Media Room
Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
A stitch in time – meet the woman sewing together history
5 Mar 2026
Behind the thunder of hooves, the clash of steel and the cinematic sweep of history on the Kynren stage, another epic undertaking is quietly unfolding. One measured in fabric, form and fine detail. At the heart of it is Emily Baxendale, the Head of Wardrobe for Kynren – The Storied Lands,...
Read More about A stitch in time – meet the woman sewing together historyLost Feather takes flight as landmark arena rises at Kynren - The Stories Lands
3 Mar 2026
Construction is gathering pace on one of the most ambitious and distinctive attractions ever created for a UK visitor destination, as the vast Lost Feather arena continues to take shape at Kynren – The Storied Lands. The striking new venue, featuring a colossal bird’s nest, is rapidly taking...
Read More about Lost Feather takes flight as landmark arena rises at Kynren - The Stories Lands“Town of Culture 2028 Bid”: People of Bishop Auckland we need you
3 Mar 2026
Bishop Auckland Town Council is delighted to announce that it is pressing ahead with a formal bid for Town of Culture 2028, marking an important step in showcasing the town’s heritage, creativity, and vibrant community spirit. The bid will celebrate the town’s distinctive history and cultural...
Read More about “Town of Culture 2028 Bid”: People of Bishop Auckland we need youNorth East Combined Authority sets growth plans for the North East visitor economy
3 Mar 2026
The North East Combined Authority (NECA) has published Cabinet papers ahead of its meeting on 9 December, outlining proposals regarding growth plans for the North East visitor economy including organisational arrangements for a new regional tourism body – provisionally titled Experience...
Read More about North East Combined Authority sets growth plans for the North East visitor economyGovernment Consultation on a Potential Tourism Levy – Have Your Say
3 Mar 2026
The UK Government has launched a consultation on proposals that would enable Mayoral Combined Authorities to introduce a tourism levy. If implemented, the levy could be applied to visitor accommodation to raise funds for local services and visitor economy investment. Summary The consultation seeks...
Read More about Government Consultation on a Potential Tourism Levy – Have Your SayS&DR200 Festival announces opening of Trail of Discovery and launch of interactive game
2 Mar 2026
S&DR200 festival has announced the official opening of the Trail of Discovery, a new public walking and cycling route that follows sections of the original 26-mile journey of the world’s first passenger railway—the Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR), complete with an interactive...
Read More about S&DR200 Festival announces opening of Trail of Discovery and launch of interactive game
Industry
International cricket in Durham set to bowl visitors over
2 Mar 2026
High-profile international matches will bring world-class cricket, and visitors, to Durham during 2026, showcasing elite talent and offering local fans a chance to watch England play close to home. Banks Homes Riverside, home of Durham Cricket, prepares to welcome three major England international...
Read More about International cricket in Durham set to bowl visitors overMore great names join the line-up for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2026
2 Mar 2026
Brothers who convinced a Dragons’ Den judge to invest in them, the latest winner of The Great British Bake Off, a presenter of the popular BBC daytime series Escape To The Country and pies inspired by Bishop Auckland. All are newly announced for this year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival, which...
Read More about More great names join the line-up for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2026Lost Feather Takes Flight as Landmark Arena Rises at Kynren - The Storied Lands
24 Feb 2026
Construction is gathering pace on one of the most ambitious and distinctive attractions ever created for a UK visitor destination, as the vast Lost Feather arena continues to take shape at Kynren – The Storied Lands. The striking new venue, featuring a colossal bird’s nest, is rapidly taking...
Read More about Lost Feather Takes Flight as Landmark Arena Rises at Kynren - The Storied Lands
Industry
The Auckland Project strikes gold with VisitEngland
24 Feb 2026
The Auckland Project’s heritage holiday accommodation has been recognised at the highest level after achieving outstanding results in its latest VisitEngland quality assessment. A selection of properties within Auckland Palace Stays were awarded prestigious star ratings, with Bishop Lightfoot...
Read More about The Auckland Project strikes gold with VisitEnglandFree Entry to Family Open Day at The Bowes Museum
17 Feb 2026
Saturday 21 February 2026 from 10:30am to 4pm, The Bowes Museum invites visitors to enjoy a variety of activities on its Family Open Day with free entry for everyone. Recommended for all the family, the event is an opportunity to try pet-themed pottery painting, learn about conservation, take part...
Read More about Free Entry to Family Open Day at The Bowes MuseumMining Art Gallery marks Tom McGuinness’s centenary with Out of the Darkness exhibition
16 Feb 2026
Bishop Auckland’s Mining Art Gallery will honour one of County Durham’s most compelling artists with Tom McGuinness: Out of the Darkness – opening on 18 February - a major retrospective marking the centenary of the acclaimed miner-artist, born in 1926. Drawing on a lifetime spent...
Read More about Mining Art Gallery marks Tom McGuinness’s centenary with Out of the Darkness exhibitionNew winter arts festival ‘IGNITE’ to light up Bishop Auckland this February
16 Feb 2026
This free celebration of light, storytelling and shared creativity is brought by Daisy Arts, in partnership with Hearth, The Auckland Project and Artistic Solutions. With the rallying cry “When the nights are long, we bring the light,” the festival invites families, friends, and visitors of all...
Read More about New winter arts festival ‘IGNITE’ to light up Bishop Auckland this FebruaryDiscover Canny Creations at Beamish Museum this Half Term
13 Feb 2026
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North will some of the greatest inventions to come from the North East, from Saturday, 14th February until Sunday, 1st March. Enjoy Canny Creations: Wonderful North East Inventions from Saturday, 14th February to Sunday, 1st March. Head to Pockerley Waggonway and...
Read More about Discover Canny Creations at Beamish Museum this Half TermBinchester Roman Fort gets new custodians
13 Feb 2026
An attraction which shows what life was like at one of the largest Roman military sites in Northern Britain is to come under new management. Durham County Council will be transferring the custodianship of Binchester Roman Fort to The Auckland Project as part of plans to enhance visitor experience...
Read More about Binchester Roman Fort gets new custodians