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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
A message from Visit County Durham's managing director, Michelle Gorman.
24 Jul 2024
I am delighted to say that despite quite a few recent rainy days the sun has finally made an appearance and it is beginning to feel like summer. The warmer months are incredibly important to the tourism industry, with amazing places to stay and so much to see and do in Durham let's hope there...
Read More about A message from Visit County Durham's managing director, Michelle Gorman.North East tourism campaign is a hit stateside
23 Jul 2024
The North East’s incredible icons, exciting adventures and distinctive food and drink have been showcased in the US as part of a campaign in partnership with national tourism agency VisitBritain, aimed at growing inbound visits to the region.
Read More about North East tourism campaign is a hit statesideKynren claims TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2024
23 Jul 2024
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew received news of the accolade following a successful preview night ahead of the summer season of shows, which starts on Saturday...
Read More about Kynren claims TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2024Durham showcased at Great Yorkshire Show
19 Jul 2024
Durham moved south, very briefly, last week as members of the Visit County Durham team headed to the Great Yorkshire Show, also flying the flag for Durham were partners including Kynren, The Auckland Project, Raby Estates, The Weardale Railway and Radisson Blu. The annual four-day event is a...
Read More about Durham showcased at Great Yorkshire ShowBeamish brings museum experience to Durham city centre in pop-up emporium
19 Jul 2024
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is bringing a flavour of the award-winning museum to Durham city centre with the opening of a pop-up emporium. The Beamish Emporium, which has opened in the Prince Bishops Place shopping centre, is a pioneering project for the museum. Customers can discover...
Read More about Beamish brings museum experience to Durham city centre in pop-up emporiumThe Bowes Museum’s Kith and Kinship: Norman Cornish and LS Lowry exhibition
18 Jul 2024
Newly discovered Cornish self-portrait will also now feature in this major exhibition by two extraordinary storytellers of everyday life, who showcase the north through different lenses Over 50 paintings, drawings and sketches by artists Norman Cornish and LS Lowry will be showcased at The Bowes...
Read More about The Bowes Museum’s Kith and Kinship: Norman Cornish and LS Lowry exhibitionGreen Tourism opportunity
17 Jul 2024
Boost your business and contribute to the sustainable regeneration of North East England with fully funded Green Tourism membership for the first year and 50% and 25% discounts in the second and third years respectively. The accreditation helps you evidence your sustainability credentials to...
Read More about Green Tourism opportunityKynren volunteer crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2024
17 Jul 2024
A key member of one of Durham’s star attractions has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2024. Wendy Wilshere, Head of Casting and Engagement at 11 Arches- the organisation behind Kynren, secured the most public votes in the annual competition, which is organised by Visit County Durham,...
Read More about Kynren volunteer crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2024Kynren kicks off summer season with a successful preview night
16 Jul 2024
In eager anticipation of the start of its summer season, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England hosted its preview night, inviting friends and family of the 1,000 strong cast and crew to witness the magic in Bishop Auckland. Performing to a crowd in the 8,000-seater tribune, Kynren’s ensemble brought...
Read More about Kynren kicks off summer season with a successful preview nightBeamish named region’s most visited attraction and among top nationally
15 Jul 2024
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North has been named the North East’s most visited attraction and among the top in the country, in a new VisitEngland report. The museum’s visitor numbers increased to 801,756 in 2023, making it top in the region and the 17th most visited paid-for attraction...
Read More about Beamish named region’s most visited attraction and among top nationallyCurtain comes down on Durham Brass Festival 2024
15 Jul 2024
World Heritage Site Durham Cathedral, care homes, schools, market places, parks and all manner of other venues. All have resonated with the joyous sounds of live music, singing, chat and laughter; and witnessed dancing aplenty and smiles galore. Over the course of a week, Durham Brass Festival 2024...
Read More about Curtain comes down on Durham Brass Festival 2024Auckland Castle, Auckland Tower and Faith Museum named amongst best buildings in the UK
15 Jul 2024
Auckland Castle, Auckland Tower and the Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, have been named amongst the UK’s best new buildings in this year’s RIBA National Awards. The RIBA’s awards programme recognises the UK’s best new architecture and 26 winners have been selected for 2024,...
Read More about Auckland Castle, Auckland Tower and Faith Museum named amongst best buildings in the UKViking invasion hits Bishop Auckland ahead of Kynren 2024 show
12 Jul 2024
Full of sparks, sword fights and sheep, Kynren’s cast and crew is putting together the finishing touches at its pre-show entertainment experience for its 2024 season. Audiences at this year’s Kynren in County Durham will encounter Return of The Vikings, a new experience featuring an authentic...
Read More about Viking invasion hits Bishop Auckland ahead of Kynren 2024 showBoost for Durham as new developments drive growth in the visitor economy
12 Jul 2024
Latest tourism figures show a major boost for Durham’s economy as the county builds on its bumper £1bn milestone achieved in 2022, with new attractions playing a key role in helping the county reach a new record.
Visit Website Read moreLocomotion will host a spectacular six-week summer festival, including a four-week visit from iconic locomotive Flying Scotsman.
12 Jul 2024
Locomotion will host a spectacular six-week summer festival, including a four-week visit from iconic locomotive Flying Scotsman. Summer at Locomotion will take place from 20 July to 1 September, with Flying Scotsman in residence from 20 July to 18 August. Flying...
Read More about Locomotion will host a spectacular six-week summer festival, including a four-week visit from iconic locomotive Flying Scotsman.