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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
Format: 30-12-2023
Raby launches wellness series for the New Year

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...

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20 years of Durham Brass Festival Industry

20 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...

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The Light offers a bright future for County Durham culture Industry

The 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...

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Durham Community Action celebrates turning 90! Industry

Durham 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...

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County Durham hotel has couple saying I do to new wedding accommodation Industry

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...

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The Story wins national award Industry

The 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...

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Christmas returns to Auckland Palace with an expanded festive food experience Industry

Christmas 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...

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Remarkable Neapolitan Nativity returns to Auckland Palace for Christmas Industry

Remarkable 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...

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Vintage fairground ride returns to North East England for the first time since the 1960s Industry

Vintage 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,...

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Christmas Has Arrived at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North Industry

Christmas 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...

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Kynren Celebrates Hat-trick of Nominations at the North East Tourism Awards Industry

Kynren 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...

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Lumiere finale records 120,000 visitors over three nights in Durham City and Shildon Industry

Lumiere 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...

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Key deal agreed to bring forward Durham Innovation District Industry

Key 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...

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Durham Recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s Best Christmas Market Cities  Industry

Durham 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...

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

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