Some travelers prefer to visit places with high importance and the past history of a specific region. Auckland Castle is one of those places in England where many tourists come and explore the history. It has amazing architecture and an interesting history that attracts tourists here.
The history isn't decades old; you'll find hundreds of years of mysterious things. This article explains the history, the best time to visit there, and how to reach this place.
Bishop Auckland Castle
It is among the best-preserved places in Europe, with a huge royal history. It is also a center of the Auckland project, which was started by the University of Durham and the Mick Aston Legacy Fund. Visiting this place can help you understand the history and beautiful architecture.
Auckland Castle History
This Castle is located in the town of Auckland Durham, England, which was the residence of Prince Bishop of Durham for about a thousand years. The history of this Castle starts from the 12th century when it was just a small house.
A successor Bishop pack relocated the Castle from dirham to Auckland at this place and transformed this house into a castle. In 1646, the Castle was sold to Sir Arthur at the end of the first English Civil War. He demolished some of its parts and converted it into a Mansion.
After this, Bishop John Cosin demolished the mansion and rebuilt the Castle by converting the banqueting hall into a chapel. In 1756, there was an edition of a notable set of paintings by Bishop Richard Trevor. Along with these 12 paintings, a copy of Benjamin's portrait is hanging on the wall.
There were also some modifications by James Wyatt between 1791 and 1826. In 1832, the last Bishop to rule Durham gave the Castle to Durham University. However, in 2011, a philanthropist named Jonathan Ruffer purchased the paintings of this Castle.
In 2000, Ruffer purchased the Castle and all of its contents. Moreover, he made it available for visitors on 2 November 2019.
Architecture Of The Castle
After the re-opener-opening style castle was eighteen feet in height, it was constructed as a visiting center. It has a lift and stairs with balconies to view the Castle from above. However, the interior design includes the pressure quarters and 14 restored rooms. Other architectures include the Faith Museum, Mining Art Gallery, etc.
Auckland Castle Deer House
It is located at a high score of the former deer park of Auckland Castle. It was built in 1760 by Richard Trevor to shelter the herds of deer. The predators of the Trevor continue to upgrade this Park of the Auckland Castle.
Visitors always love to see this deer house at the highest position of Auckland Castle. But after a half-century, they lost interest and called it bad taste. In this park in Auckland, people see the herds of deer. After Jonathan Ruffer purchased it in 2012, the deer park only opened for local visitors.
You can reach the dear house by walking on your feet from the Castle and passing via semi-wooded public parkland. This building is almost square, having a courtyard where the deer herds were fed. However, you will see an arched gateway on the North side of the building.
On the south side, there is a two-story tower, with the first for a room that can overlook the interior of the building. Thomas Wright designed this amazing historic building. So, this deer house is a well-preserved architecture of the 18th century where people visit and explore different parts.
Best Time To Visit Auckland Castle
There are various transformations at the Castle that make the architecture more unique in style. You can visit the Castle anytime, but a warmer and drier environment suits you best.
As the Castle is in Auckland, you should know the weather in this area. Auckland has good weather for tourists during the warmer and drier season, having months between January and April.
Auckland Castle Tickets
You can purchase tickets online or have them on the day of your tour at the destination. There is a variety of tickets with different prices as follows;
Annual Tickets
The best way to visit the Castle and explore its architectural history is by having an annual pass. It will give you an excess of 12 to the Castle, gardens, gallery, and museum. You can only purchase these tickets online. However, the following prices are charged for people of different age groups.
Adult: £25 for foreigners and £15 for local
Kids and Teens: £12.5 for foreigners and £7.5 for local
Ticket For A Specific Area
If you are not interested in an annual pass, you can purchase a ticket for a specific castle area, like a museum, garden, or gallery.
Faith Museum and Gardens
Adult: £10
Kids and Teens: £5
Spanish Gallery
Adult: £10
Kids and Teens: £5
Mining Art Gallery
Adult: £5
Kids and Teens: £2.5
Free Pass
Besides the tickets, there is also free admission to visit the AucklTowerower and the deer park. You can apply for free admission and visit the tower and dear house whenever possible. However, the Auckland castle opening times are 11 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.
How To Reach Auckland Castle?
The Auckland Castle is situated in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, where you can reach it via many sources. We have discussed these sources as follows;
Air
There are two nearest airports, Teesside International Airport and Newcastle Airport, to reach your destination. For the foreigners, there is also Leeds Bradford Airport and Manchester Airport.
Train
The nearest mainline station is Darlington, which is connected to England's major cities.
Road
You can choose either bus, car, or bike if you want to travel by road. The Castle Express is the bus that can take you to the Castle. You can choose the A1 motorway to reach Bishop Auckland by traveling via car.
However, if you are traveling via bike, you can choose the 715 and 70 National Cycle Network Pass routes.
Conclusion
Visit Auckland Castle by choosing the easiest way during opening hours. You know the history of this Castle, so explore different areas to have fun during your trip.
