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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
The Duke of Edinburgh visits County Durham and Tees Valley as part of S&DR200 anniversary celebrations
29 Sep 2025
Today [26 September] S&DR200 was delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh who attended celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), one that had a profound impact on the world today. The S&DR gave...
Read More about The Duke of Edinburgh visits County Durham and Tees Valley as part of S&DR200 anniversary celebrationsCommemorative plaques unveiled on S&DR200 legacy route
29 Sep 2025
Two plaques commemorating the ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, and the starting point of the world’s first passenger journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway have been unveiled. The Engineering Heritage Award plaque and World Origin Site plaque have both been installed at a...
Read More about Commemorative plaques unveiled on S&DR200 legacy routeNew community allotments bloom at Beamish, thanks to Banks funding
26 Sep 2025
Community allotments for health and wellbeing and education programmes have been opened at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, supported by funding from the Banks Group. The 12 allotment plots, in the award-winning museum’s 1950s Town, will give people the chance to get involved in...
Read More about New community allotments bloom at Beamish, thanks to Banks fundingThe Entertainer to open its first outlet store at Dalton Park
25 Sep 2025
Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has revealed that it is set to open its first outlet store next week, at Dalton Park in County Durham. The 2000 sq. ft space is set to open at 9:30am on Saturday 4th October and will stock a selection of the retailers’ best-loved brands at...
Read More about The Entertainer to open its first outlet store at Dalton ParkThe Bowes Museum invests in cultural tourism with new ‘In Concert’ series
24 Sep 2025
The Bowes Museum’s newly founded music programme aims to boost the evening economy and bring world-class performers to County Durham. The museum has launched a new programme of evening concerts to diversify its cultural offer and attract new audiences to County Durham. ‘In Concert at The Bowes...
Read More about The Bowes Museum invests in cultural tourism with new ‘In Concert’ seriesLumiere, the UK's light art biennial, returns with spectacular 2025 line-up
24 Sep 2025
● The UK’s landmark light art biennial transforms Durham once again, Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 November 2025.● Announced today, a remarkable programme of light artworks from international and UK artists, with major new commissions, premieres, and community collaborations.● Over 15 years,...
Read More about Lumiere, the UK's light art biennial, returns with spectacular 2025 line-up
Industry
Lumiere Ticket News
17 Sep 2025
Information you can provide your guests enquiring about Lumiere 2025 tickets - it has been announced visitors can now register to book tickets for the festival taking place between 13th and 15th November. By registering in advance, visitors will get a smoother booking experience when tickets go on...
Read More about Lumiere Ticket NewsKynren's volunteer cast and crew receive standing ovation after 2025 season finale
15 Sep 2025
Kynren’s 2025 season came to an end on Saturday evening, with the show’s 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew receiving a standing ovation from the audience. The award-winning live action night show’s finale concluded Kynren’s nine-show run, with its 2025 season welcoming the highest number...
Read More about Kynren's volunteer cast and crew receive standing ovation after 2025 season finaleTEDx Returns to Durham This November
12 Sep 2025
Durham, UK – September 2025 – Durham will welcome back the return of TEDxDurham on Sunday, 2 November 2025 at the Gala Durham. The original TEDxDurham took place 12 years ago in 2013 in Northern England and then travelled abroad to Durham, North Carolina. It is proudly being repatriated back to...
Read More about TEDx Returns to Durham This NovemberWinners of VisitEngland’s 2025 ROSE Award announced
11 Sep 2025
VisitEngland has today Wednesday 10 September revealed this year’s winners of its Accommodation Quality Scheme 2025 ROSE Awards. The ROSE (Recognition Of Service Excellence) Awards showcase the accommodation providers who deliver the warmest of welcomes and where the staff...
Read More about Winners of VisitEngland’s 2025 ROSE Award announced
Industry
Accessibility Videos
11 Sep 2025
New introductory videos to VisitEngland’s popular Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Toolkit for Businesses are now available on the VisitEngland Academy Learning Platform. Recorded by toolkit author Emily Yates, the short videos take users through the structure and practical tools within the...
Read More about Accessibility VideosA festive family favourite to return to Auckland Palace
9 Sep 2025
AGLOW, one of the North East’s must-see experiences, will once again dazzle visitors to Auckland Palace in Bishop Auckland this festive season, with one of the tallest Christmas trees in the North, one of the longest outdoor light tunnels in the country, as well as dozens of other breathtaking...
Read More about A festive family favourite to return to Auckland PalaceNew multi-day walking route launches in the North Pennines National Landscape
3 Sep 2025
This week marks the launch of the 301km (188-mile) Roof of England Walk – a new multi-day walking trail that explores the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark. The Roof of England Walk is a journey around the North Pennines, with its name reflecting its lofty location in...
Read More about New multi-day walking route launches in the North Pennines National Landscape
Industry
North Pennines stargazing festival programme launches
27 Aug 2025
The programme has been launched for this year’s celebration of the dark skies of the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark. The ninth North Pennines Stargazing Festival will run from Wednesday 22 October to Sunday 2 November 2025, with a range of fun and informative events...
Read More about North Pennines stargazing festival programme launchesThe Auckland Project invests in local skills with new hospitality training programme
26 Aug 2025
Staff and volunteers at The Auckland Project are being given the opportunity to attend hospitality training as part of a new initiative aimed at strengthening the region’s tourism and visitor economy. In partnership with Bishop Auckland College, The Auckland Project has created a bespoke...
Read More about The Auckland Project invests in local skills with new hospitality training programme