A campaign promoting Bishop Auckland as a visitor destination has helped drive a sharp rise in tourism interest, with website visits and ticket sales climbing significantly since its launch.
Launched in July by The Auckland Project under its Bishop’s alive brand, the campaign has reached more than 3.5 million people.
Since the launch, website visitors have increased by 200 per cent, new visitors by 500 per cent, and online ticket sales by more than 60 per cent.
An aerial view of Bishop Auckland
(Image: Supplied)
Stephen Reed, director of marketing and communications at The Auckland Project, said: "Where else in the world can you find one of the world's finest collections of Spanish art sitting round the corner from a Greggs, cross the Market Place to perhaps the largest collections of mining art, then visit the palace from where the Prince Bishops wielded their power and if that doesn’t sound enough stroll some extraordinary gardens and Deer Park?
"As a Times journalist recently said, it's 'a slightly bonkers day out.'
"By taking our 'bonkers' story out into the street across the region, and onto the phones and screens of potential visitors further afield, we're rapidly changing how people think about Bishop Auckland and placing it firmly on their 'must visit' map."
The campaign promotes the town's cultural attractions, including Auckland Palace, its historic grounds, galleries, gardens, and Deer Park.
It is part of the charity’s broader efforts to establish Bishop Auckland as one of the North East’s leading cultural destinations.
Mr Reed said: "It’s about ensuring people in, and planning to, visit the region know that Bishop Auckland is alive with history, nature, art and good food."
The campaign also encourages sustainable travel by offering a 20 per cent discount on a Bishop’s Key to anyone arriving by public transport.
Visitors can redeem the offer by presenting a valid same-day bus or train ticket at Auckland Tower.
The Auckland Project, founded in 2012 by Jonathan and Jane Ruffer, is a regeneration charity working to transform Bishop Auckland into a vibrant cultural destination. Through art, heritage, and community engagement, it is creating new opportunities for residents and visitors alike, while celebrating the town’s rich and surprising past.
The charity also runs community programmes and partnerships with local schools and colleges, designed to boost the local economy, create opportunities, and inspire pride in the region’s rich history.
Read more
Residents say this viral TikToker overlooked the best parts of a County Durham town
Rare masterpieces by celebrated Spanish sculptor go on display in Bishop Auckland
Rare first edition of 1536 Bible to go on display in Bishop Auckland museum
The marketing campaign has used buses, roadside posters, and digital media to reach audiences both regionally and nationally.
The Bishop’s alive campaign builds on that work by raising awareness and attracting new and returning visitors.
For more information about the campaign or to book tickets, visit www.aucklandproject.org.