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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Make the most of Dark Skies
9 Feb 2022
Did you know that Durham has some of the darkest skies in mainland Britain and has 12 dark sky discovery sites which provide great, accessible views of the night sky? Visit County Durham is hosting an online business support webinar on Tuesday 8 March 2022 from 10am-12noon to help you understand...
Read More about Make the most of Dark SkiesFree digital courses
3 Feb 2022
New College Durham is delivering a range of free digital qualifications aimed at up skilling employees who live in Durham. The aim is to work closely with local employers to address digital skills gaps that you may have in your workforce. Employees can receive bespoke non-accredited training such...
Read More about Free digital coursesAdvertising opportunity
3 Feb 2022
VCD Supplier Partner, Durham OnAir is offering one month FREE advertising online and on DAB Radio across the North East with every on air advertising campaign sold lasting one month or more. Durham OnAir plays to thousands of locals online, and is available to over 380,000 adults in...
Read More about Advertising opportunityBid submitted!
3 Feb 2022
Today, Durham has submitted its bid for UK City of Culture 2025. The title would open up a world of opportunity. At the heart of the bid is a year-long programme of arts, culture, sport, science and economics, including spectacular opening and closing events. It's time for Durham to step into the...
Read More about Bid submitted!A unique bicentennial
26 Jan 2022
To mark the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 2025, councils and groups from across the region are working together to drive forward a huge series of events for local people and visitors. Special steam train journeys, exhibitions, parades and arts and theatre events are...
Read More about A unique bicentennialNew App for Seaham
26 Jan 2022
'Discover Seaham' has been developed as part of the Seaham Townscape Heritage Project, which is supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The app allows locals and visitors alike to explore the town's history and heritage in an interactive way. It offers different...
Read More about New App for SeahamA Memorable Moment to support the Bid
26 Jan 2022
As part of County Durham's bid to be UK City of Culture 2025, a user generated content campaign is asking people to share their special memories of the county from the last 12 months. Memorable Moments draws upon the fact people have spent a lot more time reconnecting with their local area...
Read More about A Memorable Moment to support the BidOmicron one-off hospitality grant
26 Jan 2022
In December, the Government announced the introduction of one-off grant support for hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses in England impacted by the Omicron variant of up to £6,000 per premises. The grants are available to eligible, trading hospitality, leisure and...
Read More about Omicron one-off hospitality grantRail consultation
19 Jan 2022
Great British Railways (GBR) is a new public body set up by government that will run and plan the rail network, own the infrastructure, procure passenger services and set most fares and timetables. To inform the Strategic Plan, GBR has issued a call for evidence, seeking to consider the...
Read More about Rail consultationDurham Pocket Guide 2022
19 Jan 2022
Work is now underway in conjunction with our publishing partner, Offstone, to create the 2022 edition of the Durham Pocket Guide, with Visit County Durham partners able to benefit from exclusive discounted rates. 125,000 copies will be distributed across the region in early May and will be used as...
Read More about Durham Pocket Guide 20222021 top pages on thisisdurham.com
18 Jan 2022
We’re looking back at how the ongoing pandemic impacted what consumers searched for on thisisdurham.com, the county’s official tourism website, and what pages proved to be the most popular last year. We’re looking back at how the ongoing pandemic impacted what consumers searched for on...
Read More about 2021 top pages on thisisdurham.comAccessible days out
12 Jan 2022
Visit County Durham has teamed up with disabled blogger, dancer and activist Kate Stanforth to help disabled people plan fun-filled days out. Kate has been out and about exploring attractions across the county such as Beamish, The Living Museum of the North and The Bowes Museum to share her top...
Read More about Accessible days out