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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
New report from VisitBritain/VisitEngland shows tourism worth £147 billion to UK economy
21 Jan 2026
Tourism’s importance to the British economy is highlighted in major new research from national tourism agency VisitBritain/VisitEngland, demonstrating the industry’s significant economic contribution to local communities nationwide and its potential […]
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Industry
Auckland Palace Archaeology goes on public view in Bishop Auckland 'Open Lab'
21 Jan 2026
Archaeologists uncovering the hidden history of Auckland Palace are inviting the public behind the scenes as historic finds from eight years of excavations are analysed in a new ‘open laboratory’ […]
Read More about Auckland Palace Archaeology goes on public view in Bishop Auckland 'Open Lab'The Auckland Project awarded nationally recognised museum accreditation
14 Jan 2026
The Auckland Project has been awarded Accredited Museum status by Arts Council England for Auckland Palace, Faith Museum, Spanish Gallery, and Mining Art Gallery. Accreditation, run by Arts Council England […]
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Industry
11.6 million Brits plan a domestic holiday in the UK during festive season, bringing £3.3 billion boost to economy
19 Dec 2025
Survey shows that visiting friends and family and going out for a Christmas meal are most popular festive activities. VisitEngland’s Christmas Trip Tracker Survey released today, 18 December, shows that […]
Read More about 11.6 million Brits plan a domestic holiday in the UK during festive season, bringing £3.3 billion boost to economy
Industry
S&DR200 Celebrates a year of storytelling through the arts
17 Dec 2025
Since March 2025, S&DR200 has captured the imagination of hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe with a vibrant cultural programme that has used culture as a tool to tell […]
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Industry
Seaham celebrates first-ever direct train link to London
17 Dec 2025
Seaham celebrates first-ever direct train link to London with historic Grand Central launch. Open access operator Grand Central have launched its first-ever direct services between Seaham and London. This historic launch […]
Read More about Seaham celebrates first-ever direct train link to LondonFunding in store for Beamish Museum to help increase access to collections
16 Dec 2025
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is celebrating being awarded £49,000 from Art Fund, the national charity for museums and galleries, to improve access to its collections. The funding […]
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Industry
VisitEngland announces Tourism Superstar finalists for 2026
15 Dec 2025
VisitEngland has today, 15 December, revealed the 10 finalists to make the shortlist of its Tourism Superstar competition. VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition, now in its 14th year, seeks out champions working […]
Read More about VisitEngland announces Tourism Superstar finalists for 2026Raby launches wellness series for the New Year
11 Dec 2025
A leading north east lifestyle destination has introduced a new wellness programme, designed to encourage renewal, reflection and reconnection in the new year. Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has teamed […]
Read More about Raby launches wellness series for the New Year20 years of Durham Brass Festival
8 Dec 2025
A North East music festival promises to be bigger and better than ever as it celebrates two decades of bringing one of the biggest celebrations of brass to the region. […]
Read More about 20 years of Durham Brass FestivalThe Light offers a bright future for County Durham culture
5 Dec 2025
The name of a new cultural venue that will boost Durham City’s visitor offer and provide a home for creativity and innovation has been announced. The Light will bring together […]
Read More about The Light offers a bright future for County Durham cultureDurham Community Action celebrates turning 90!
4 Dec 2025
Durham Community Action, the voluntary sector infrastructure organisation for County Durham, celebrated it’s 90th birthday last week. The organisation provides advice, support and assistance to frontline groups operating in the […]
Read More about Durham Community Action celebrates turning 90!County Durham hotel has couple saying I do to new wedding accommodation
3 Dec 2025
A luxery addition to a boutique North East hotel is already proving a hit, despite it not opening until April. Bowburn Hall Hotel at near Durham has unveiled its plans […]
Read More about County Durham hotel has couple saying I do to new wedding accommodationThe Story wins national award
3 Dec 2025
County Durham’s newest culture, heritage and registration venue has been recognised for its contribution to the community with a national award. The Story was among the winners crowned at the […]
Read More about The Story wins national awardChristmas returns to Auckland Palace with an expanded festive food experience
26 Nov 2025
Christmas is returning to Auckland Palace in Bishop Auckland, bringing with it an expanded festive food experience for visitors to enjoy throughout the season. From indulgent afternoon teas in Bishop’s […]
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