Media Room
Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Industry
TXGB update
20 Sep 2023
eviivo and Bookalet users can now augment their booking reach and plug into a wider range of local, regional and national tourism bodies and channels thanks to new connections with TXGB. Connecting to TXGB is quick and easy - simply complete the short 'Get Started form here and the TXGB Customer...
Read More about TXGB update
Industry
Barnard Castle project welcomes their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to Raby Castle
14 Sep 2023
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke of Gloucester and Duchess of Gloucester visited County Durham, this week (13th September), to recognise the region’s longstanding commitment to traditional skills training and heritage restoration. As Patron of the Cultura Trust, the national charity which has...
Read More about Barnard Castle project welcomes their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to Raby Castle
Industry
DDP update
13 Sep 2023
A reminder that the latest Destination Development Partnership update is being held online this Friday 15th September at 8:30am. Get the latest information on the government backed regional tourism pilot and how businesses can get involved. Reserve your place.
Read More about DDP update
Industry
Create Growth Programme
13 Sep 2023
Are you a creative business in North East England and are looking to grow your business through investment? Create UK are now taking applications for their North East Create Growth Programme. This DCMS funded development programme provides bespoke mentoring, workshops and investor introduction.
Read More about Create Growth Programme
Industry
Regulatory updates
13 Sep 2023
Did you know that on 1st October two regulations that could effect your business come into effect - an extension on the ban on single use plastics, and new fire safety guidance for accommodation providers.
Read More about Regulatory updates
Industry
Funding win for Silver Swan conservation work
13 Sep 2023
The Bowes Museum has been awarded funding by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out conservation work on the Museum's Silver Swan. The Silver Swan is one of the finest examples of 18th century automata in the world, a life-size, solid silver, replica of a female Swan containing 2,000...
Read More about Funding win for Silver Swan conservation work
Industry
New Christmas attraction will provide festive boost to Durham’s visitor economy
7 Sep 2023
Durham’s festive offer is now even brighter thanks to the creation of a new Christmas themed attraction. The Auckland Project is launching a brand new light trail, AGLOW, which promises to dazzle visitors to Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland this festive season. Featuring the tallest Christmas...
Read More about New Christmas attraction will provide festive boost to Durham’s visitor economy
Industry
Bookings open at Raby Castle's magnificent new event space, marking milestone for 'Rising' development
7 Sep 2023
Raby Castle’s ‘Rising’ development has marked a momentous milestone, as bookings for 2024 events open in its magnificent new events spaces. The iconic spaces will welcome guests to enjoy unique events opportunities in the stunning historical surroundings. The Rising project has seen the...
Read More about Bookings open at Raby Castle's magnificent new event space, marking milestone for 'Rising' development
Visit County Durham
Flying the flag for Durham and North East England in the USA
6 Sep 2023
Durham and North East England will be showcased to more than 50 top travel buyers from across North America at a major travel trade event this week.
Read More about Flying the flag for Durham and North East England in the USA
Industry
Top visitor award for the Spanish Gallery and Auckland Castle
29 Aug 2023
One of the North East’s most popular visitor attractions and historic sites has scooped a prestigious tourism award which places it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide. Part of The Auckland Project, The Spanish Gallery and Auckland Castle, located on the main site in the heart of Bishop...
Read More about Top visitor award for the Spanish Gallery and Auckland Castle
Industry
Raby Castle nominated for prestigious VisitEngland welcome accolade
29 Aug 2023
Raby Castle has been nominated for the prestigious VisitEngland ‘Welcome’ Accolade after its staff scored 100% in a recent assessment. Staff across visitor services, catering and retail as well as tour guides and volunteers within the castle were awarded marks out of five for customer care,...
Read More about Raby Castle nominated for prestigious VisitEngland welcome accolade
Industry
Time to swan about at Ramside Treehouses
9 Aug 2023
The continued success of a County Durham hotel’s unique treehouses has led to the creation of two new properties. Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa has just unveiled Swan and Kingfisher, two additional glass fronted A frame house, which represents a further £500,000 investment at the luxury...
Read More about Time to swan about at Ramside Treehouses
Industry
Raby Castle's 'Rising' development marks major milestone as work commences on new panoramic café restaurant
1 Aug 2023
Raby Castle’s ‘Rising’ development has marked a major milestone as work commences on the estate’s new Vinery Café Restaurant. The new eatery, a stylish and airy recreation of the Victorian glasshouse which once stood in the same spot, will offer panoramic views to the castle and parkland...
Read More about Raby Castle's 'Rising' development marks major milestone as work commences on new panoramic café restaurant
Industry
New museum opening this October to explore encounters, experiences and expressions of faith in Britain
24 Jul 2023
It’s been 10 years in the making, and countless challenges have been encountered along the way, but we’ve kept the faith, and now it’s finally ready – the Faith Museum opens to the public on 7 October 2023. The Faith Museum explores the myriad ways in which faith has shaped lives and...
Read More about New museum opening this October to explore encounters, experiences and expressions of faith in Britain
Industry
Region celebrates £5.4bn tourism milestone and bold ambitions for visitor economy
24 Jul 2023
The tourism sector in the North East is now worth £5.4bn, the first time it has exceeded £5bn since 2019. Tourism is the fourth largest sector in the North East and is England’s third largest employer. Latest STEAM* figures for 2022 have revealed that the tourism sector in the North East is...
Read More about Region celebrates £5.4bn tourism milestone and bold ambitions for visitor economy