The Auckland Project strikes gold with VisitEngland

February 25th 2026

The Auckland Project’s heritage holiday accommodation has been recognised at the highest level after achieving outstanding results in its latest VisitEngland quality assessment.

A selection of properties within Auckland Palace Stays were awarded prestigious star ratings, with Bishop Lightfoot Cottage, Churchill Cottage and The Clarence each receiving a coveted Gold Accolade.

The assessor praised the accommodation as a “professionally run business offering an excellent level of customer care and in-house professional housekeeping.”

In a standout result, the wider guest experience achieved 100% for additional recreational facilities, recognising guests’ access to The Auckland Project’s nationally significant attractions, including the Faith Museum, Auckland Palace, Spanish Gallery and Mining Art Gallery – also including out-of-hours access to Auckland Palaces recently restored Walled Garden.

The guest welcome was highlighted as a particular strength, described as being of a “very high standard” and “generous and thoughtfully curated”. Guests receive a personalised welcome letter, complimentary essentials including fresh bread, eggs, milk and preserves, passes to The Auckland Project’s attractions, and exclusive dining discounts at El Castillo Spanish Tapas Restaurant and Twelve by Jacob.

Sustainability also plays a key role across Auckland Palace Stays, with carefully sourced, high-quality second-hand furniture used throughout the cottages. Each piece has been thoughtfully curated to complement the character and heritage of the buildings, creating interiors that feel authentic, elegant and timeless. VisitEngland’s assessors praised the attention to detail and the way sustainability has been seamlessly integrated without compromising on comfort or quality.

Callum McCartan, General Manager at Park Head Hotel and Auckland Palace Stays, said: “This recognition from VisitEngland is a fantastic endorsement of the quality, care and attention that goes into every Auckland Palace Stay. We want guests to feel genuinely welcomed, immersed in Bishop Auckland’s heritage and inspired to explore everything the town has to offer.”

Sarah Townsend, Project Advisor for Accommodation and Hospitality at The Auckland Project, said: “Each of these cottages has taken a considerable amount of time, love, and attention to restore and design. They are all individually created, with many having once been home to the Prince Bishops’ staff – from chefs to chauffeurs – and it was vital that we respected that history while creating spaces that feel welcoming, comfortable and special for today’s guests.

“Every detail has been considered, from the layout and furnishings to the guest welcome, and this recognition from VisitEngland is a wonderful endorsement of the thoughtful, meticulous approach taken across Auckland Palace Stays.”

Auckland Palace Stays offer a collection of distinctive, self-catering holiday cottages and townhouses set within the historic Auckland Palace estate in Bishop Auckland. Individually designed, the properties blend historic character with modern comfort, providing guests with an immersive way to experience The Auckland Project’s art, faith and heritage attractions.

Selected stays include thoughtful touches such as welcome hampers, garden access, and attraction passes, with accommodation options ranging from cottages to townhouses, suitable for couples, families and independent travellers alike.

Founded in 2012 by Jonathan and Jane Ruffer, The Auckland Project is working to transform Bishop Auckland into a centre of heritage and the arts. Its work includes the restoration of historic Auckland Palace and the development of nationally significant attractions including the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery and the Faith Museum, alongside an expanding programme of community engagement and skills development.

For further information, please visit aucklandproject.org/ and aucklandproject.org/visit-us/stay/self-catering-accommodation/.