Castle's 17th Century garden unveiled after 10 years

The new space includes a Victorian-inspired glasshouse

A castle's 17th Century walled garden has been redesigned as part of a £200m development.

Several areas of Auckland Castle, formerly the private residence of the Bishops of Durham, have been transformed by the Auckland Project.

The latest work has been led by landscape architect Pip Morrison, who was responsible for Princess Diana's Kensington Palace memorial garden.

The project's co-founder, Jane Ruffer, said the areas he had transformed were "part of Durham's history".

The Auckland Castle site has undergone a major restoration after being bought by philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer in 2012.

Some if its 10 acres of land have been used for archaeological digs by Durham University.

Recent discoveries include steps and the cellar of a large three or four-storey tower dating from the mid-1300s and the supports for a bridge and entranceway from the 1100s.

The castle's original walled garden once served as a "functional and productive space, but also showcased the wealth and resources the Prince Bishops had at the time", the Auckland Project said.

The Auckland Project said it was "thrilled" to restore the gardens

The new space includes a Victorian-inspired glasshouse, the castle’s walled garden, a faith garden and a wilderness garden.

“We’ve enjoyed working with Pip on his masterplan and are thankful for how the Auckland Project’s gardening team have helped bring it to life," Ms Ruffer said.

Head of parks, gardens and landscapes, Andy Nesbitt, said he hoped to encourage "everyone from novice gardeners to green-fingered experts, providing advice and inspiration".

More than £200 million has been committed to the Auckland Project and the Eleven Arches scheme to regenerate the Bishop Auckland area.