An opportunity to tour and support parts of the highly successful regeneration of  this historic town of Bishop Auckland, after the decline of the coal and other industries. We are offering two alternatives and wish to have feedback on which takes your fancy, in order to plan.

OPTION A  - Auckland Castle, Faith Museum  & Mining Museum /Gallery  Recommended 2 hrs + 1.5 hrs + 45mins = 4 hr 15 mins)

OPTION B - Spanish gallery, & Mining Museum/Gallery  (Recommended 2 hours On 4 floors but with lifts + 45 mins = 2hrs 45mins (but you can take as long as you wish)

Please peruse the infomation below and please do make your interest and selection known by emailing  programmehambleton@theartssociety.org or to any Committee member.

Auckland Castle - is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the centre of The Auckland Project. The Castle reopened in 2019 after undergoing major conservation work, which has transformed its state rooms to their original Georgian Gothic splendour, as designed by the renowned English architect James Wyatt.- Click HERE for webpage

The Faith Museum -  explores the myriad ways in which faith has shaped lives and communities across Britain, inviting visitors to consider how people across history have encountered faith.  Leading visitors on a journey through British history, the museum comprises four dynamic gallery spaces with an active programme of changing displays and temporary exhibitions. Click HERE for webpage

The Spanish Gallery - Opened by the now King Charles, and Her Majesty Queen Letizia of Spain in 2022. This is UK's largest collection of 16th and 17th-century Spanish artworks outside London. It includes work by El Greco, Murillo and Velázquez. Opening with Zubarán's Benjamin, the only work not originally bought in 1756 by Bishop Trevor, the Gallery reunites the brothers in Bishop Auckland and tells the story of these masterpieces' journey from Spain to England, over 300 years ago.- Click HERE for webpage

The Mining Art Gallery - is to step into another world to see depictions of life in the coal mines, but also the communities that grew around them.

Culture, life, and community sprung out from mining in the North East; it’s our history, it’s our character, and it’s who we are. These inspiring works showcase the resilience and courage of those who lived and worked in the mines, and give an incredible perspective on how human creativity and spirit can shine even in the darkest places. Click HERE for webpage