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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Raby launches wellness series for the New Year
11 Dec 2025
A leading north east lifestyle destination has introduced a new wellness programme, designed to encourage renewal, reflection and reconnection in the new year. Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has teamed up with holistic wellness brand, Guid-ed, to create the Raby Reset, a four-part series featuring...
Read More about Raby launches wellness series for the New Year20 years of Durham Brass Festival
8 Dec 2025
A North East music festival promises to be bigger and better than ever as it celebrates two decades of bringing one of the biggest celebrations of brass to the region. Durham Brass Festival is back next year, from Sunday 12 to Sunday 19 July, for a week packed with spectacular performances, new...
Read More about 20 years of Durham Brass FestivalThe Light offers a bright future for County Durham culture
5 Dec 2025
The name of a new cultural venue that will boost Durham City’s visitor offer and provide a home for creativity and innovation has been announced. The Light will bring together art and science in an engaging space where visitors will be able to view internationally significant exhibitions; artists...
Read More about The Light offers a bright future for County Durham cultureDurham Community Action celebrates turning 90!
4 Dec 2025
Durham Community Action, the voluntary sector infrastructure organisation for County Durham, celebrated it’s 90th birthday last week. The organisation provides advice, support and assistance to frontline groups operating in the Voluntary and Community Sector and to various communities of interest...
Read More about Durham Community Action celebrates turning 90!County Durham hotel has couple saying I do to new wedding accommodation
3 Dec 2025
A luxery addition to a boutique North East hotel is already proving a hit, despite it not opening until April. Bowburn Hall Hotel at near Durham has unveiled its plans for the Cottage Suite, which is now available for bookings for the night before wedding ceremonies. The former staff accommodation...
Read More about County Durham hotel has couple saying I do to new wedding accommodationThe Story wins national award
3 Dec 2025
County Durham’s newest culture, heritage and registration venue has been recognised for its contribution to the community with a national award. The Story was among the winners crowned at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence. The Durham County Council venue...
Read More about The Story wins national awardChristmas returns to Auckland Palace with an expanded festive food experience
26 Nov 2025
Christmas is returning to Auckland Palace in Bishop Auckland, bringing with it an expanded festive food experience for visitors to enjoy throughout the season. From indulgent afternoon teas in Bishop’s Kitchen to festive tapas at El Castillo and street food in Santa’s Village, this year’s...
Read More about Christmas returns to Auckland Palace with an expanded festive food experienceRemarkable Neapolitan Nativity returns to Auckland Palace for Christmas
25 Nov 2025
Bishop Auckland will be the only place in the UK where people can see an elaborate 18th-century nativity scene from Naples this festive season, comprising over 400 intricately crafted figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. The Auckland Project will present The Auckland Palace...
Read More about Remarkable Neapolitan Nativity returns to Auckland Palace for ChristmasVintage fairground ride returns to North East England for the first time since the 1960s
24 Nov 2025
Lightning Skid returns to Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town, from December 4-7 Bishop Auckland, Durham, November 24, 2025 - The Lightning Skid, a long-forgotten vintage fairground ride, returns to North East England this December for the first time since the late 1960s. A traditional flat-ride,...
Read More about Vintage fairground ride returns to North East England for the first time since the 1960sChristmas Has Arrived at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
24 Nov 2025
Enjoy Christmas Daytimes at Beamish Museum every day until Wednesday, 24th December 2025! From twinkling decorations to delicious seasonal treats, nostalgic music and hands-on activities, the award-winning County Durham open air museum is brimming with Christmas cheer, offering something for...
Read More about Christmas Has Arrived at Beamish, The Living Museum of the NorthKynren Celebrates Hat-trick of Nominations at the North East Tourism Awards
20 Nov 2025
The team behind Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is celebrating after being shortlisted in three categories at the North East England Tourism Awards 2026. Kynren has been named a finalist for Tourism Festival or Event of the Year, while its dedicated volunteer team is recognised in the Volunteer...
Read More about Kynren Celebrates Hat-trick of Nominations at the North East Tourism AwardsLumiere finale records 120,000 visitors over three nights in Durham City and Shildon
19 Nov 2025
After sixteen years and 9 editions, more than 120,000 visitors turned out to see the lights of Lumiere before they went out over Durham, 13-15 November. Lumiere 2025 was produced and curated by Artichoke and commissioned by Durham County Council, with additional support from Arts Council...
Read More about Lumiere finale records 120,000 visitors over three nights in Durham City and ShildonKey deal agreed to bring forward Durham Innovation District
19 Nov 2025
Plans to develop an innovation district of national significance in Durham City have taken a major step forward, with the signing of a key agreement. Muse, Durham County Council and Durham University have signed a Collaboration Agreement to accelerate the development of the Aykley Heads site as a...
Read More about Key deal agreed to bring forward Durham Innovation DistrictDurham Recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s Best Christmas Market Cities
19 Nov 2025
Durham has earned national recognition, being named one of the UK’s top Christmas market destinations by Which?. The listing highlights the city’s strong visitor appeal during the winter season and showcases Durham's fantastic festive events. The annual Durham...
Read More about Durham Recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s Best Christmas Market Cities
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....
Read More about Winners of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025 announced