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County Durham, one of the most beautiful counties in England. From its western boundary high in the Pennine Hills to the limestone cliffs of its North Sea coast few counties have so much variety. There's a wealth of interesting places to visit with much to surprise and delight and wherever you stay there is an excellent range of accommodation.

The county is also an excellent touring base for nearby Northumbria, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Lake District.

County Durham is the Land of the Prince Bishops.. For centuries the powerful Bishops of Durham ruled the County Palatine as a virtually independent state, they had their own army, nobility, courts and coinage, and they left behind a fascinating legacy which can still be traced today.

Few counties have such variety of landscape as Durham, from the North Pennines in the west to the North Sea Coast in the east, there are pleasures to suit all tastes. At its heart lies Durham City - small enough to enjoy on foot yet so exceptional that its castle and cathedral are designated a World Heritage Site.

Uncrowded roads lead to unspoilt countryside, including some of the highest, wildest and finest scenery in England.. Much of the west of the County, including Teesdale, Weardale and the Derwent Valley, is included in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is perfect country for walking, cycling, riding, wildlife watching and exploring characterful villages and towns. There are many footpaths and bridleways to explore including the Pennine Way National Trail and C2C National Cycle Route. Derwent and other reservoirs offer opportunities for sailing, fishing, canoeing and even water-skiing.

Add a fascinating heritage from Mediaeval castles built to defend the North to the cradle of the world's railways and you have a largely rural county full of interest and attraction. We do hope that you enjoy exploring County Durham and appreciate its many places to visit.

County Durham attractions featured here have undertaken to observe the English Tourism Council's Visitors' Charter..

If you have any comments, favourable or unfavourable, about attractions in County Durham the Northumbria Tourist Board would be pleased to hear from you.

Once the principal country residence of the Prince Bishops and a place to rest and hunt, Auckland Castle is the official residence of the Bishop of Durham. The State Rooms and the Chapel - one of the largest private chapels in Europe, are open to the public. There is also access to the adjacent Bishop's Deer Park with its 18th Century Deer House

Located at the eastern end of the Market Place.

Opening Hours: Castle: Easter Monday to 30th September, Sundays 2 - 5pm, Mondays and Thursdays 12.30pm - 5pm . Group and school visits by arrangement throughout the year.. Bishop's Deer Park: Open daily throughout the year, 7am to sunset.

Please note: functions may result in the Castle being closed to the public during advertised opening period. It is advisable to check opening before visiting if travelling a distance..

. Charges: Castle: Adults £4, concessions £3, children 12 and under free. Bishop's Deer Park: Admission free. Disabled Access: Wheelchair access to chapel, ground floor and WC. For upstairs State Rooms a stairwalker is available by prior arrangement.

Enquiries: Tel (01388) 601627. Fax (01388) 609323. e-mail: auckland.castle@zetnet.co.uk web site: www.auckland-castle.co.uk.