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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Industry
Amazing places to visit, dine, stay and experience encouraged to enter Tourism Awards
25 Jun 2026
With just over a month to go until entries close for the North East England Tourism Awards, visitor economy businesses from across the North East are being encouraged to enter […]
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Industry
Opening date confirmed for The Light
23 Jun 2026
An opening date has been announced for Durham City’s latest cultural attraction, heralding the start of an exciting new chapter for art, history and innovation in the North East. Durham […]
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Industry
Exhibition explores impact of war on the home front
15 Jun 2026
A powerful new exhibition exploring how conflict has shaped the people and places of County Durham is now open. A Debt Beyond Words focuses on the experiences of those connected […]
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Industry
Beamish CEO Rhiannon Hiles appointed CBE in King’s Birthday Honours
15 Jun 2026
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Chief Executive Rhiannon Hiles has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours. Rhiannon […]
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Industry
Michelin Young Chef of the Year heads to Durham for exclusive Faru collaboration
11 Jun 2026
Michelin-recommended Durham restaurant Faru is set to welcome one of the UK's most celebrated chefs to the city for a special one-night-only dining experience. On Monday 29 June, husband-and-wife team […]
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Visit County Durham
Durham visitor economy approaches record £1.5 billion as investment and partnerships continue to drive growth
11 Jun 2026
County Durham’s visitor economy has continued its strong upward trajectory, with the latest independent tourism figures showing visitor expenditure rising to £1.48 billion during 2025, an increase of 8% compared […]
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Industry
More visitors flock to North East England as tourism numbers increase across the region
10 Jun 2026
Major study shows that the region welcomed more than 70 million visitors in 2025 with tourism now worth over £7.13 billion to the North East’s economy. The North East’s vibrant […]
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Industry
Lady Barnard welcomes Kirstie Allsopp at future countryside event
5 Jun 2026
Lord and Lady Barnard hosted Future Countryside, the leading national forum for rural policy and debate, at Raby Castle yesterday, with many of the nation’s key rural voices in attendance. […]
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Visit County Durham
New destination marketing agency for North East England announced
3 Jun 2026
Visit County Durham looks forward to working in partnership with Experience North East England (formerly NewcastleGateshead Initiative), and continuing to play a leading role in the development of the county […]
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Industry
County Durham set to host prestigious countryside event
28 May 2026
Future Countryside, the leading national forum for rural policy and debate, will take place at Raby Castle on 2 June 2026. Now in its fourth year, Future Countryside returns at a defining […]
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Industry
Heritage rail journey supports people living with dementia during National Dementia Week
22 May 2026
A dedicated heritage rail experience was held on the Weardale Railway in support of National Dementia Week, welcoming people living with dementia and their carers for a memorable day out […]
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Industry
Brass Bash locations confirmed for Durham Brass Festival
20 May 2026
Locations have been announced for a popular feature of Durham Brass Festival. Durham Brass Festival’s Big and Little Brass Bashes are going on tour again this year, bringing free concerts […]
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Industry
Durham coastal grasslands project successfully completed
20 May 2026
A project to restore coastal grasslands along the Durham Heritage Coast has been successfully completed. Led by Durham County Council and the Heritage Coast Partnership in collaboration with the National […]
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Industry
Diggerland Durham revealed as secret BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show location in exciting Big Weekend ticket giveaway
20 May 2026
United Kingdom - May 2026 - Diggerland Durham became the centre of national attention on 19th May 2026 after being revealed as the secret location for a live competition on […]
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Industry
North East TV star brands County Durham tourist spot 'best museum on the planet'
20 May 2026
North East TV star Steph McGovern has hailed Beamish Museum as “the best museum on the planet” after enjoying another visit to the hugely popular County Durham attraction. The presenter, […]
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