Group visits

We'd love to welcome your group to The Auckland Project for a day of art, history and exploration.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet afternoon exploring Auckland Castle and Gardens, or you’d like to visit one of our art galleries, we can offer a trip that perfectly combines art, history and the great outdoors.

To book a visit, please email [email protected]

Why visit The Auckland Project with your group?

• 10% discount on all tickets for groups of 10 people of more
• One free driver ticket per coach or minibus
• One free familiarisation trip for your group organiser
• Our dedicated Group Visits team will help you plan your visit and provide a Meet and Greet service on arrival
• Choose from a selection of packages especially designed for groups, with catering options available
• Tickets for personal assistants and essential carers are included in the entry price for visitors with disabilities. Our indoor attractions are all fully accessible. Read our accessibility guides.
• Ideally located in Bishop Auckland, at the heart of County Durham, The Auckland Project is easily accessible by road and by rail. Please speak to our Group Visits team about the best way to reach Bishop Auckland by road.
• Free coach parking in North Bondgate Car Park (please note, spaces are limited and parking must be pre-booked prior to arrival)
• Combine your visit to The Auckland Project with a trip to Kynren (1 mile away), the Bowes Museum (15 miles away), Raby Castle (9 miles away), or Durham Cathedral (12 miles away)
• We can provide overnight accommodation for groups in Park Head Hotel, with 38 en-suite hotel rooms including singles, twins and doubles. Park Head Hotel is the perfect base for groups who are looking to spend one, two or three nights in County Durham.

Some things your group leader may like to know:

• Whole groups or individuals within a group could choose to upgrade to an annual pass membership. Please discuss this with our Group Visits team.
• All bookings to be confirmed in email or writing.
• Payment to be made in advance of visit and on receipt of invoice. Credit card payment is also now available.
• Change in group numbers only available 14 days or more ahead of the visit.
• Various lunch options are available to enjoy in the Bishop's Kitchen Cafe at Auckland Castle, using locally sourced food from our Walled Garden. Groups can reserve a table and pre-book from our group menus, or select private catering options in the Old Library or Spanish Gallery.

Getting Here

The Auckland Project is located in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in the North East of England, just 11 miles from the city of Durham. Easily accessible by road or rail it’s the perfect place for a group day out; you can easily explore our full range of destinations and enjoy activities that appeal to visitors of all ages.

Our attractions are centred around the Market Place, Bishop Auckland. Free parking is available at North Bondgate Car Par and must be booked in advance.

Map of Market Place and North Bondgate Car Park