County Durham regeneration charity launches visitor pass for range of heritage attractions

A County Durham regeneration charity has launched an annual pass with the aim of making it easier for visitors to explore a range of attractions.

The Auckland Project manages a collection of heritage attractions, gardens and parkland centred around Auckland Castle in the town of Bishop Auckland. As well as the castle, attractions include the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, and the Faith Museum which opens in autumn 2023.

And now, its annual pass will provide a discounted and unlimited entry to all of these for 12 months, which are designed to tell the story of Bishop Auckland, from the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham to the town's surprising connection to the Golden Age of Spanish Art. In addition to these permanent fixtures, it will also give access to a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year, with 2023 highlights including Coal: Mining the Gemini Collection in the Mining Art Gallery, Missing Women in Auckland Castle, and Sin: The National Gallery Touring Exhibition also in Auckland Castle.

Read more: Bishop Auckland Stack set to open next spring after plans given go-ahead

Edward Perry, CEO of The Auckland Project, said: "There is so much to do at The Auckland Project, and we want to inspire our visitors to curiously explore the links between our attractions. We hope people will show their support for The Auckland Project by purchasing our new annual pass and revisiting our attractions time and time again."

The Auckland Project Annual Pass will cost £25 for adults, £37.50 for a family of one adult and up to four children, and £62.50 for a family of two adults and up to four children. People living in households with a DL4 or DL14 postcode will be able to buy a Local Annual Pass, which costs £15 for adults, £22.50 for a family of one adult and up to four children, and £37.50 for a family of two adults and up to four children.

To book tickets or to find out more about The Auckland Project, visit www.aucklandproject.org

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