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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.

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Format: 29-12-2023

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Format: 30-12-2023

Industry

Bishop Auckland attraction earns ultimate tourism accolade

25 Oct 2024

The Auckland Project in County Durham has achieved the highest rating from VisitEngland in its ‘Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2023-2024'. The Bishop Auckland collection of attractions attained ‘Gold’ after its Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment, which is awarded to places...

Industry

Framing fashion: Art and inspiration from a private collection of Vivienne Westwood is open at The Bowes Museum

25 Oct 2024

Experience a golden decade of design with only-to-be-seen-here clothing from the late designer set among never-before-shown Museum objects.This unique show features some of Westwood’s most recognisable creations from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, loaned to the Barnard Castle Museum by the...

Industry

Dates announced for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2025

24 Oct 2024

Food fans are encouraged to save the date for the return of one of the region’s biggest food festivals. Durham County Council has confirmed Bishop Auckland Food Festival will return to the town on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April. Each year the two-day event attracts thousands of visitors for a...

Industry

VisitEngland announces 2023-2024 Visitor Attraction Accolades winners

22 Oct 2024

VisitEngland has today, 22 October, revealed the winners of its Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2023-2024, recognising excellence within the visitor attraction sector. Accolades were awarded to 72 English attractions covering all aspects of what makes an outstanding visitor experience....

Industry

Weardale Railway’s Santa Express expands to meet high demand for Christmas 2024

21 Oct 2024

Weardale Railway has launched its 2024 Santa Express train rides, offering a record 22 dates and 74 trains operating between November 16th and December 24th, 2024. This is the largest schedule they've ever run. This week, they are delighted to announce, after seeing many of the VIP &...

Industry

Forestry England launches Forest Walkies route in Hamsterley Forest

21 Oct 2024

Tails are set to wag and noses to twitch as Forestry England invites you to take your dog on the ultimate forest dog walk with Wallace & Gromit as they unveil a brand-new Forest Walkies route in Hamsterley Forest. The route is one of 22 across the nation’s forests and has been developed...

Industry

The Best Places to Visit, Dine, Stay and Experience in North East England Shortlisted in Prestigious Awards

18 Oct 2024

The shortlist for the North East England Tourism Awards has been revealed, as a spotlight is shined on the North East’s tourism hotspots. For more than 20 years, the North East England Tourism Awards have helped to champion the region’s vibrant and diverse multi-million-pound tourism and...

Industry

New Ted Holloway exhibition launches at Bishop Auckland Mining Art Gallery

15 Oct 2024

A new exhibition at the Mining Art Gallery brings together a selection of Ted Holloway’s paintings and drawings highlighting his journey from miner to art teacher to professional artist. Opening on Saturday 19th October at the gallery in Bishop Auckland, the Ted Holloway: A Bevin Boy...

Industry

Julia Handelman-Smith named new Programme Director of Into the Light

14 Oct 2024

Into the Light is pleased to announce the appointment of Julia Handelman-Smith as its new Programme Director. Julia is joining Into the Light, a place-based creative collaboration that will drive long-lasting growth in County Durham by empowering communities, inspiring children and young people,...

Industry

Spanish partners receive warm welcome to County Durham

10 Oct 2024

Representatives from Spain have been welcomed to County Durham this week. Durham County Council has been working with A Coruña Provincial Council in north west Spain for a number of years now. The region-to-region partnership aims to promote the English Way, or Camino Ingles, pilgrimage route and...

Industry

Purple Tuesday Event

9 Oct 2024

Purple Tuesday is a global, social movement for improving the customer experience for people with access needs. Join us on 12th November for Destination North East England's Purple Tuesday event at Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne. Learn about how the regional Everybody Welcome programme can...

Industry

AccessAble Discounts Extended

9 Oct 2024

Available discounts to get an AccessAble Detailed Access Guide for just £1 plus VAT have now been extended to more small tourism businesses in England. Visitor attractions within a single building and up to two additional assets such as a shop or cafe are now eligible. Bed & Breakfasts, and...

Industry

New Changing Places toilets help increase accessibility in County Durham

9 Oct 2024

County Durham’s network of Changing Places toilets has expanded, making it easier for people with disabilities and their carers to plan and enjoy days out. Next week, Durham County Council’s Cabinet will hear how the local authority applied for two rounds of funding from the Ministry of...

Industry

Bishop Auckland Palace hosts the ultimate pumpkin party

4 Oct 2024

Auckland Palace’s first ever Pumpkin Forest light trail kicks off this evening (Friday 4th October), as the historic attraction and landmark in the centre of Bishop Auckland celebrates autumn’s arrival and the change of seasons. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 4 – 27 October and...

Industry

Bright Ideas

3 Oct 2024

The Bright Ideas Gathering returns to Durham for the 4th year, aiming to be one of the cultural highlights of the year for businesses, residents and visitors alike. This unique event is a must for curiosity seekers and future thinkers everywhere. The Bright Ideas Gathering is being held at the Gala...