St Peter's Chapel, Bishop Auckland

St Peter's Chapel forms the spiritual heart of Auckland Castle, the historic residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham, at the top of Bishop Auckland's Market Place. Although called a chapel, it is one of the largest private chapels in Europe. It was created in the 1660s by Bishop John Cosin, who converted the castle's medieval great hall into a place of worship following the Restoration.

Inside, visitors find a soaring, aisled interior with slender columns, a richly carved wooden screen, black-and-white marble floor and ornate ceiling. Cosin's Baroque woodwork is among the finest of its period in the north of England, and the chapel remains in regular use for services alongside its role as a visitor attraction within The Auckland Project.

Entry is via Auckland Castle. The chapel sits within easy walking distance of Bishop Auckland's bus station and the terminus of the 101 service to Stanhope, and is normally included on a ticket that also covers the castle state rooms and Auckland Tower.