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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.

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Format: 29-12-2023

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Format: 30-12-2023

Industry

Locomotion needs your help to break GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title this February half term

11 Feb 2026

Locomotion and S&DR200 are inviting you to join an official attempt at their first ever GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title on Thursday 26 February at Locomotion for the greatest number of people simultaneously...

Industry

Raising the Roof – ‘Hollywood’ thatchers add star quality to Kynren's landmark new attraction

10 Feb 2026

Kynren – The Storied Lands has brought a touch of Hollywood to County Durham after enlisting renowned film and television specialists Brandon Thatchers to create thatched roofs for the full-size, two-storey village setting for one of its spectacular new shows, Legend of the Wear. ...

Visit County Durham

North East tourism stars take centre stage as voting opens in national tourism superstar competition

10 Feb 2026

A much-loved volunteer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is representing County Durham and the wider North East in VisitEngland’s prestigious national Tourism Superstar competition, with public voting now open. 87-year-old Jimmy Nicol, a volunteer guide at Raby Castle, is one of just ten...

Visit County Durham

2025: Year in Search

5 Feb 2026

We take a look back on what visitors searched for and looked at throughout 2025 on thisisdurham.com, the county’s official tourism website. January The year opened with strong destination-led searches, with ‘Durham’ and ‘Things to do in Durham’ leading the way as people planned winter...

Industry

Vote for Kynren

4 Feb 2026

Public voting is OPEN for Tourism Event & Festival of the Year at the North East England Tourism Awards - and the winner is decided by you! Kynren has been nominated for the award so come on Durham, show your support by casting your vote by this Friday 6 February.

Industry

Domestic Sentiment Tracker

4 Feb 2026

VisitEngland's Domestic Sentiment Tracker for January 2026 shows that overall perceptions of the cost of living crisis have improved compared to December 2025. Domestic trip intentions in January were stable with 77% of UK consumers intending a domestic overnight trip over the next 12 months....

Visit County Durham

A message from Visit County Durham's Managing Director, Michelle Gorman

4 Feb 2026

As we begin 2026, Durham’s visitor economy is well positioned for continued growth. Ambition, collaboration and a clear strategic direction provide a solid platform as we move forward and build on recent success. Durham’s position as a compelling and competitive destination continues to be...

Industry

This Morning chef makes Bishop Auckland Food Festival return

4 Feb 2026

Celebrity chef Phil Vickery is to make a welcome return to a popular North East food festival this spring. Phil, who has graced screens for more than a quarter of a century on ITV show This Morning, will be leading the line-up at this year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival, which takes place on...

Industry

The Next Generation: LNER reveals exciting new details of upcoming East Coast main line trains

3 Feb 2026

A new generation of comfort and speed is coming for LNER customers on the East Coast Main Line with the introduction of 10 state-of-the-art intercity trains, delivering improved journey experiences. LNER has released a fleet name and the latest interior images of the trains, built by...

Industry

South Causey Inn Announces Six-Month Residency with Michelin-Starred Restaurant Hjem

30 Jan 2026

South Causey Inn is proud to announce an exceptional new collaboration launching on 4th February 2026, as Michelin-starred restaurant Hjem takes up a six-month residency at the award-winning County Durham destination. Led by acclaimed chef Alex Nietosvuori, Hjem is one of the North East’s most...

Visit County Durham

Visit County Durham Connects with Group Trade at the Excursions Show

30 Jan 2026

Visit County Durham was delighted to attend the 2026 Excursions Show, the UK’s longest running and most influential group travel exhibition, bringing together tour operators, coach organisers and destination partners from across the country. Promoting the county’s group friendly...

Industry

The Bowes Museum to sparkle after dark with first in a series of new 'Bowes Lates' events

29 Jan 2026

The Bowes Museum is inviting visitors to step inside after hours for the first in a series of Bowes Lates, a new way to enjoy a cultural evening of art, food and more in a relaxed atmosphere. The event takes place on Saturday, 14 February 2026, from 6pm to 9.30pm. Designed for everyone to enjoy,...

Industry

New home for historic Durham Cathedral painting

27 Jan 2026

A painting which has hung in Durham’s County Hall for decades has found a new home. The Building of Durham Cathedral has been carefully removed by Durham County Council’s collections team and transferred to Ushaw Historic House, Chapel & Gardens, where it is now on display. The...

Industry

Raby breaks ground on Staindrop Houses

26 Jan 2026

Work has begun on a collection of new high-quality homes in Staindrop at the East Leaze development. Managed by Raby Homes, the housing scheme will deliver 72 new properties, from one and two-bedroom apartments, single story, to five-bedroom houses and also includes affordable housing. The area to...

Industry

Public Vote Open to Crown North East's Best Event

26 Jan 2026

An epic outdoor spectacular, a traditional county show and two magical festive experiences are hoping to come out on top at a glitzy ceremony in March. The Tourism Festival or Event category at the Destination North East England Tourism Awards is the only one to be decided by the public. Event...