Media Room
Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Industry
Market Update webinars
8 Jun 2023
Sign up for a new series of Market Update webinars delivered by VisitEngland. You can hear the latest insights for key inbound markets to the UK. Starting on 21st June until 31st October, the free series of webinars offer a valuable opportunity to get up-to-date data and the latest market research...
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Industry
Sisters’ childhood home recreated as Beamish opens new 1950s exhibits
7 Jun 2023
Two sisters will unveil a recreation of their childhood home when Beamish, The Living Museum of the North opens 1950s houses, police office, and a bowling green this week (9th June). This Friday (9th June 2023), the museum is opening replicas of semi-detached council houses from Red House in...
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Visit County Durham
Successful partnership promoting the Durham Coast renewed
5 Jun 2023
A partnership that is helping to raise awareness of the Durham Heritage Coast across the UK and beyond has been renewed.
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Industry
Outdoor spectacular Kynren nominated for national award
2 Jun 2023
Spellbinding live outdoor show Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, is in the running for a national award celebrating UK visitor attractions. The Bishop Auckland show has been included on the shortlist for Best Event for Groups in the Group Leisure and Travel awards, which take place in October....
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Industry
Dog days are coming to Dalton Park!
25 May 2023
Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination is set to become dog friendly from Bank Holiday Monday 29th May and is planning a day of doggy delights to mark the occasion. The event, which starts at 10am will include best behaved dog trials, a doggy selfie spot (with optional doggy dress up), and a...
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Visit County Durham
New coach drop-off provision enhances Durham City's group travel experience
25 May 2023
Durham City’s group travel offer is now even better thanks to the introduction of a new coach drop-off and pick-up point. From this month, coach parties visiting the historic city will alight on the other side of the River Wear on Framwelgate Waterside instead of the former drop off point.
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Industry
“It’s a pleasure to ride on now”: County Durham cycle route gets £1.5million upgrade
24 May 2023
A £1.5million upgrade of County Durham’s main cycling, wheeling and walking route has been completed, with a new glow in the dark section among the improvements made. Durham County Council has worked with Sustrans to deliver the improvements on the National Cycle Network Route 1 (NCN1), which...
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Industry
New Treehouses at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa
19 May 2023
The Continued success of a County Durham hotel’s unique treehouses has led to the creation of two new properties. Construction is currently underway of Swan and Kingfisher, two additional glass fronted A frame houses at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa on the outskirts of Durham. The two extra...
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Visit County Durham
Visit County Durham Chair to retire after 14 years
17 May 2023
Visit County Durham’s long-serving Chair has announced he will retire next month after 14 years of dedicated service. Ivor Stolliday was appointed Chair of the Visit County Durham Ltd board in 2009 and has proven a dedicated and inspirational ambassador for the county.
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Industry
Star Quality at Park Head Hotel
17 May 2023
Park Head Hotel & Restaurant, Bishop Auckland, has received a glowing review from Visit England, its first official assessment after reopening in February 2023. The Visit England team have awarded Park Head Hotel a high Three Star Hotel accreditation and a Breakfast Award in recognition of the...
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Industry
Coffee Shop training
10 May 2023
Thinking about opening a coffee shop? VCD Supplier Partner Durham Coffee has just launched a new course 'How to start your own Coffee Shop'. The course introduces you to barista skills and a good coffee bar set-up; creating a business plan, and talks you through the important practical steps and...
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Industry
Chester-le-EATS 2023
10 May 2023
After a hugely successful 2022 event, Chester-le-EATS is back and will take place at Seat Unique Riverside, the home of Durham Cricket, on the weekend of Saturday 30th September and Sunday 1st October 2023. Event organisers are now welcoming applications from traders for more information and to...
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Industry
Commemorations to leave a lasting Coronation legacy for people and nature
9 May 2023
The Government will leave a lasting public legacy for people and nature with the renaming of the England Coast Path to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. As Prince of Wales, His Majesty expressed a deep love and concern for England’s wildlife, natural and rural places,...
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Industry
New Partnership: Durham Cricket are delighted to welcome Host & Stay as their new staycation partner
4 May 2023
Local North East business Host & Stay, one of the UK’s fastest-growing, family owned, holiday home management businesses, has partnered with Durham Cricket Club in a multi-year deal. The SDDE Smith Group and Host & Stay are now the clubs Principal Partner and Principal...
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Industry
Bank Holiday Tracker
3 May 2023
A VisitEngland survey shows that millions of Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday break in the UK during the Bank Holiday weekend for the Coronation, bringing an estimated £1.2 billion boost to the economy. VisitEngland's 'Coronation Weekend Trip Tracker' survey also showed that...
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