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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
The spirit of Kynren: Celebrating 10 years, £65.5 million boost to the North East and a bold vision for the future
14 Jul 2025
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is celebrating a decade of unforgettable storytelling, community spirit and regional impact with the release of a powerful new report outlining the difference […]
Read More about The spirit of Kynren: Celebrating 10 years, £65.5 million boost to the North East and a bold vision for the futureThe Story progresses to national finals
9 Jul 2025
County Durham’s newest culture, heritage and registration venue has been recognised for its design and contribution to the community in two prestigious awards. The Story has marked its first year […]
Read More about The Story progresses to national finalsKynren's preview night a roaring success ahead of milestone season
8 Jul 2025
Kynren’s 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew wowed friends and family on Saturday night during the final dress rehearsal for the spectacular tenth anniversary season of Kynren – An Epic Tale […]
Read More about Kynren's preview night a roaring success ahead of milestone seasonEight years of excavations reveal Bishop Auckland’s medieval palace
3 Jul 2025
After almost a decade of digging, and over 1,000 diggers, Durham University’s Department of Archaeology and The Auckland Project are coming to the end of a campaign of archaeological research […]
Read More about Eight years of excavations reveal Bishop Auckland’s medieval palaceDurham on a winning streak as the county scoops a host of national awards and international recognition
2 Jul 2025
It has been a winning week for County Durham as the county picked up a collection of prestigious awards recognising the world class visitor offer, and the work, creativity and […]
Read More about Durham on a winning streak as the county scoops a host of national awards and international recognitionSeaham Hall named one of the best hotels in the world by prestigious global ranking
2 Jul 2025
Seaham Hall, the iconic five-star boutique hotel on the Durham Heritage Coast, has been officially named one of the best hotels in the world by La Liste, a globally respected […]
Read More about Seaham Hall named one of the best hotels in the world by prestigious global rankingRaby Castle's lifestyle destination celebrates increase in visitors one year on
2 Jul 2025
A major restoration and redevelopment project at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has celebrated its first birthday this month as well as an increase in yearly visitors. Following the opening […]
Read More about Raby Castle's lifestyle destination celebrates increase in visitors one year onSummer Garden Party success at South Causey Inn
2 Jul 2025
Over one hundred partners gathered at the South Causey Inn on Tuesday (1 July) to enjoy an evening of networking during the Visit County Durham Summer Garden Party. The annual event […]
Read More about Summer Garden Party success at South Causey InnDurham celebrates Independents’ Day UK with a weekend of local love
1 Jul 2025
Durham Markets joins national campaign to champion independent businesses Durham will be flying the flag for independent traders on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th July as part of Independents’ Day […]
Read More about Durham celebrates Independents’ Day UK with a weekend of local loveDerwent Fest returns with support for local homeless charity
1 Jul 2025
Derwent Waterside Park, near Consett in County Durham, will come to life with tunes, tributes and twilight skies on 15-16 August with the return of Derwent Fest. Headlined by Sam […]
Read More about Derwent Fest returns with support for local homeless charityDurham named Best UK Destination at national award
27 Jun 2025
Durham has scooped the award as Best UK Destination as Beamish Museum is named Best UK Attraction at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2025. The county was voted for by […]
Read More about Durham named Best UK Destination at national awardBeamish, The Living Museum of the North wins £120,000 Art Fund of the Year 2025 Award
27 Jun 2025
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North has been announced as Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025. Rhiannon Hiles, Beamish’s Chief Executive, was presented with the £120,000 prize – […]
Read More about Beamish, The Living Museum of the North wins £120,000 Art Fund of the Year 2025 Award
Industry
Package Travel Consultation
25 Jun 2025
The Department for Business and Trade is currently consulting on proposed changes to the 2018 Package Travel Regulations. The consultation includes reforming the domestic package market to exempt domestic (UK) […]
Read More about Package Travel ConsultationTourism Awards Now Open
25 Jun 2025
Entries for the Destination North East England Tourism Awards 2026 are NOW OPEN! This is your chance to showcase the excellence and quality in your business, gain national recognition and […]
Read More about Tourism Awards Now OpenIconic high-speed train to make historic visit to Weardale Railway
23 Jun 2025
Railway fans and families are in for a treat this summer as the legendary InterCity 125 High Speed Train (HST) makes a rare appearance on the scenic Weardale Railway. For […]
Read More about Iconic high-speed train to make historic visit to Weardale Railway