The Auckland Project

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

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.

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Christine Hodgson 🌟For Christine Hodgson, volunteering has opened the door to new...
05/06/2026

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Christine Hodgson 🌟

For Christine Hodgson, volunteering has opened the door to new friendships, new experiences and a whole new chapter after retirement.

Before joining The Auckland Project, Christine worked as a physiotherapist for the NHS. When her children had left home and her husband retired, the couple decided to try something completely different by volunteering for Kynren.

💬 “It was a huge step out of our comfort zone, but we absolutely loved it.”

As retirement approached, Christine knew she wanted to continue being part of something special.

💬 “Having spoken with friends made through Kynren, I decided to volunteer for The Auckland Project.”

Although she remembers feeling nervous on her first shift, those nerves didn’t last long.

💬 “Kynren and The Auckland Project very quickly became a family.”

Christine’s role has allowed her to share her love of history, art, faith and the many stories that make Bishop Auckland unique.

💬 “I was always very comfortable talking to people through my work. Now I can talk about history, paintings, faith, The Northern Saints, holiday lets, gardens, and everything related to The Auckland Project and beyond!”

As a volunteer buddy, Christine also enjoys helping young people build confidence and develop new skills.

When introducing visitors to The Auckland Project, she always starts with a trip up Auckland Tower.

💬 “We usually start at the Tower to get a bird’s-eye view of the site and the wonderful gardens.”

From there, it’s often on to Auckland Palace and the Faith Museum, with a stop at Bishop’s Kitchen for a coffee or bite to eat.

Thank you, Christine, for your enthusiasm, dedication and for helping visitors discover everything The Auckland Project has to offer.

Ready to make a difference?

Get in touch with the Volunteering team  
📧: [email protected]
📞: 01388 600505

Learn more: www.aucklandproject.org

Bishopsalive

🌹 Take a Moment Among the Roses 🌹The roses are in full bloom in our bowling green and we have plenty of benches waiting ...
04/06/2026

🌹 Take a Moment Among the Roses 🌹

The roses are in full bloom in our bowling green and we have plenty of benches waiting just for you!

Wander the gardens. Find a seat. And breathe in the sweet scent of the roses.

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Amy Bainbridge🌟Today, our spotlight is on Amy Bainbridge, an Education Team Volun...
04/06/2026

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Amy Bainbridge🌟

Today, our spotlight is on Amy Bainbridge, an Education Team Volunteer and recipient of the Exceptional Positive Attitude Volunteer Award 2026.
 
Amy is an absolute ray of sunshine and an invaluable member of the team. She brings warmth, energy, and a consistently positive attitude to everything she does, always willing to help with any task—whether that’s researching museum education strategy, preparing resources, or supporting busy workshop days. Amy has contributed an exceptional wealth of ideas, often working remotely in her own time to research opportunities, develop resources, and audit our provision. 
 
Most notably, she independently created and delivered a new historical toys workshop, successfully securing funding, sourcing and handling objects, developing session and teacher resources, and delivering sessions to local schools with outstanding feedback. 
 
Her enthusiasm, initiative, and sector knowledge have added lasting value to our learning programme. Amy has also generously shared her expertise by leading staff training around the Sandford Award, supporting our future ambitions. Kind, caring, and always smiling, Amy has a natural rapport with children and is a joy to work alongside—an all-round superstar who is richly deserving of this recognition.
 
This is why we’re delighted to recognise Amy with our Exceptional Positive Attitude Volunteer Award. 
 
Amy said: “Thank you so much for this award. I thoroughly enjoy volunteering at The Auckland Project - it really is a highlight of my week. Special shout out to the education team who are so supportive, encouraging and wonderful!”.
 
Ready to make a difference? By volunteering with us, your time supports a regeneration charity working to build a brighter future for Bishop Auckland. 

 Get in touch with the Volunteering team  
 📧: [email protected]
 
 Learn more: www.aucklandproject.org
 

Uncover the stories behind Auckland Gardens 🌿Join knowledgeable volunteers for a guided 'walk and talk' through the gard...
04/06/2026

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/

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Paul Smith 🌟As part of National Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the incredibl...
03/06/2026

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Paul Smith 🌟

As part of National Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the incredible people whose dedication, kindness and generosity help make The Auckland Project such a special place.

Today, our spotlight is on Paul Smith, who was recognised last year with our Exceptional Positive Attitude Award.

This November, Paul will celebrate five years of volunteering with The Auckland Project. Since joining as a Palace Engager, he has become an Auckland Palace and Faith Museum Support Leader, playing a vital role supporting across countless projects and events.

Over the last few years Paul has used his skills as a stonemason and supporting the Palace deep clean, to helping with seasonal events such as Christmas at the Palace, Paul is always willing to lend a hand wherever it’s needed.

His commitment extends beyond volunteering hours too. Paul regularly participates in training opportunities, including storytelling workshops, to help enhance experiences for visitors, volunteers and staff.

Just read what volunteers say about Paul:

💬 “He’s never far away when you need him - always checking in and ensuring everyone is okay. Paul is the kind of person who’s constantly looking out for others, offering support without ever needing to be asked. His calm, steady presence and genuine care have made a huge difference.”

Another volunteer described Paul as a “quiet hero”, whose enthusiasm, positivity and good humour lift everyone around him.

Whether he’s helping behind the scenes, supporting fellow volunteers, or welcoming visitors, Paul embodies the spirit of volunteering through his reliability, kindness and unwavering positive attitude.

Thank you Paul!

Bishopsalive

02/06/2026

"A slightly bonkers day trip to Bishop Auckland"

Let your imagination run wild in Bishop Auckland's Palace, museum and galleries* - and walk the Deer Park for free.

To know more, please visit https://aucklandproject.org/

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Kathy Brown 🌟 As part of National Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the remarka...
02/06/2026

🌟 National Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Kathy Brown 🌟

As part of National Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the remarkable people who give their time, energy and passion to support The Auckland Project.

For Kathy Brown, volunteering has become much more than a way to give back to her community.

After spending years travelling the country in a motorhome with her husband, Kathy’s life changed dramatically following his unexpected death just over a year ago.

💬 “I was left feeling adrift from life.”

Having followed The Auckland Project’s journey from wherever they travelled, Kathy had always admired its impact on Bishop Auckland.

💬 “We have always followed the project and felt it was saving the town. Just over seven months ago, I met Arabella and she helped me through the process of joining this amazing project, which I feel has saved my life. I also feel I’m giving something back to the town in which I was born and bred.”

If Kathy were welcoming a first-time visitor, she knows exactly where she would take them.

💬 “I would show them the views from the Tower and describe all of the attractions which can be seen from there, as it truly shows how big our project is, including and Binchester Roman Fort.”

Kathy’s story is a poignant reminder that volunteering doesn’t just make a difference to the community, it can transform lives too.

Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your story and for being such a valued member of the volunteer team.

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


Get in touch with the Volunteering team
📧: [email protected]

Learn more: www.aucklandproject.org

Address

Auckland Tower, Market Place
Bishop Auckland
DL147NJ

Telephone

+441388743750

Website

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