Media Room
Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Industry
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 […]
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Industry
The 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 […]
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Industry
Christmas 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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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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