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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
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....
Read More about VisitEngland announces 2023-2024 Visitor Attraction Accolades winnersWeardale 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 &...
Read More about Weardale Railway’s Santa Express expands to meet high demand for Christmas 2024Forestry 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...
Read More about Forestry England launches Forest Walkies route in Hamsterley ForestThe 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...
Read More about The Best Places to Visit, Dine, Stay and Experience in North East England Shortlisted in Prestigious AwardsNew 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...
Read More about New Ted Holloway exhibition launches at Bishop Auckland Mining Art GalleryJulia 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,...
Read More about Julia Handelman-Smith named new Programme Director of Into the LightSpanish 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...
Read More about Spanish partners receive warm welcome to County DurhamPurple 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...
Read More about Purple Tuesday EventAccessAble 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...
Read More about AccessAble Discounts ExtendedNew 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...
Read More about New Changing Places toilets help increase accessibility in County DurhamBishop 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...
Read More about Bishop Auckland Palace hosts the ultimate pumpkin partyBright 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...
Read More about Bright IdeasHave your say...
3 Oct 2024
Durham County Council is reviewing the existing Durham City Conservation Area and producing a Management Plan (CAMP) to help develop a positive future management strategy to conserve and where possible enhance the city's historic buildings, sites, places and landscapes. If you are passionate about...
Read More about Have your say...Domestic Sentiment Tracker
3 Oct 2024
The Domestic Sentiment Tracker for September 2024 has been published on the VisitEngland website. Latest results show that perceptions of cost of living deteriorated this month, with 48% of UK adults surveyed feeling that the worst of the crisis was still to come. Domestic overnight trip intentions...
Read More about Domestic Sentiment TrackerFraming Fashion: Art and inspiration from a private collection of Vivienne Westwood
2 Oct 2024
The Bowes Museum is proud to be the only place to see a unique and striking mix of Vivienne Westwood clothing set alongside historical objects that showcase the cultural influences she used when its newest exhibition Framing Fashion: Art and Inspiration from a Private Collection of Vivienne...
Read More about Framing Fashion: Art and inspiration from a private collection of Vivienne Westwood