Auckland Park Pyramid
Obelisk In Bishop Auckland, County Durham
A decorative well head built in the 18th century.
This curious pyramid in Auckland Park, is a fancy well head for the 18th century water supply to Auckland Castle and is still completely intact.
The pyramid is 2 metres high, made with large square-cut stones, some with grooved rustication (or texture to us lay people). Over the centuries, it has been described on maps as a reservoir, a tank and my personal favourite, an eye-catcher. It's position on the horizon would have caught the eye of the Prince Bishops and their visitors as they came to the castle, hence the reason for the ornamental design.
The pyramid is something we've overlooked until recently, as it is well hidden in the depths of Auckland Park. It's simply known as 'monument' on Google maps and we've never spotted it before. It is worth the wander through the park though, which is pretty vast at 120 hectares, and we were greeted by some very friendly horses as we walked up to the pyramid. There are a number of paths through the park and you could spend a good hour or two wandering round.
There's plenty more to see in the park and in Bishop Auckland itself and you'll probably pass Auckland Castle Deer House on the way to the pyramid. In the town you've got plenty to see if you fancy extending your visit.
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How To Find Auckland Park Pyramid
Where Is Auckland Park Pyramid?
Lat / Long
54.672421, -1.658805
What three words
Where To Park For Auckland Park Pyramid?
Lat / Long
54.664821, 54.664821
What three words
There is parking on Kingsway, which is a 25 minute walk away from the pyramid.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
More Places from Sandra
More Places In Bishop Auckland
Find more fabulous places in Bishop Auckland, County Durham and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
Thomas Wright Observatory
Folly Bishop Auckland County DurhamObservatory dating from 1765, built by local astronomer Thomas Wright.
Spanish Gallery and Mining Art Gallery
Museum Bishop Auckland County DurhamTwo fantastic galleries in the heart of Bishop Auckland.
Rookhope Arch
Chimney Bishop Auckland County DurhamOne of the remaining arches carrying a two mile horizontal chimney as part of a flue system.
More Obelisks
So this obelisk wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Kirkley Obelisk
Obelisk Ponteland NorthumberlandAn obelisk marking the centenary of the Glorious Revolution by William the Orange.
Thomson Monument
Obelisk Kelso BordersAn obelisk commerating playwright and poet James Thomson, who also penned the words to Rule, Britannia.
Balfour Monument
Obelisk East Lothian BordersAn obelisk erected to James Maitland Balfour, MP and Major Commandant of the East Lothian Yeomanry Cavalry.
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