Last Updated on July 17, 2025

Why Kynren and County Durham Should Be on Your UK Travel Bucket List

Making a weekend of it in County Durham feels like stepping into the pages of a living history book – one rich with crumbling castles, grand estates, and vast, open landscapes that whisper of centuries past. At the heart of it all lies Kynren, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, an epic outdoor spectacular that brings two thousand years of British history to life with jaw-dropping scale and theatrical flair. It’s the kind of immersive experience that anchors a weekend escape – pair it with a visit to the majestic Raby Castle, the thought-provoking Bowes Museum, and the ever-evolving Auckland Project, and you’ve got a mini-break steeped in culture, story, and soul.

Kynren is no ordinary night at the theatre. Staged at dusk on an epic open-air set beneath the historic walls of Auckland Castle, this 90-minute spectacular plays out across a landscape the size of five football pitches. With a cast of 1,000 local volunteers, 150 animals, galloping horses, and breathtaking special effects, it whirls audiences through 2,000 years of British history – from Roman invasions and Viking raids to royal pageantry, wartime resilience, and Queen Victoria’s glittering Diamond Jubilee Parade. This summer’s highlight is a full-scale tribute to Locomotion No.1, marking 200 years since the world’s first passenger train—an unforgettable celebration of industrial innovation. Bold, sweeping, and utterly unique, I couldn’t wait to see it for myself.

Getting to County Durham and Kynren

Travelling to Durham from London is a breeze. I caught the LNER train from King’s Cross directly to Durham, a journey that whisks you into the North East in under three hours. Alternatively, hiring a car or driving is a great option too, giving you the freedom to explore this stunning corner of the country at your own pace. I stayed at the Park Head Hotel in Bishop Auckland, ideally placed for the main event of my adventure – witnessing Kynren’s spectacular production firsthand.

The Story of Kynren

This show has an incredible story to tell. Ten years on, what began as a bold vision to revitalise the area has grown into a cultural phenomenon and a vital thread in the fabric of the local community. At its heart are the “Archers,” a remarkable team of 1,000 local volunteers who dedicate a full year to rehearsals to perform in Kynren, an extraordinary production, which takes place every Saturday evening from July through to mid-September. It’s a dazzling spectacle that has not only captivated audiences from far and wide but also brought with it jobs, pride, and a deep-rooted sense of connection across generations.

Kynren continues to evolve, with a major new addition on the horizon: The Storied Lands, the UK’s first live-action historical theme park, set to open in summer 2026. Designed as a year-round destination, it promises an exciting blend of spectacle, education, and immersive encounters with history, bringing the past to life in unforgettable ways. A Viking Village has already been brought to life, complete with thatched dwellings, animal pens, and smoke curling from open fires. Here, the ever-dedicated Archers step into the roles of villagers, donning authentic costumes and carrying out the daily tasks of the era – from blacksmithing to bread baking, creating a living, breathing glimpse into the past.

It’s the perfect pre-show visit, offering a chance to wander through history before settling in for the main event. With food and drink stalls dotted around the site, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy a bite to eat, soak up the atmosphere, and fully immerse yourself in the experience before the lights go down and the story begins.

The Kynren Spectacle

Seated in the vast open-air theatre, carved into the hillside above Bishop Auckland, I found myself gazing out across the 7.5-acre stage – an extraordinary vista framed by the soft folds of the County Durham countryside. In the distance, Auckland Castle stood proudly silhouetted against the evening sky, lending a sense of quiet grandeur before a word had even been spoken.

But before the main performance began, we were captivated by a magnificent bird of prey display, led by Jimmy Robertson – affectionately nicknamed by the team “Head of Feathers.” Presented by The Lost Feather, a charity devoted to the conservation, education, and research of raptors, it was a spellbinding prelude. Kestrels swooped low over the audience, sparrowhawks darted with electrifying speed, and vultures soared with haunting grace. Now proudly partnered with Kynren, the charity adds yet another layer of meaning to the evening, reminding us that storytelling comes in many forms, not all of them scripted.

As twilight deepened and the air grew still, the vast stage began to transform. Lakes shimmered into view, cottages rose from the ground, and sweeping scenes from Britain’s past unfolded through a masterful blend of lighting, dizzying pyrotechnics, magnificent fireworks and perfectly timed choreography. Kynren felt less like watching a performance and more like stepping into the pages of a living, breathing storybook.

The professionalism was outstanding. Children and adults alike performed in pitch-perfect costumes, while a Viking longboat rose dramatically from the lake and scenes of grand pageantry unfolded – galloping horses, herds of sheep, donkeys, and even a perfectly choreographed gaggle of geese, which I especially loved as they waddled by in flawless formation.

Told through the eyes of young Arthur, the production charted the triumphs and tragedies that shaped Britain: Boudicca’s doomed rebellion, Viking invasions, jousting knights, the Norman Conquest, the sombre final journey of King Charles I, and the splendour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

From ancient conquests and royal dramas to the industrial revolution, Shakespeare, Beatlemania, Elton John, and even Bobby Moore lifting the World Cup in 1966 – each chapter offered a vivid reminder of the long, complex road that has brought us to the present day.

As the evening ended with a sky ablaze with fireworks, a shared sense of awe rippled through the crowd. All around me, people were buzzing, swapping favourite moments, marvelling at the scale and spectacle of what they’d just witnessed. It was one of those rare, collective experiences that lingers long after the final scene. And with that, we made our way back to the waiting transport, the magic of Kynren still very much in the air.

However, if you’re travelling to this wonderful part of the world, I would recommend exploring some of the other fantastic cultural venues nearby.

The Auckland Project

In Bishop Auckland’s Market Place, the Auckland Tower acts as the perfect welcome centre, where visitors can dive into the town’s rich history, enjoy panoramic views, and pick up tickets for the project’s many attractions.

At the heart of the project is Auckland Palace (Auckland Castle), one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in Europe and home to England’s Prince Bishops for a thousand years.

The palace’s restored Georgian state rooms exude quiet grandeur. At the same time, its exceptional collection of Spanish Golden Age paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán – including the celebrated Jacob and his Twelve Sons series – draws art lovers from across the country.

The Faith Museum, housed in the Grade I-listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Palace, explores the diverse ways faith has influenced British communities, exhibiting over 250 objects that tell compelling stories of belief and tradition. Surrounding the palace, 150 acres of historic parkland and beautifully restored gardens offer peaceful walks and year-round access to nature’s charm.

For art enthusiasts, the Spanish Gallery is a unique gem – the only one of its kind in Britain, showcasing masterpieces from Spain’s vibrant Golden Age by artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Murillo. It’s a fascinating journey into 16th and 17th-century art and culture.

The Mining Art Gallery offers a poignant, local perspective through the Gemini Collection, featuring works by notable artists like Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish. Their paintings capture the grit, pride, and spirit of coal mining communities that shaped the region for generations.

For a breath of fresh air, the Deer Park and Walled Garden provide beautiful outdoor spaces, where veteran trees stand sentinel over wildlife, and the restored garden produces fresh ingredients for the palace’s eateries, blending history and nature effortlessly.

Raby Castle

Raby Castle was an unexpected gem, an enchanting mix of history, grandeur, and natural beauty that I’d return to in a heartbeat. Set in the rolling countryside near Staindrop in County Durham, this magnificent medieval fortress has witnessed centuries of drama, from noble intrigue to civil war, and still stands proudly as one of the most complete and impressive castles in the north of England.

While the castle’s interiors brim with fine art, intricate textiles, and centuries of craftsmanship, the real surprise was the newly transformed Walled Garden. Designed by Luciano Giubbilei with Lady Barnard, the five-acre space is a serene celebration of colour and texture – soft grasses swaying between beds of salvia, hollyhocks, dusky purple poppies, and the estate’s beloved fig tree.

