Media Room
Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Growth Plan Support
12 Oct 2022
The North East Growth Hub has produced a handy update on what support is available to businesses following the Chancellor's unveiling of the government's Growth Plan. Amongst the measures announced were support with energy costs, reversal of the National Insurance contributions rise, and changes to...
Read More about Growth Plan SupportCountdown begins
5 Oct 2022
The official countdown to the 2025 Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) bicentennial celebrations has begun with the unveiling of the new brand for the anniversary, marking three years to go. At the heart of the celebrations are the plans for a recreation of the inaugural journey from...
Read More about Countdown beginsNew Tourism Minister
5 Oct 2022
Life Peer Lord Syed Kamall has been announced as Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and takes responsibility for civic society, heritage and growth alongside tourism. We would like to welcome Lord Kamall to his new role and thank outgoing...
Read More about New Tourism MinisterHotel makes treats a priority for its club members
4 Oct 2022
A top North East hotel has unveiled the latest tranche of treats for those signed up to its Priority Club. 600-year-old Lumley Castle Hotel, at Chester-le-Street, launched the free-to-join membership scheme – which gives access to special offers and early bird event invitations - earlier this...
Read More about Hotel makes treats a priority for its club membersDiscover unique and exciting jobs at Beamish Museum
3 Oct 2022
Step back in time and become immersed in North East history with exciting new jobs at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. From an Edwardian Engager to a fish fryer, a range of unique roles are being advertised at the award-winning County Durham museum, including in The 1900s Town, new 1950s...
Read More about Discover unique and exciting jobs at Beamish MuseumMaster Chef of Great Britain launches new menu at Lumley Castle
30 Sep 2022
The elite head chef at one of the North East’s most renowned hotels is showcasing his skill and experience with a new, fine dining menu. Jim Hall, recently awarded the prestigious Master Chef of Great Britain title, leads the catering team at historic Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, Co...
Read More about Master Chef of Great Britain launches new menu at Lumley CastleRaby Estates announces high connectivity broadband for Upper Teesdale
30 Sep 2022
Raby Estates has announced that householders and businesses across the whole of Upper Teesdale will have the benefit of ultrafast broadband from the autumn. A programme to bring high connectivity broadband to over 50 tenants of the estate and other neighbouring properties is being rolled out over...
Read More about Raby Estates announces high connectivity broadband for Upper TeesdaleTouch Stay update
28 Sep 2022
Over the summer, VCD Supplier Partner Touch Stay has added Hostaway and enhanced existing integrations with OwnerRez and BookingSync to further facilitate the ease with which accommodation providers can effectively communicate with guests - an integration with Anytime Booking is in the works. Touch...
Read More about Touch Stay updateTourism forum
28 Sep 2022
The North Pennines AONB Partnership will be holding their annual tourism forum on 13th October at Melmerby Village Hall, Cumbria asking: 'Is a regenerative approach the way forward for the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark? And if so - what does it...
Read More about Tourism forumNew after dark Halloween trail to open at Raby's popular woodland play area
28 Sep 2022
A new after dark twilight trail will be opening for the first time at the woodland adventure playground The Plotters’ Forest, for Halloween. As the sun sets, the trail at Raby Castle’s adventure playground – which is woven within its Christmas Tree plantation – will come alive in a...
Read More about New after dark Halloween trail to open at Raby's popular woodland play areaAged miners’ homes underway in Beamish’s 1950s Town
26 Sep 2022
Work is underway at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North on a replica of aged miners’ homes that will provide a space for people living with dementia and other long-term health conditions. Dedication stones have been unveiled on the replicas of the aged miners’ homes from Marsden Road, in...
Read More about Aged miners’ homes underway in Beamish’s 1950s TownDurham Cathedral’s interior is set to be transformed with light and sound this October
22 Sep 2022
Durham Cathedral is set to be transformed with dazzling sound and light this October as Life by artists Luxmuralis comes to the North East for the first time. This autumn, visitors can experience Durham Cathedral in a whole new light as from 6.45pm every evening, between 12-16 October, the...
Read More about Durham Cathedral’s interior is set to be transformed with light and sound this OctoberSet a date for starry nights and nocturnal adventures
7 Sep 2022
The programme has been launched for this year’s celebration of the dark skies of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark. The sixth North Pennines Stargazing Festival will run from 21 to 30 October 2022, during the Autumn half term, and has over 20...
Read More about Set a date for starry nights and nocturnal adventuresFlower Festival to pay tribute to County Durham’s people, places and past
17 Aug 2022
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens is to host a flower festival celebrating County Durham’s heritage, culture, people and places. Ushaw Flower Fest, will see the 214-year-old Georgian house transform into a floral walking tour that tells rich stories from Durham’s past and present,...
Read More about Flower Festival to pay tribute to County Durham’s people, places and pastSummer’s sorted, with affordable fun for all the family at Ushaw
10 Aug 2022
As we reach the halfway point of the school summer holidays, you’d be forgiven for running somewhat short of ideas to keep the kids entertained. With the cost of living crisis biting, parents up and down the country are on the lookout for ways to make the holidays fun without breaking the bank,...
Read More about Summer’s sorted, with affordable fun for all the family at Ushaw