Media Room
Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Outdoors in Durham
19 Oct 2022
Do you have a few minutes to share your thoughts with Crook Hall Gardens National Trust about getting active outdoors in the Durham area. The survey should only take around 10 minutes and you will have the opportunity at the end to enter a prize draw to win £100 as a thank you for your […]
Read More about Outdoors in DurhamChair and Trustee opportunity
19 Oct 2022
If you are passionate about North East England's history, culture and heritage, Beamish Museum is seeking expressions of interest from candidates who are forward thinking, open-minded, constructive and entrepreneurial for the roles of chair and up to 13 trustees to join a new board. Closing date...
Read More about Chair and Trustee opportunityMemorable Moments
19 Oct 2022
Visit County Durham's latest national campaign, 'Memorable Moments', is now live. A dedicated campaign hub is featured prominently on thisisdurham.com showcasing the experiences that can be had in the county during Autumn, Winter and Spring. Targeting couples and families, key...
Read More about Memorable MomentsSpa plan and new bedroom wing unveiled for Hardwick Hall Hotel
18 Oct 2022
An ambitious scheme to create a luxury spa and health club and additional 35 bedrooms at a Durham hotel is hoping to get the go-ahead from councillors. Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield is currently awaiting planning permission for the £13m scheme, which if successful will see work begin late...
Read More about Spa plan and new bedroom wing unveiled for Hardwick Hall HotelHamper contribution
12 Oct 2022
Reed Partnership will be hosting three events during November to support Restart Scheme participants in County Durham with the current cost of living issues. The Restart Scheme is a service which helps long-term unemployed people into work. Local organisations will give participants insight into...
Read More about Hamper contributionSave the date
12 Oct 2022
The Visit County Durham industry conference will take place on Wednesday 2nd November at Durham County Cricket Club, Chester-le-Street with registration from 10am and the conference starting at 10:30am to 2pm. This year's theme centres around Green Tourism, visitor trends and becoming carbon...
Read More about Save the dateGrowth Plan Support
12 Oct 2022
The North East Growth Hub has produced a handy update on what support is available to businesses following the Chancellor's unveiling of the government's Growth Plan. Amongst the measures announced were support with energy costs, reversal of the National Insurance contributions rise, and changes to...
Read More about Growth Plan SupportHow's Business Survey
12 Oct 2022
Understanding the needs and concerns of the industry helps us to plan our future activity and support. Please spare 5 minutes to complete this short survey in relation to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, your performance and any current concerns you have. The survey will run until Friday 11th...
Read More about How's Business SurveyCountdown begins
5 Oct 2022
The official countdown to the 2025 Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) bicentennial celebrations has begun with the unveiling of the new brand for the anniversary, marking three years to go. At the heart of the celebrations are the plans for a recreation of the inaugural journey from...
Read More about Countdown beginsNew Tourism Minister
5 Oct 2022
Life Peer Lord Syed Kamall has been announced as Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and takes responsibility for civic society, heritage and growth alongside tourism. We would like to welcome Lord Kamall to his new role and thank outgoing...
Read More about New Tourism MinisterAstronomy courses
5 Oct 2022
Visit County Durham Supplier Partner Star Safaris has launched two new online astronomy courses aimed at businesses. The 'Star Ranger' certification is designed to train people with no knowledge of the night sky in how to run outdoor guided experiences. The 'Star Base' accreditation is for small...
Read More about Astronomy coursesTourism Sentiment Report
5 Oct 2022
The Visit County Durham commissioned Tourism Sentiment report for September is now available, providing valuable insights for the county's tourism businesses. The score measures Durham's ability to generate positive word of mouth about our tourism offer through online conversations. This month, the...
Read More about Tourism Sentiment ReportHotel makes treats a priority for its club members
4 Oct 2022
A top North East hotel has unveiled the latest tranche of treats for those signed up to its Priority Club. 600-year-old Lumley Castle Hotel, at Chester-le-Street, launched the free-to-join membership scheme – which gives access to special offers and early bird event invitations - earlier this...
Read More about Hotel makes treats a priority for its club membersDiscover unique and exciting jobs at Beamish Museum
3 Oct 2022
Step back in time and become immersed in North East history with exciting new jobs at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. From an Edwardian Engager to a fish fryer, a range of unique roles are being advertised at the award-winning County Durham museum, including in The 1900s Town, new 1950s...
Read More about Discover unique and exciting jobs at Beamish MuseumMaster Chef of Great Britain launches new menu at Lumley Castle
30 Sep 2022
The elite head chef at one of the North East’s most renowned hotels is showcasing his skill and experience with a new, fine dining menu. Jim Hall, recently awarded the prestigious Master Chef of Great Britain title, leads the catering team at historic Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, Co...
Read More about Master Chef of Great Britain launches new menu at Lumley Castle