PEOPLE are being given the chance to go behind closed doors to explore an historic castle currently undergoing a multi-million pound transformation.

There will be free behind the scene tours at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland on Saturday and Sunday to see the changes as it enters a new chapter of its 900-year history.

The castle, once a private palace for the Prince Bishops of Durham, closed to the public in September and has now been cleared to allow work to begin on the restoration scheme.

Those taking part will be able to learn more about the heritage of the property, as well as the restoration work due to take place over the next 12 months to return the rooms to their original Georgian Gothic opulence.

Separate tours will also be taking place around the castle’s landmark St Peter’s Chapel. Originally a 12th century Great Hall, the chapel is now believed to be one of the largest private chapels in Europe and is still used by the current Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler.

Hannah Peaden, head of visitor experience at the Auckland Castle Trust, said: “Those taking part will have a unique opportunity to see the Castle in its raw state and gain a greater understanding of the work required to transform it again before we fully reopen to the public in May 2018.”

The restoration of Auckland Castle, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is part of Auckland Castle Trust’s wider £70 million programme designed to revitalise Bishop Auckland, which also includes the Mining Art Gallery, Spanish Gallery and Faith Museum.

  • Auckland Castle’s free tours will begin on Saturday and will run until the castle reopens.
  • Spaces are limited and places can be booked by emailing bookings@aucklandcastle.org or calling 01388-743797.
  • For more details, visit aucklandcastle.org