A NORTH-EAST heritage site is offering people the chance to get hands on this weekend and follow in the footsteps of some of the most powerful men in the country’s history.

Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, is hosting Heritage Open Days on Saturday and Sunday - and will allow visitors to explore the lives of the Prince Bishops.

At a special pop-up museum within the grounds of the castle, visitors will be able to sit on a replica throne and dress up in a collection of model copes, the ceremonial cloaks worn by the bishops, and mitres.

A selection of items from Auckland Castle’s collection will also be available to handle, including Durham Mint Coins from the 14th and 15th centuries and seals of Bishops Bek, Puiset and Hatfield.

Alongside the museum, a series of free tours will be taking place across the weekend, including Behind the Scenes Tours, run by specially trained volunteers.

Visitors will get a sneak peek at the castle while it undergoes a multi-million pound restoration, to return the site to its original Georgian Gothic opulence and bring the stories of the Prince Bishops to life.

Separate tours of the castle’s St Peter’s Chapel will also be held. Built in the 12th Century as a Grand Hall, it is believed to be one of the largest private chapels in Europe and is still used to this day by the Bishop of Durham.

The chapel tours will explore the history of the site, including coats of arms for each of the Bishops of Durham, which adorn the walls and its series of stained glass windows depicting the Northern Saints.

Outside the castle, Past and Future Tours will explore the history of Bishop Auckland Market Place as well as looking at what the future has to offer.

Stops along the route include Old Bank Chambers and the Backhouse Bank, the future sites of the Mining Art Gallery and Spanish Gallery respectively.

Visitors will also learn more about the history of Doggarts Department Store which used to be based on Newgate Street.

These events by Auckland Castle Trust are all part of the national Heritage Open Days Festival, which sees more than 2,500 organisations across the country open their doors to celebrate and share their history with the community.

Liz Fisher, director of engagement at Auckland Castle Trust, said: “We are very excited to be a part of this year’s Heritage Open Days Festival.

“The weekend will be a fantastic celebration of Bishop Auckland’s history, with the pop-up museum offering the perfect opportunity to get up close to our heritage. Meanwhile our free tours of the Market Place, castle and chapel will also offer a fascinating insight into not just the town’s compelling past, but also its exciting future.”

The free Heritage Open Days will run from 10am until 4pm with a look at the Prince Bishops roles taking place at 11am and 2pm.

Behind the scenes and chapel tours will run throughout both days.