Set to open in summer 2026, subject to final planning approval, The Storied Lands will be a spectacular daytime attraction within the wider Kynren park in Bishop Auckland. This new experience will transport visitors through history, myth, and legend, bringing the past to life through breathtaking live-action performances.
Phase one of the park will feature five monumental shows and immersive experiences set against beautifully landscaped historical backdrops.
This is a game-changer for us and for the UK visitor experience market. For the past decade, we have poured passion and expertise into delivering Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, and now we are bringing that same level of scale, innovation, and magic into this new daytime attraction. You won’t just witness history – you’ll live it, feel it, and be moved by it.
Unlike traditional theme parks that focus on rides, Kynren – The Storied Lands invites exploration and connection with the past, delivering multiple live action shows featuring heart pounding moments of action, thrilling stunts, incredible performances, immersive storytelling, epic music and innovative technology as it takes visitors on an emotional journey through time.
As visitors step into the park, they will be transported back to Neolithic Britain and the era of the first settlers. Moving deeper into the experience, they will encounter an all-new Viking show, where warriors clash, sparks fly, and fires rage in an interactive multi-sensory spectacle of Norse life.
In The Legend of the Wear, a giant lake becomes the stage for thrilling water stunts and a captivating retelling of the Lambton Worm myth. The audience will be left in awe as the monstrous, cursed creature emerges from the waters in an unforgettable spectacle.
Another highlight is The Lost Feather, a captivating and visually stunning experience centered around the relationship between birds and humanity. Set on a stage inspired by a bird’s nest, this show will explore the beauty, power, and fragility of bird species from around the world, highlighting their struggles and triumphs in a rapidly changing environment.
Then step into the gaslit streets of Victorian England and find yourself swept up in the sights, sounds, and stories of the era, where everyday life is filled with drama, discovery, and larger-than-life characters.
The adventure builds to the park’s biggest show – Fina, an epic spectacle where medieval knights clash on horseback, and a fearless female warrior’s courage and skill are put to the test in a breathtaking display of horsemanship and daring stunts.
Performers will bring unforgettable historical scenes to life on enormous sets, enhanced by stunning special effects, with Auckland Palace providing a striking historical backdrop.
Majestic horses, free flying birds, and other animals are seamlessly woven into the performances, adding depth, visual richness and authenticity to each show. Their involvement celebrates the connection between history, mythology, and the natural world.
Alongside this, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England will continue on Saturday nights with its 1,000-strong cast and crew of volunteers. Kynren is already an integral landmark attraction in the North East and draws both local audiences and visitors from across the UK.
It is nine years since 11Arches amazed us with Kynren, which receives the 5 star TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award year after year. Durham County Council is a proud partner in the remarkable development of Bishop Auckland, and we're delighted with the development of this new day park adventure: Kynren – The Storied Lands. As Durham County establishes itself as one of the great UK visitor destinations, this extravaganza will sit at the heart of the County’s offering.
With millions of pounds being invested into the project, Kynren – The Storied Lands will play a key role in regenerative tourism, creating hundreds of local jobs and offering career growth opportunities, apprenticeships, and flexible employment – all designed to boost the local economy and community.
When the first quivering shovel went into the land at Flatts Farm, ten years ago, onlookers were united that the grand plan for a night show, which might or might not be called, Kynren, was completely bonkers. “A decade on, Kynren is one of the wonders of the North East, and there is no talk of the odds being against its survival – all are agreed that its success was effectively guaranteed, given the soundness of the business plan. “As we prepare for the opening of Kynren, The Storied Lands, there is excitement a-plenty. What a difference those ten years have made! Kynren’s success has not only made the day park possible, but it has provided a springboard for its opening next year. No quivering shovels, just a settled determination to bring a gift of outstanding preciousness to Bishop Auckland.
This ambitious new park builds on the expertise gained from delivering the spectacular Kynren night show. The team is poised to create an extraordinary, world-class attraction that transport visitors through time like never before.
Future phases of development will introduce even more attractions, including The Lone Centurion, Tales of the Tudors, Conquest of the Seas, and legendary stories such as Excalibur and Robin Hood, ensuring that each visit offers something fresh and exciting.
For further information about Kynren – The Storied Lands, where legends come alive, visit: www.kynren.com
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