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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.

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Format: 29-12-2023

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Format: 30-12-2023

Industry

Winners of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025 announced

14 Nov 2025

VisitEngland has today (12 November) named the winners of its Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025, recognising excellence within the visitor attraction sector.   Accolades were awarded to 78 English attractions covering all aspects of what makes an outstanding visitor experience....

Industry

AI in the Visitor Economy

12 Nov 2025

Curious about how AI can genuinely help your tourism, hospitality or visitor-facing business? Join this free online session to discover how AI can boost marketing, customer experience and productivity. Delivered by Service Design North and Northern Latitude on behalf of Destination North East...

Industry

Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town announces full event programme for fifth annual celebrations

12 Nov 2025

The ‘Christmas Capital of the North’ returns December 4-7, with an expanded programme of outdoor entertainment and festive family fun Bishop Auckland, Durham, November 12 - Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town is back, for a fifth consecutive year, with organisers promising to...

Industry

Raby Castle to welcome Future Countryside 2026 a national forum shaping rural Britain’s future

11 Nov 2025

Future Countryside, now in its fourth year, has become the leading national forum for leaders, policymakers and rural communities to debate and shape the future of Britain’s countryside. Uniting a unique coalition of organisations and individuals, it drives a shared commitment to a sustainable,...

Industry

The Bowes Museum unveils landmark 2026 exhibition programme celebrating icons of fashion, art and craft

7 Nov 2025

The Bowes Museum today announces an exceptional year of exhibitions for 2026, showcasing a bold and imaginative programme that bridges historical artistry and contemporary vision. Highlights include Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary,Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa...

Industry

North East solar energy specialist completes second phase of Ramside Hall project

6 Nov 2025

A North East solar renewable energy specialist, SCJ Renewables, has completed the second and final phase of its project at Ramside Hall in County Durham – installing over 360 panels onto the hotel’s new driving range. The project began in March 2024, with the initial installation of 326 panels...

Industry

England's Historic Cities launch new expanded travel resource for World Travel Market

6 Nov 2025

England’s Historic Cities (EHC) have unveiled a brand-new edition of the England Originals Travel Trade Guide just in time for World Travel Market, which is taking place at ExCel, London, 4-6 November 2025. Durham is a founding member of the consortium along with 12 of England’s most iconic...

Industry

Access Needs

5 Nov 2025

VisitEngland has published new insights on accessible and inclusive tourism and the challenges travellers with mobility issues face. The topline report is based on 992 travellers with mobility needs and their caregivers, who are from France, Germany, Italy or Spain, and were considering an...

Industry

Access Guide Discounts

5 Nov 2025

Visit County Durham is proud to be supporting Purple Tuesday and helping our businesses create an accessible everyday, for everyone. Detailed Access Guides can help your business provide the information that 95% of disabled people look for before choosing somewhere to visit. VisitEngland and...

Industry

The Auckland Project’s gardens and grounds strike gold with a trio of awards

5 Nov 2025

The Auckland Project is celebrating a triple success after its grounds and gardens received top honours in this year’s Northumbria in Bloom Awards. Auckland Palace’s historic grounds and Walled Garden were awarded Gold in the Special Awards for Tourist and Visitor Attractions and Country...

Industry

Dalton Park celebrates the start of the festive season on Saturday 8 November with its Christmas lights switch-on and firework spectacular

31 Oct 2025

Dalton Park is launching its Christmas festivities with a dazzling line-up of celebrations on Saturday 8th November. From a VIP Christmas light switch-on to a captivating firework display and the grand opening of Santa’s Grotto, Dalton Park is the ultimate place for festive fun this...

Industry

Views invited to help conserve World Heritage Site

23 Oct 2025

Views are being sought on a new management plan aimed at conserving the beauty of Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral for generations to come. The Durham City landmark was the first UK cultural heritage site to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1986. In preparation to celebrate the...

Industry

Final Lumiere to take place in 2025

23 Oct 2025

Artichoke, the UK’s leading producer of ambitious public art, and Durham County Council, have today announced that this year’s Lumiere will be the final edition in Durham. The UK’s landmark light art biennial will illuminate the city one last time from Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 November...

Industry

VisitBritain/VisitEngland activity boosts economy by £562 million as agency sets out plans to drive growth

23 Oct 2025

International visitors spent an additional £562 million across Britain as a result of activity by national tourism agency VisitBritain/VisitEngland, latest figures show. Results also show that 60% of this estimatedadditional spend, £336 million, was in destinations outside of London. The agency...

Industry

Trader applications open for Bishop Food Festival

22 Oct 2025

Traders can now apply to be part of one of the region’s biggest food festivals. Bishop Auckland Food Festival returns next spring, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April, promising two days of fun, family entertainment and food. Thousands are expected to flock to Bishop Auckland town centre across...