Media Room
Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
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 […]
Read More about Raising the Roof – ‘Hollywood’ thatchers add star quality to Kynren's landmark new attraction
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 […]
Read More about North East tourism stars take centre stage as voting opens in national tourism superstar competition
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, […]
Read More about 2025: Year in Search
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 […]
Read More about Vote for Kynren
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 […]
Read More about Domestic Sentiment Tracker
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 […]
Read More about A message from Visit County Durham's Managing Director, Michelle Gorman
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 […]
Read More about This Morning chef makes Bishop Auckland Food Festival return
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 […]
Read More about The Next Generation: LNER reveals exciting new details of upcoming East Coast main line trains
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 […]
Read More about South Causey Inn Announces Six-Month Residency with Michelin-Starred Restaurant Hjem
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 […]
Read More about Visit County Durham Connects with Group Trade at the Excursions Show
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, […]
Read More about The Bowes Museum to sparkle after dark with first in a series of new 'Bowes Lates' events
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 […]
Read More about New home for historic Durham Cathedral painting
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 […]
Read More about Raby breaks ground on Staindrop Houses
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 […]
Read More about Public Vote Open to Crown North East's Best Event
Visit County Durham
Durham Champions gather to hear county success stories
22 Jan 2026
Over 50 businesses, organisations and individuals from across County Durham came together this week for the third Durham Champions meeting. This county-wide network of people who are passionate about the […]
Read More about Durham Champions gather to hear county success stories