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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
VisitEngland Awards
26 Apr 2023
VisitEngland has announced that this year's VisitEngland Awards for Excellence will be held at Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter on 7th June. There were more than 350 entries to the awards comprising local and regional winners from the 16 aligned competitions which have...
Read More about VisitEngland AwardsShort-term Lets consultation
26 Apr 2023
Following its call for evidence into the potential development of an accommodation registration scheme in Autumn 2022, DCMS has now launched a new consultation into how it might design and implement a registration scheme focused on short-term lets. This consultation seeks views on a range of...
Read More about Short-term Lets consultationDurham Cricket aiming to have a blast with most inclusive summer of cricket ever
20 Apr 2023
This summer Durham Cricket is aiming to make Seat Unique Riverside one of the most inclusive and accessible venues in the country. With a number of improvements to the stadium’s facilities already underway, such as the addition of a changing places space, sensory room, hearing loops and...
Read More about Durham Cricket aiming to have a blast with most inclusive summer of cricket everImproving travel links
19 Apr 2023
Work to improve active travel links along the route of the former Stockton and Darlington Railway and boost the visitor economy is to begin this summer. Durham County Council is investing more than £7million from its allocation from the government's Levelling Up Fund to develop new walking and...
Read More about Improving travel linksDisabled access survey
19 Apr 2023
Over 7,500 people took part in the UK's largest disabled access survey, run by Euan's Guide. The research shows that 72% of disabled people have found accessibility information on a venue's website to be misleading, confusing or inaccurate. 74% of participants also reported having experienced a...
Read More about Disabled access surveyDalton Park puts best green foot forward with double award win
14 Apr 2023
Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination has achieved two top accolades in recognition of its ongoing commitment to sustainability. The centre won the Greener Business Award at the County Durham Environment Awards in February before scooping the gong for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism...
Read More about Dalton Park puts best green foot forward with double award winCoronation toolkit
12 Apr 2023
With one month to go until the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, Britain is in the global spotlight. VisitBritain has developed a toolkit for tourism businesses to help them showcase their Coronation themed offerings to both domestic and international visitors.
Read More about Coronation toolkitFire safety
12 Apr 2023
The Home Office has published fully updated guidance for small accommodation businesses to help them comply with fire safety law. The new guide 'Making your small paying guest accommodation safe from fire' replaces the previous 'Do you have paying guests?' guide.
Read More about Fire safetySecond County Durham Stack given the go ahead
11 Apr 2023
The transformation of Durham City’s former Marks & Spencer store into an exciting leisure development was given the go-ahead by councillors today (Tues 11 April). Danieli Group announced last year that its plan to create STACK Durham at Silver Street, will ensure that the entire city centre...
Read More about Second County Durham Stack given the go aheadFind a Grant
5 Apr 2023
The Cabinet Office has recently launched a 'Find a Grant' digital service, a single place for eligible individuals and organisations to find and apply for government grants and gain access to financial support. The government has recently decided to make it mandatory for central government...
Read More about Find a GrantCyber Security
5 Apr 2023
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is the UK's technical authority on cyber security and has recently launched the latest phase of the #CyberAware campaign, aiming to help sole traders, micro businesses and small organisations stay safe online. NCSC is urging small business owners to take...
Read More about Cyber SecurityThe Auckland Project launches Annual Pass
5 Apr 2023
The Auckland Project will launch a new Annual Pass on Wednesday 5th April, making it easier for visitors to explore The Auckland Project’s diverse range of attractions. The Auckland Project is a unique collection of heritage attractions, gardens and parkland centred around Auckland Castle in the...
Read More about The Auckland Project launches Annual PassAlternative Fuel Payments
29 Mar 2023
The Non-Domestic Alternative Fuels Payments Scheme provides a fixed payment of £150 to UK non-domestic consumers who are off the gas grid and use alternative fuels. Most consumers that are eligible for this payment will have already received it automatically as a credit on their electricity bills....
Read More about Alternative Fuel PaymentsImproving active travel links along route of former Stockton and Darlington Railway
29 Mar 2023
Work to improve active travel links between County Durham communities along the route of an historic railway is to begin this summer. Durham County Council is to develop new walking and cycling routes along a 19-kilometre stretch of the former Stockton and Darlington Railway. The council is...
Read More about Improving active travel links along route of former Stockton and Darlington RailwayCelebrating the Women of Bishop Auckland
28 Mar 2023
The Auckland Project has launched a series of free theatrical walking tours to celebrate the hidden history of the women of Bishop Auckland. The ‘We Were Here’ walking tours shine a light on the women of Bishop Auckland through interactive story-telling, supported by costume and conversation....
Read More about Celebrating the Women of Bishop Auckland