Where to go · County Durham
Forest bathing at Auckland Castle Deer Park
The Prince Bishops' medieval deer park beside Auckland Palace, with woodland paths, old bridges and the 1760s Deer House.
The Deer Park at Bishop Auckland was created by the Prince Bishops of Durham more than 800 years ago as a private hunting ground. It covers about 150 acres around Auckland Palace, and Bishop Richard Trevor remodelled it in the 18th century as a landscape setting for the palace. Winding woodland paths take you past medieval fish ponds, an ice house, the Trevor Bridge of 1757 and the Deer House, built in the 1760s and now cared for by English Heritage. Green woodpeckers, otters and kingfishers live here.
It is free to visit all year and a short walk from the town centre, so it is easy to reach on foot. The walk down to the river is steep, and so is the climb to the Deer House; paths are uneven, with roots and mud in places, so wear sturdy shoes. Some stretches suit pushchairs and wheelchairs, but not far. Keep to the paths, and keep dogs on leads.
Practical
- Managed by
- The Auckland Project
- Parking
- Town centre pay car parks, such as North Bondgate, a few minutes' walk away
- Terrain
- Uneven woodland paths, steep down to the river and up to the Deer House
- Nearest station
- Bishop Auckland, about 15 minutes' walk
- Facilities
- No toilets in the park; nearest in the town
- Opening and entry
- Free, open all year
- Official page
- aucklandproject.org
Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.
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More woodlands in County Durham
All venues in County Durham
Baal Hill WoodAncient Weardale wood of birch and oak, home to the 400 year old Bishop's Oak
Castle Eden DeneSteep limestone gorge near Peterlee with yew, oak and ash, running 3.5 miles to the sea
Causey ArchAncient woodland in the Causey Burn gorge, crossed by a stone wagonway arch from the 1720sPhotos: Baal Hill Wood, Trevor Littlewood (CC BY-SA 2.0); Castle Eden Dene, Asmgabber (CC BY-SA 4.0); Causey Arch, Stephen McKay (CC BY-SA 2.0).