Auckland Palace Deer Park and Gardens

Auckland Palace Deer Park and Gardens is a historic parkland destination in Bishop Auckland, part of the Auckland Project heritage site, where dogs are welcome to explore the grounds on lead. The Deer Park offers open historic parkland with uneven terrain suited to a proper outdoor ramble, while the formal Gardens include the North Terrace Garden and access to the Bishop's Kitchen outdoor courtyard. Dogs are welcome throughout the Deer Park and Gardens on leads but are not allowed inside any of the Auckland Project buildings, including the palace and galleries, unless they are assistance dogs.

This is purely an outdoor visit for ordinary pet dogs, but the scale and heritage character of the parkland make it a substantial day out. Auckland Palace and the Gardens open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 4pm, while the Deer Park follows a seasonal timetable.

Official parking is at North Bondgate car park in Bishop Auckland, postcode DL14 7PF. The location is around eight miles from Durham city centre.