Auckland Castle is getting set to open to the public with a host of new features and plans underway to become a major heritage site and visitor destination.
The castle will re-open for the summer season on Easter Monday, 1st April, with a new team at the helm. An array of new features designed to improve the visitor experience, extended opening hours and plans underway for a major redevelopment of all of the castle’s public areas over the next five years.
The Castle, home of the Prince Bishops from 1190 until last year, was purchased by philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer last September along with the Zurbaran paintings – one of the most significant treasures of European religious art – and the Auckland Castle Trust was established to breathe new life into the venue and redevelop it as a major heritage site and visitor destination.
Members of the public visiting the castle will benefit from new visitor guidebooks and enhanced guided tours that will help people better understand the history of the castle, the Prince Bishops and the famous Zurbarans.
Long-term plans will see Auckland Castle boast a host of new attractions and will offer public access to new areas of the site and its grounds. Plans include the restoration of the 17th Century walled garden and the 14th Century Scotland Wing which will be transformed to host art exhibitions and collections.
The cost for entry into the castle is £8 for adults, £6 for concessions, £4 for children and £20 for a family card.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
