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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Geotours app explores the geology and landscape of the North Pennines
27 May 2022
A free app has been created to help people explore the geology and landscape of inspiring sites along the European Atlantic Geotourism Route, including the North Pennines. The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark is an area rich in geological...
Read More about Geotours app explores the geology and landscape of the North PenninesDurham Cricket is delighted to announce Seat Unique as the Club’s new Ground Naming Rights partner on a 3-year deal.
26 May 2022
The Riverside ground in Chester le Street will now be known as the Seat Unique Riverside with immediate effect. Seat Unique is a premium ticketing marketplace where fans can buy official hospitality packages and premium tickets to live sports, music and cultural events. They work with clubs, venues...
Read More about Durham Cricket is delighted to announce Seat Unique as the Club’s new Ground Naming Rights partner on a 3-year deal.Well done!
26 May 2022
Congratulations to VCD Partner Mill Granary Glamping, Ingleton and Fairfield House, Stanhope on receiving the prestigious VisitEngland Rose Award 2022. Rose Awards are nominated by VisitEngland's quality scheme assessors and selected from assessor comments and online feedback from overseas and...
Read More about Well done!Heritage Open Days
26 May 2022
Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, and this year will take place Friday 9th to Sunday 18th September. The festival brings together over 2,000 local people and organisations, and thousands of volunteers to celebrate their heritage.
Read More about Heritage Open DaysCharging Point Grants
26 May 2022
Accommodation businesses can now apply for a £350 grant to install an electric vehicle charging point through the Workplace Charging Scheme, a voucher-based scheme that provides eligible applicants with support towards upfront costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging...
Read More about Charging Point GrantsThe search is back on for Durham’s Tourism Superstars
20 May 2022
After coming to a standstill for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Visit County Durham has today announced that the search is officially back on for County Durham’s best and brightest Tourism Superstars. Visit County Durham is calling for nominations of anyone working within tourism who has...
Read More about The search is back on for Durham’s Tourism SuperstarsGo North East Survey
18 May 2022
Due to changes in lifestyles, including home working and online shopping, Go North East is seeking feedback to ensure services are adapted to efficiently meet new patterns of demand. Help shape the future of their bus network by completing the survey - the closing date for responses is 31st May...
Read More about Go North East SurveyBishop Auckland Workshop
18 May 2022
Join Visit County Durham and other speakers for a Visitor Accommodation Development Workshop on 9th June between 12pm and 4pm at 43 Market Place, Bishop Auckland. Speakers include Visit County Durham, Durham County Council, The Auckland Project, Hotel Solutions and Host & Stay. For more...
Read More about Bishop Auckland WorkshopThe Queen's Platinum Jubilee
18 May 2022
Visit County Durham has launched a dedicated landing page for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The page highlights the many different activities, events and experiences visitors can enjoy across the extended bank holiday weekend in County Durham. The page will be supported with social media activity...
Read More about The Queen's Platinum JubileeCrowdfunder appeal
11 May 2022
The Weardale Museum is looking to restore High House Chapel and create a new Heritage Centre with a view to preserving Weardale history. They have started a Crowdfunder to raise the final £10,500 needed to help preserve the Grade 2 Listed property, ensuring it continues to play a focal part in...
Read More about Crowdfunder appealNational Accessible Scheme
11 May 2022
VisitEngland is undertaking a review of the National Accessible Scheme (NAS). The NAS is a long-running voluntary scheme that helps accommodation proprietors in England to develop and promote their true level of accessibility. They are keen to receive the views of suppliers and others working in...
Read More about National Accessible SchemeHow's Business Survey
11 May 2022
Following the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years, the visitor economy has entered the recovery phase. Understanding the ongoing impact on business performance and recovery helps us to review the work needed to support the industry. Therefore we would appreciate your time to complete our...
Read More about How's Business SurveyCity of Culture 2025 Panel Visit
11 May 2022
The judging panel for UK City of Culture 2025 were welcomed to the county yesterday. An exciting and immersive timetable of activities was arranged for the judges, including visits to Redhills, the historic home of the Durham Miners' Association; Dawdon on the east coast of the county to meet...
Read More about City of Culture 2025 Panel VisitRamside Spa named one of the best in the country
11 May 2022
County Durham's luxurious Ramside Spa has been named one of the best in the UK at the beauty industry’s equivalent of the Oscars. The spa, at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa, took ‘Highly Commended’ in the Large Spa of the Year category at the British Association of Beauty Therapy and...
Read More about Ramside Spa named one of the best in the countryName for new County Durham history centre revealed
9 May 2022
The name for a new history centre for County Durham has been revealed. The centre, which is currently under construction and due to open to the public in 2023, is to be called The Story at Mount Oswald. The project brings the Grade II listed Mount Oswald Manor House back into use, while the...
Read More about Name for new County Durham history centre revealed