one month until we open Sin: The Art of Transgression, an exhibition organised by the National Gallery with The Auckland Project.

Bringing together works of art that span centuries, this exhibition explores the concept of sin in art in a truly unique presentation.

The exhibition includes eight exceptional paintings from the National Gallery's collection as well as works on loan by Tracey Emin and Ron Mueck.

Read more -> https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/sin-exhibition/

17/05/2023

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Park Head Hotel has received a glowing review from Visit England with a 3-Star Hotel accreditation and a coveted Breakfast Award for its exceptional breakfasts.

Well done to the amazing staff at Park Head on this incredible achievement!

Non-residents can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Park Head, as well as brunch which is served from 11am – 2pm every Saturday.

Read more ➡️ https://aucklandproject.org/news/star-quality-at-park-head-hotel/

16/05/2023

Get lost in the beauty of the Deer Park🌳🤩
 
Who else has missed that summer sun?🙋‍♀️🌞
 

Get lost in the beauty of the Deer Park🌳🤩

15/05/2023

DON'T MISS OUT! This Christmas Santa and his friends 🎅 will take over Weardale Railway again, and some of our trains have already sold out. Make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard! 🚂⠀

https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/christmas

15/05/2023

🙌 As an Annual Pass holder you can enjoy our programme of FREE events, all included with an annual pass:

🖼️ FREE entry to exhibitions
🏰FREE weekly tours of Auckland Castle, Spanish Gallery & Mining Art Gallery
👂FREE Curator talks

Find out more ➡️ https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/

14/05/2023

Did you know that the Spanish Gallery has 11 paintings on loan from the The Hispanic Society Museum & Library?🗽

To celebrate these extraordinary paintings, the Spanish Gallery is running a series of short gallery talks highlighting the Hispanic Society loans from the 22nd June.

Talks are free with an annual pass or Spanish Gallery ticket.

Get your ticket -> https://aucklandproject.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/38825?catID=38791&

12/05/2023

The Auckland Project | Days Out North East England

🤩 With summer just around the corner, it's the perfect time to pick up The Auckland Project Annual Pass!

🏰 Enjoy unlimited visits to our attractions including Auckland Castle and Gardens, the Spanish Gallery and the Mining Art Gallery.

👀 Plus lots of special events and exhibitions throughout the year!

🎟️ £25 Adult
🎟️ £12.50 Child
🎟️ £37.50 Family 1 (one adult and up to four children)
🎟️ £62.50 Family 2 (two adults and up to four children)

Available online or in person. Book now ➡️ https://aucklandproject.org/plan-a-visit/ticket-prices/

Discover over a thousand years of history, art, culture and faith, within the beautiful surroundings of The Auckland Project.

12/05/2023

Got that Friday feeling?🍻

All throughout May, El Castillo are offering a bottle of Estrella Galicia with either Jamon de Serrano Croquetas or charred Padron Peppers (Ve)!

Book a table ➡️ https://aucklandproject.org/eat-shop-and-stay/eat/el-castillo/

10/05/2023

⛏️A truly unique insight into the lives and souls of coal miners.

Don’t miss out on our spotlight tours every Thursday at 2pm in the Mining Art Gallery.

Free with an annual pass or Mining Art Gallery ticket.

Get your ticket through the link in our bio🔗

All artworks ©️Artist’s Estate

⛏️A truly unique insight into the lives and souls of coal miners.

Don't miss out on our spotlight tours every Thursday at 2pm in the Mining Art Gallery.

Free with an annual pass or Mining Art Gallery ticket.

Get your ticket -> https://aucklandproject.org/venues/mining-art-gallery/

All artworks © Artist's Estate

09/05/2023

The Deer Park is blooming, just in time for !

With three different trails to choose from, ranging from 0.9km to 4.6km, there's a walk for everyone and four-legged friends are welcome too!

Download a map from our website and take a walk in the park: https://aucklandproject.org/venues/gardens-and-grounds/

07/05/2023

Handy Timetable for May Trains 🚂
Save this post, here's a handy train timetable of the dates Weardale Railway trains are running from Stanhope to Bishop Auckland in May.

07 May, 08 May and 29 May 🌸

For timetable and fares:
https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/timetables

You can buy tickets at Stanhope Station and on the train!

📸 John Askwith

06/05/2023

Buttercream icing, fairy cakes, fresh cream and jam - is there a better way to celebrate the King's Coronation?

Join us at Stanhope Station for our very own "Great Coronation Bake off" where cakes entered will be judged at 2pm.

Travel by train from Stanhope to Bishop Auckland 🚂🇬🇧 07 and 08 May.

You can buy tickets on train for fares and timetable: https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/timetables

05/05/2023

Just another reminder, our venues will be closed on Saturday 6 May when we’ll be celebrating 🎉 His Majesty King Charles III 👑 Coronation with friends and family.

Our Tapas Restaurant 🍷🍽🍺 El Castillo, though, will be up and running as usual.

And as always, the Deer Park 🚶‍♀️🦮 is free to all and open from dawn to dusk.

05/05/2023

that the Bishop of Durham will be present at the Coronation of King Charles?

