Walk from the castle through public parkland to the deer house exterior. Free exterior access during advertised hours; town parking and castle entry are separate. Uneven and grass paths; dogs on leads around livestock.
About
Auckland Castle Deer House looks like a small Gothic fortress in the parkland behind the bishops' residence. Built around 1760 for Bishop Richard Trevor, it combined shelter and feeding space for deer with rooms where the bishop and his guests could picnic and enjoy the view. Its battlements, pointed arches and small tower also made it an ornamental feature in the landscape. Look from outside at the courtyard and surrounding arcade to understand how a working animal shelter became such an elaborate building. Visitors particularly enjoy the walk through the park, while noting that paths can be muddy and uneven. Public parkland paths lead from the castle area to the deer house, whose interior is not open. Use a town car park and approach on foot; dogs should stay on leads, especially where livestock is grazing.
Open in daylightFrom English Heritage's calendar
- See notice
Open any reasonable daylight hours in line with surrounding parkland.
Opening times may change at short notice.
Exterior viewing only. Approach paths are uneven and partly grassed; the deer house is reached on foot through public parkland.
Exterior viewing from parkland: daily 10:00-18:00 April to September, 10:00-16:00 October to March. No access to the deer house interior.
Auckland Castle is separately managed by The Auckland Project; castle tickets and special events are outside this free exterior visit.
Ordinary admission is free for everyone; membership is not required.
Dogs: Keep dogs on leads in the parkland around the deer house; livestock may be present. No public interior access.
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