By james art The Auckland Project in County Durham has achieved the highest rating from VisitEngland in its ‘Visitor Attraction Awards 2023-2024’.
Bishop Auckland’s collection of attractions has been awarded ‘Gold’ following its Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme rating, which is awarded to places that go above and beyond and epitomize excellence. The Auckland Project includes Auckland Palace and Gardens, Auckland Tower, the Faith Museum, the Spanish Gallery and the Mining Art Gallery.
Jared Bowers, Chief Operating Officer of The Auckland Project, said:
“Achieving VisitEngland’s gold distinction is testament to the time, effort, skill and passion that has been invested in the Auckland project. Our staff and volunteers are committed to providing guests with a great experience and understand the importance of a friendly face, a knowledgeable mind and an engaging story.”
Now in its tenth year, the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Awards are available to participants in the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme. A number of tourist establishments are eligible, including historic houses, gardens, country parks, country attractions, galleries, museums, churches and cathedrals.
Supported by a network of assessors, the scheme advises attractions to improve and promote the quality, accessibility and sustainability of their sites, while recognizing outstanding proposals in categories including Welcome, Best Story Told, Quality Food and Drink, Hidden Gem and Gold.
The landmark achievement is the latest in a recent string of accolades for regeneration charity The Auckland Project, including a Building Beauty Award for the impressive Faith Museum and a Gold Award from Northumberland in Bloom for its recently renovated gardens brought to life by designer Pip Morrison and the gardening team of the Palace. The Auckland project was also shortlisted for the North East Tourism Awards.
“The Oakland Project continues to showcase the region’s heritage and highlight internationally significant artefacts, architecture and activities in the arts and culture sectors. We are confident that our ‘golden’ achievement will bring new audiences to Bishop Auckland so that we can share with more people what we create here,” Jared added.
The Auckland Project is a regeneration charity making Bishop Auckland a premier visitor destination through a unique collection of attractions, galleries and heritage gardens.
Once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham, Auckland Palace is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in Europe, reopening in 2019 after undergoing extensive conservation work to transform its rooms to their original splendour. Filled with remarkable artworks and structures, including twelve life-size figures painted by Francisco de Zurbaran, the palace is also home to the Chapel of Saint Peter, where bishops have worshiped for centuries.
The Spanish Gallery is home to master paintings from the Spanish Golden Age, while the Mining Art Gallery showcases the unique culture and heritage of the mining industry, and the recently opened Museum of Faith shares stories of faith in Britain over 6,000 years.
Andrew Stokes, Director of VisitEngland, said:
“These accolades highlight the wonderful visitor experiences provided by England’s attractions, from the warmest of welcomes to incredible food and drink, from great storytelling to exceptional customer service.
“Our travel business is the backbone of our industry and it’s great to highlight and celebrate the fantastic service and experiences they provide to visitors time and time again. From museums, gardens and nature reserves to agricultural attractions, estates and theme parks, these attractions go out of their way to make visits unforgettable.”
The Oakland Project Unlimited pass costs £30 for adults, £15 for children, £45 for a family of one adult and up to four children and £75 for a family of two adults and up to four children. Pass holders enjoy 12 months of access to The Oakland Project attractions.
To find out more and purchase tickets for any events please visit: www.aucklandproject.org/whats-on/
For more information on VisitEngland awards please visit: