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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.

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Format: 29-12-2023

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Format: 30-12-2023

Industry

Empire Consett to reopen to public

6 Sep 2024

The stage is set for Empire Consett to reopen next week following the completion of remedial works. The County Durham venue, which closed its doors to the public temporarily in February to allow for essential roof works, will reopen on Friday 13 September. Visitors will be able to enjoy the...

Industry

Ten fascinating experiences to enjoy during Heritage Open Days 2024

6 Sep 2024

Behind the scenes tours, guided history walks, special train rides and free entry to some of the region’s most popular attractions – County Durham is all set for Heritage Open Days 2024. Across the county, museums, heritage sites, ancient churches and historic gardens will be throwing their...

Industry

Going for Growth - Host & Stay announces Strategic Investment from Growth Partner to Accelerate Expansion and Innnovation

6 Sep 2024

Host & Stay are delighted to announce that Growth Partner, a consumer-specialist investment firm backed by HomeServe Founder Richard Harpin, has completed a significant £10.5 million investment in Host & Stay. Host & Stay are a rapidly growing holiday let and short-term rental...

Industry

Auckland Castle renamed Auckland Palace in celebration of major redevelopment milestone

6 Sep 2024

Auckland Castle, the historic residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham and cornerstone of The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland, will now be known as Auckland Palace. This transition reflects the culmination of the biggest phase of development at this historic site for centuries, and honours its...

Industry

DDP update

4 Sep 2024

A reminder that the next Destination Development Partnership update is being held online on Tuesday 10th September at the new time of 1:00pm. This month we'll be discussing bookable product, including how to get involved in the latest digital New Adventures campaign. We'll also be hearing from...

Industry

Public exhibition

4 Sep 2024

On Monday and Tuesday of next week, Forestry England is holding a public exhibition to unveil plans for new outdoor activities and experiences at Hamsterley Forest. An investment of £32.6 million will enhance and expand the breadth of the tourism experience offered within the region, providing new...

Industry

Awards deadline approaching

4 Sep 2024

Only two weeks to go before the closing date for this year's Destination North East England Tourism Awards. The Awards are a great way to shine a spotlight on your business, network with industry professionals and champion innovation in tourism. Many businesses have started applications, so don't...

Industry

Destination Regenerative

4 Sep 2024

Join Destination North East England, Net Zero North East England and the North East Combined Authority at Newcastle Cathedral on Monday at 5pm for the launch of our Regenerative Visitor Economy Framework. Statistics from Booking.com show that 75% of travellers want to travel more sustainably and...

Industry

Specialist markets to launch across County Durham

4 Sep 2024

A series of specialist markets is set to launch across County Durham, thanks to funding from the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund that provides pride in place by investing in communities across the UK. Durham County Council has partnered with social enterprise Baccanalia to organise...

Industry

Sara Davies and family enjoy 2,000 years of English history at Kynren

2 Sep 2024

After drawing in thousands of spectators throughout the summer, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England welcomed a very special guest to one of its eight performances. Dragon’s Den star and entrepreneur Sara Davies MBE visited the multi-award-winning live action outdoor theatre spectacular to film for...

Industry

11 million Brits planning a holiday at home this August Bank Holiday, brining estimated £3.1 billion economic boost

21 Aug 2024

VisitEngland’s August Bank Holiday Trip Tracker survey, published today, shows that 11 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK this Bank Holiday weekend, bringing an estimated £3.1 billion boost to the economy. The figures show an increase of 1.3 million on last...

Industry

Chester-le-EATS Food, Drink and Music Festival announces epic line-up

19 Aug 2024

Organisers of Chester-le-EATS have announced the line-up for the event – which promises to be a “flavour fiesta” for visitors. The event will return to Seat Unique Riverside, in Chester-le-Street, on October 5th and 6th featuring a jam-packed line-up of the region’s best street food traders...

Industry

A glittering event to sparkle throughout Raby Castle's grounds this autumn

16 Aug 2024

A glittering experience is set to arrive in the North East this autumn as Raby Castle, Park and Gardens launches an extravaganza of light, music and storytelling. The Glittering North will be a celebration of the region’s Norse and Viking heritage, weaving together tales of folklore and myth,...

Industry

Durham Restaurant Week returns from 23 to 30 August

15 Aug 2024

Durham Restaurant Week will return from August 23 to 30 – and visitors can get their teeth stuck into plenty of cheap deals. 40 venues across the city have signed up for the event, offering diners £5, £10, £15, £20 and £25 meal deals - as well as a variety of other offers which have...

Industry

The Bowes Museum’s massive Canalettos has gone on show in a prestigious international touring exhibition that connects Durham and Japan.

13 Aug 2024

Regatta on the Grand Canal, Venice will return to the Museum in summer 2025. One of The Bowes Museum’s most loved and best-known paintings has gone on view in a prestigious international touring exhibition in Japan alongside others from galleries and museums around the UK. Regatta on the...