Media Room
Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Industry
Remarkable Neapolitan Nativity returns to Auckland Palace for Christmas
25 Nov 2025
Bishop Auckland will be the only place in the UK where people can see an elaborate 18th-century nativity scene from Naples this festive season, comprising over 400 intricately crafted figures […]
Read More about Remarkable Neapolitan Nativity returns to Auckland Palace for Christmas
Industry
Vintage fairground ride returns to North East England for the first time since the 1960s
24 Nov 2025
Lightning Skid returns to Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town, from December 4-7 Bishop Auckland, Durham, November 24, 2025 - The Lightning Skid, a long-forgotten vintage fairground ride, returns to North East […]
Read More about Vintage fairground ride returns to North East England for the first time since the 1960s
Industry
Christmas Has Arrived at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
24 Nov 2025
Enjoy Christmas Daytimes at Beamish Museum every day until Wednesday, 24th December 2025! From twinkling decorations to delicious seasonal treats, nostalgic music and hands-on activities, the award-winning County Durham open […]
Read More about Christmas Has Arrived at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
Industry
Kynren Celebrates Hat-trick of Nominations at the North East Tourism Awards
20 Nov 2025
The team behind Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is celebrating after being shortlisted in three categories at the North East England Tourism Awards 2026. Kynren has been named […]
Read More about Kynren Celebrates Hat-trick of Nominations at the North East Tourism Awards
Industry
Lumiere finale records 120,000 visitors over three nights in Durham City and Shildon
19 Nov 2025
After sixteen years and 9 editions, more than 120,000 visitors turned out to see the lights of Lumiere before they went out over Durham, 13-15 November. Lumiere 2025 was produced […]
Read More about Lumiere finale records 120,000 visitors over three nights in Durham City and Shildon
Industry
Key deal agreed to bring forward Durham Innovation District
19 Nov 2025
Plans to develop an innovation district of national significance in Durham City have taken a major step forward, with the signing of a key agreement. Muse, Durham County Council and […]
Read More about Key deal agreed to bring forward Durham Innovation District
Industry
Durham Recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s Best Christmas Market Cities
19 Nov 2025
Durham has earned national recognition, being named one of the UK’s top Christmas market destinations by Which?. The listing highlights the city’s strong visitor appeal during the winter season and showcases Durham's fantastic festive […]
Read More about Durham Recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s Best Christmas Market Cities
Industry
Winners of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025 announced
14 Nov 2025
VisitEngland has today (12 November) named the winners of its Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025, recognising excellence within the visitor attraction sector. Accolades were awarded to 78 English attractions covering […]
Read More about Winners of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025 announced
Industry
AI in the Visitor Economy
12 Nov 2025
Curious about how AI can genuinely help your tourism, hospitality or visitor-facing business? Join this free online session to discover how AI can boost marketing, customer experience and productivity. Delivered […]
Read More about AI in the Visitor Economy
Industry
Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town announces full event programme for fifth annual celebrations
12 Nov 2025
The ‘Christmas Capital of the North’ returns December 4-7, with an expanded programme of outdoor entertainment and festive family fun Bishop Auckland, Durham, November 12 - Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town is back, for […]
Read More about Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town announces full event programme for fifth annual celebrations
Industry
Raby Castle to welcome Future Countryside 2026 a national forum shaping rural Britain’s future
11 Nov 2025
Future Countryside, now in its fourth year, has become the leading national forum for leaders, policymakers and rural communities to debate and shape the future of Britain’s countryside. Uniting a […]
Read More about Raby Castle to welcome Future Countryside 2026 a national forum shaping rural Britain’s future
Industry
The Bowes Museum unveils landmark 2026 exhibition programme celebrating icons of fashion, art and craft
7 Nov 2025
The Bowes Museum today announces an exceptional year of exhibitions for 2026, showcasing a bold and imaginative programme that bridges historical artistry and contemporary vision. Highlights include Vivienne Westwood: Rebel […]
Read More about The Bowes Museum unveils landmark 2026 exhibition programme celebrating icons of fashion, art and craft
Industry
North East solar energy specialist completes second phase of Ramside Hall project
6 Nov 2025
A North East solar renewable energy specialist, SCJ Renewables, has completed the second and final phase of its project at Ramside Hall in County Durham – installing over 360 panels […]
Read More about North East solar energy specialist completes second phase of Ramside Hall project
Industry
England's Historic Cities launch new expanded travel resource for World Travel Market
6 Nov 2025
England’s Historic Cities (EHC) have unveiled a brand-new edition of the England Originals Travel Trade Guide just in time for World Travel Market, which is taking place at ExCel, London, […]
Read More about England's Historic Cities launch new expanded travel resource for World Travel Market
Industry
Access Needs
5 Nov 2025
VisitEngland has published new insights on accessible and inclusive tourism and the challenges travellers with mobility issues face. The topline report is based on 992 travellers with mobility needs and […]
Read More about Access Needs