The Bishop of Durham, alongside the Bishop of Bath and Wells, have assumed the duty since the Coronation of Richard I. They will accompany King Charles into Westminster Abbey and stand on either side of St. Edward's Chair during the anointing.

What better way to celebrate than a royal picnic at Auckland Castle?

Limited spaces left -> https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/coronation-celebrations-the-big-lunch/

05/05/2023

A chance to say THANK YOU celebrating our amazing team of volunteers Weardale Railway will hold a Volunteering Celebration day on 8th May to mark the contribution made by our wonderful volunteers and recognise their tireless work. Those interested in exploring volunteering opportunities will be able to speak to our current volunteers and find out more about their roles. Join us to celebrate and inspire!

03/05/2023

With an Auckland Project Annual Pass, you can with unlimited access to our frequent talks and tours!

Including:
🖼️ Weekly Spanish Gallery Highlight Tours
🏰 Curatorial Talks on Zurbarán's Jacob and his Twelve Sons
⛏️ Weekly spotlight talks at the Mining Art Gallery.

Get your pass and start your year of adventure today -> https://aucklandproject.org/plan-a-visit/ticket-prices/

03/05/2023

How will you remember the King's Coronation in years to come? 🇬🇧 Many of you have donned your chef's hats and aprons baking for our "Great Coronation Bake Off competition" thank you for your entries!

To celebrate His Majesty King Charles's Coronation we are inviting everyone to come to Stanhope Station 07 May and join in the fun! We have local celebrity from Master chef Nickolas Rapson joining us to judge our own "Great Coronation Bake Off" at 2pm 👑

Our trains are running from Stanhope to Bishop Auckland 🚂

Come and celebrate with us!

For info on timetables and fares go to https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/timetables

#GreatCoronationBakeOff

01/05/2023

🧑‍🌾🌱 Attention all green-thumbed enthusiasts!
Want to experience the magic of volunteering in our stunning walled garden, deer park, and Auckland Castle grounds?

We're thrilled to invite you to our upcoming volunteering taster sessions on Sunday, May 7th, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.

You'll get to explore the grounds, meet other like-minded individuals, and discover how you can make a difference by volunteering your time and skills. 🏰🌻

Contact [email protected] to book your place.

30/04/2023

See Weardale by train, there is no better way! 👀
Spend your bank holidays with us, glorious days out, whatever the weather, with our indoor/outdoor experience here at Weardale Railway!

Here's the timetable of the dates our trains are running from Stanhope to Bishop Auckland in May
01May, 07 May, 08 May and 29 May.

You can buy tickets on the train or at Stanhope Station.

Weardale Railway Service Information

Thanks to everyone who donated binoculars for our passengers to use!

29/04/2023

Discover the real-life stories of the Missing Women behind Zurbarán's Jacob and his Twelve Sons with our multi-attraction tours.

The tour begins with a visit to Auckland Castle, where you will explore the Missing Women and With Dinah exhibitions, before exploring the women of the Spanish Gallery and Mining Art Gallery.

Book now -> https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/missing-women-guided-tour/

This tour is inspired by Missing Women, a partnership exhibition across Auckland Castle and Bishop Auckland Town Hall led by Creative Youth Opportunities. Missing Women features artwork by five specially-commissioned Northern artists and the young people of Bishop Auckland who inspired them.

27/04/2023

👑 As part of Weardale Railway celebrations commemorating the Coronation of King Charles III, we are delighted to announce that we have local celebrity from Master Chef Nickolas Rapson joining us to judge our own "Great Coronation Bake Off" on Sunday 07 May!

We are inviting people to bake to celebrate the King's Coronation 🇬🇧

The cake design can be royal, railway themed or simply a bake of your choice:
❗️ Sign up for the Bake off challenge by 30 April 2023
🎂 There are various ways to deliver your entry;
o Deliver your entry to Stanhope station from 09:00 on 07 May
o The Baker plus one other person can travel to and from Stanhope with their bake for FREE!
o or if you can't come along to Stanhope you can hand your cake to the train staff on the 1130 departure from Bishop Auckland West or stations along the route and they will deliver it to Stanhope for you!

*See collection times & full timetables below*

⭐️ Final judging will take place at 14:00 on 07 May (last train departs from Stanhope to
Bishop Auckland West at 15:20)
❤️ Coronation themed prize for every entry – Sponsored by Cecelia's Attic
🥇 Winning entry will win a family ticket for a day on the railway including a ride with the Train Driver

If you would like to take part or need more information please contact Claire on 07810 305705
or email - [email protected]

*
🚂 Stanhope Between 9:00 & 12:30 - Drop Off
🚂 Bishop Auckland West Train departs 11:30 - Collection
🚂 Witton-le-Wear Train departs 11:45- Collection
🚂 Wolsingham Train departs 12:02- Collection
🚂Kingfisher Halt Train departs 12.07- Collection
🚂 Frosterley Train departs 12.13- Collection

27/04/2023

🥂🍳 Just landed at Park Head Hotel... Saturday Brunch! 🤩

The new brunch menu is served every Saturday from 11am -2pm and launches this week.

After something extra special? 🤭 Our bottomless option comes with unlimited fizz, mimosas or lager for up to 90 minutes.

Book now -> https://parkheadhotel.co.uk/drink-and-dine/