The Auckland Project

12/10/2026

🎃👻 Halloween Family Fun Days at Weardale Railway! 👻🎃
All aboard our spooktacular ghost train on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st October! 🚂
We'll be running trains between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland, calling at Witton-le-Wear, Wolsingham, Kingfisher (by request) and Frosterley.

There's plenty of frightfully good fun for the whole family:
🧙 Best dressed fancy dress competition, so dig out those costumes!
🎃 Best decorated pumpkin competition
🕸️ A pumpkin trail around Stanhope station

And don't forget our special "Kids for a quid" ticket offer is available on both days! 🪙

🎟️ Return tickets to/from Stanhope and Bishop Auckland can be booked in advance via Weardale Railway Digitickets online
Tickets from all intermediate stations, singles and returns, can be bought on the day at our Booking Office in Stanhope or on the train.

12/10/2026

Free Maternal Wellbeing Group!

Motherhood can feel overwhelming and isolating. Join EmpowerMama's free group (led by a Clinical Psychologist) for compassionate support, practical tools, and connection with other mums.

They cover stress management, self-compassion, identity, and resilience in a friendly, non-judgmental space. Children under 3 are welcome, or come solo!

📍 The Hearth, Bishop Auckland Market Place
📅 Thursdays, 12th and 19th November
⏰ 1:15pm – 2:45pm

Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Limited places!

To know more details please head over to the EmpowerMama CIC page : https://www.facebook.com/p/EmpowerMama-CIC-61587302943180/ or email [email protected] to book.

12/10/2026

One man, a host of characters, and one of Christmas's most iconic tales.

Join us on Saturday 5th December (1.00pm – 3.00pm) as actor and storyteller Alfie Joey brings Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol to life in an unforgettable solo performance!

Drawing on his incredible gift for voices, Alfie takes on Scrooge, Marley, the Cratchits, and all three Ghosts of Christmas in a retelling that is funny, ghostly, and ultimately filled with hope. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he journeys through past, present, and future to confront the life he's chosen—and discover whether it's ever too late to change.

🎟️ Tickets: £12
Friends of The Auckland Project: £10
Bundle Ticket, A Christmas Carol + Day ticket: £27

⚠️ Please note: This performance includes some scary scenes and may not be suitable for younger children.

Make a full day of it or drop in for the show, book your tickets now!

https://aucklandproject.org/event/a-christmas-carol-alfie-joey/

10/10/2026

Looking for things to do this October Half Term?
Keep the whole family entertained with our exciting lineup of events at Auckland Palace & Gardens! 🍂

Here's what's coming up:

🎃 Pumpkin Duck Trail
Search the gardens for our mischievous ducks and their hidden pumpkins.
📅 17 October – 1 November (Wednesday – Sunday)

🔥 Autumn Tales at 2!
Gather around the fire for magical storytelling.
📅 Wednesday 28 October – Saturday 31 October from 2pm

🐍 Creature Experience
Get up close and personal with the fascinating world of bugs and creatures.
📅 Sunday 1 November at 11am, 1pm & 2.30pm

Find out more and book your tickets via the link:
https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/

09/10/2026

The ducks are at it again! 🦆🎃

After their summer adventures, our naughty ducks have taken over Auckland Gardens and hidden pumpkins all across the grounds. Can you find them all before they disappear forever?

Keep an extra close eye out for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze pumpkins! Complete the challenge on your trail leaflet and return it to Auckland Tower for a chance to win fantastic prizes, including a family ticket to AGLOW! 🌟

📅 17 October – 1 November 2026 (Wed–Sun)
📍 Auckland Palace & Gardens
🎟️ Under 16s FREE Garden Admission applies for adults.

Pick up your trail card from Auckland Tower and start your autumn adventure!

For more details: https://aucklandproject.org/pumpkin-trail-bishop-auckland/?preview=true

09/10/2026

Flying Scotsman is heading to Weardale Railway!

Join us and our friends at Fox & Edwards Events on November 13th, 14th, and 15th as the world's most famous steam locomotive travels along the Weardale Railway from Darlington to Stanhope.

Take in the stunning scenery of the Wear Valley and North Pennines National Landscape as you travel behind this legendary locomotive.

With morning and afternoon departures available each day, you can choose the journey that suits you best. Please book your journey via Fox & Edwards.

Not traveling on the train?
You can still be part of this very special visit! Ticketed viewing points will be available at Weardale Railway stations. Ticketing helps us manage numbers safely and keep disruption to a minimum for our station neighbours. Viewing tickets are not on sale just yet, so please keep an eye on our page for details as soon as booking opens.

08/10/2026

FREE singing and songwriting for those living with dementia.
Tomorrow (Friday 9th) is the first of 12 singing and songwriting sessions in The Artists Hub - Bishop Auckland. If you or someone you know are living with dementia, join us for our weekly sessions led by a professional composer and director, supported by local music students. Every Friday until the 4th December. 2pm - 3.45pm (43 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7PB) For more information and to sign up, contact [email protected] or call us on 020 8964 5060
Companions and carers welcome.

08/10/2026

🏛️ A 1,750-Year-Old “Thank You” 🏛️

Unearthed at Binchester’s Roman Fort, this 1,750-year-old altar was originally dedicated around AD 275 by Eltaominus, a retired military architect who set it up in the town bathhouse after surviving a dangerous journey across the Roman Empire. Inscribed to Fortuna Redux (the goddess of safe returns), it stood as a bold, public celebration of hope, gratitude, and a safe homecoming.
Now, having made its own journey from the soil of Binchester into the Faith Museum, this once-abandoned relic rests in safe keeping, displayed alongside other enduring symbols of belief, hope, and human connection in Roman Britain.

Eighteen centuries later, the relief and joy of returning home safely is a story that still speaks to us today.

For more details about the altar: https://aucklandproject.org/event/altar-to-fortuna-redux-from-binchester/

Watch Curator Dr John Castling talk about the discovery: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EQE4vYBzd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

📍Faith Museum, Bishop Auckland.

Credits: Altar on loan from Durham County Council.

07/10/2026

🔧 We’re hiring: Facilities Assistant

Could you help keep some of Bishop Auckland’s most treasured places safe, welcoming and running smoothly?

We’re looking for a Facilities Assistant to join The Auckland Project, supporting the day-to-day operation of our buildings and attractions – from Auckland Palace and the Faith Museum to our galleries and wider estate.

This varied, hands-on role includes routine inspections, minor repairs, compliance checks, room set-ups and supporting contractors across our sites.

📍 Bishop Auckland
🕐 Full-time, permanent
💷 National Minimum Wage – age appropriate
🎟️ Benefits include 30 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays, pension contribution, free parking and unlimited access to our attractions for you and your family (restrictions apply).

Applications close Sunday 11 October 2026.

Ready to play your part in Bishop Auckland’s future? Find out more and apply: https://aucklandproject.org/support-us/jobs/

Please note: applications must be made using our application form. We’re unable to accept CVs.

Jobs in heritage, history and culture. Explore the latest job opportunities available at The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland.

05/10/2026

Another week of fun in Bishop Auckland...

Check out the full schedule in the image and plan your week with us. We look forward to welcoming you!

Visit: https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/ for more info.