There’s a painterly elegance in the planting: pink daisies, sweet peas, and muted heathers blending into sculpted yew hedges and perfectly framed vistas. It’s peaceful, fragrant, and utterly transportive.

And don’t miss the beautifully curated gift shop – an irresistible trove of tasteful homewares and thoughtful treasures that make it hard to leave empty-handed.

Bowe Museum

Barnard Castle may have found itself unexpectedly in the spotlight during the 2020 lockdown, thanks to Dominic Cummings’ now-infamous “eye test” excursion, but its real claim to fame lies in its rich history, charming market town atmosphere, and cultural treasures. Chief among them is the magnificent Bowes Museum.

Founded in the 19th century by John Bowes and his French wife Joséphine Benoîte Coffin-Chevallier, the museum was created with a bold and philanthropic vision: to bring world-class art and culture to the people of the North East. Purpose-built in the style of a French château, it stands as a grand and elegant tribute to their shared passion for art and their love for the region. Sadly, neither John nor Joséphine lived to see it open, but their legacy lives on in every corner of this remarkable space.
Inside, spread over three floors, the collection is dazzling: more than 50,000 works of fine and decorative arts, featuring masterpieces by El Greco, Goya, Canaletto, Fragonard, and others.

The museum also boasts the UK’s largest collection of Spanish paintings outside London and Edinburgh, alongside an award-winning fashion gallery, significant ceramics, historic textiles, and period furniture. One of the museum’s standout treasures is the enchanting Silver Swan automaton. I was lucky enough to see the Silver Swan in action – perhaps the museum’s most famous exhibit. This life-size 18th-century automaton gracefully glides, preens, and ‘catches’ a fish in a mesmerizing daily performance, showcasing a rare and captivating marvel of early mechanical ingenuity.

Beautifully curated, rich in history, and set within elegant landscaped gardens, The Bowes Museum is a place to linger, reflect, and be inspired – proof that culture, creativity, and generosity of spirit truly transcend time.

With so much to see and explore in this beautiful corner of the UK, County Durham is well worth the trip. But whatever else you do, make sure Kynren is at the top of your list. This epic live show is magical, moving, and utterly unforgettable – a breathtaking journey through British history that lingers in the memory long after the final scene.

Kynren and Beyond – Fact Box

Kynren – Kynren, Bishop Auckland DL14 7SF

The 90-minute performances start at sunset and end in starlight and will be taking place every Saturday night from 19th July to 13th September. 

Tickets cost from £30 for adults and from £20 for under-18s. Children aged 3 and under are free when sitting on an adult’s knee.

For further information and to book tickets, visit www.kynren.com
SHOW DATES AND TIMINGS FOR 2025: 
• Saturday 19th July (Gates open at 6.45 pm, performance starts at 9.15 pm) 
• Saturday 26th July (Gates open at 6.45 pm, performance starts at 9.15 pm) 
• Saturday 2nd August (Gates open at 6.45 pm, performance starts at 9.15 pm) 
• Saturday 9th August (Gates open at 6.30 pm, performance starts at 9 pm)    
• Saturday 16th August (Gates open at 6.15 pm, performance starts at 8.45 pm) 
• Saturday 23rd August (Gates open at 6 pm, performance starts at 8.30 pm)  
• Saturday 30th August (Gates open at 5.45 pm, performance starts at 8.15 pm)             
• Saturday 6th September (Gates open at 5.30 pm, performance starts at 8 pm) 
• Saturday 13th September (Gates open at 5.15 pm, performance starts at 7.45 pm)

The Auckland Project, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NJ

Raby Castle, Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH

Bowe Museum, Newgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8NP

I travelled to Durham via LNER trains

I stayed at the comfortable Park Head Hotel (which also boasts a great restaurant).
13 Park View Terrace, New Coundon, Bishop Auckland, DL14 8QB.