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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

Best wedding venue barn none…

22 Jul 2025

A leading County Durham hotel has unveiled a new space – putting it on course to be the region’s top wedding destination. Ramside Hall hotel, Golf and Spa has long been the go-to destination for couples, thanks to its versatile wedding spaces, luxury accommodation and on-site beauty and hair...

Industry

Durham Brass Festival 2025: a roaring success

21 Jul 2025

Schoolchildren dancing to Dolly Parton; Futureheads frontman Barry Hyde performing melodies for miners in their spiritual home; and brass on board a river cruiser. Durham Brass Festival 2025 really had it all. The Durham County Council event, supported by Arts Council England, has drawn to a close...

Industry

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 it has made across the North East and what’s still to come. Since launching in Bishop Auckland, Kynren...

Industry

The 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 with commendations in the Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) and regional Royal Town Planning...

Industry

Kynren'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 of England. The summer run officially begins on Saturday 19th July in Bishop Auckland. The breathtaking...

Industry

Eight 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 to uncover the medieval past buried in the historic grounds of Auckland Palace. Since 2018, volunteers,...

Visit County Durham

Durham 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 commitment of visitor economy businesses across the county. The spotlight was on Beamish, The Living Museum of The...

Industry

Seaham 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 authority on hotel excellence. This prestigious recognition places Seaham Hall among a select group of elite properties...

Industry

Raby 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 of the ambitious scheme, Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has welcomed over 300,000 visitors in its first year...

Visit County Durham

Summer 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 is seen as a highlight in the calendar as is a great opportunity to meet with contacts old and new. ...

Industry

Durham 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 UK – a nationwide initiative that celebrates and promotes the UK’s independent retail and small...

Industry

Derwent 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 Fender tribute - Sam OfFender, an unmissable line-up will transport festival-goers through the...

Industry

Durham 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 readers of Group Leisure and Travel magazine following a shortlisting of other top UK locations, including the Isle...

Industry

Beamish, 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 – the largest museum prize in the world – by Phil Wang, comedian and judge for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, at...

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) holidays that do not contain a booked travel element from the regulations and further...