Watch 2,000 Years of History Come to Life in the Heart of the North East
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A walk through Bishop Auckland is a walk through history. Known as the gateway to the Durham Dales, Bishop Auckland today is a bustling market town standing high above the River Wear, in the north east of England.
Every summer, the rich history of Britain is celebrated by a mesmerising live action night show, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England.
From the Anglo-Saxon Cynren, which means ‘kin’ or ‘family’, Kynren is a family-friendly, thrill-a-minute dash through 2,000 years of history, following young Arthur on his epic journey through time.
Dazzling choreography, amazing stunts, incredible equestrianism, world-class special effects and pyrotechnics bring to life Boudicca’s courageous but doomed uprising against the Romans and the clash of Viking and Anglo-saxon leaders at the battle of Stamford Bridge.
Experience the excitement as daring jousting knights on horseback charge at full speed, witness the future King Arthur as he draws the sword Excalibur from the stone and join the lavish celebrations of Queen Victoria’s Diamond jubilee.
Performed by an incredible cast and crew of 1,000 volunteers on a seven-and-a-half acre outdoor stage, Kynren uniquely delivers thrills, shocks, tears, laughs, goosebumps and gasps on a cinematic scale.
For 2024, there will be a pre-show entertainment experience at the Viking Village – an authentic recreation of a traditional 9th-century dwelling. Chat to the warriors as they prepare for a raid, visit the cookhouse, meet the animals, and watch the sparks fly at the forge where the blacksmith is hard at work producing real chainmail.
Kynren has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor and was also awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2023.
The evening shows, which run for eight Saturdays from July 27 to September 14, are sure to be a highlight for visitors to Bishop Auckland and County Durham.
Beyond Kynren, there is also a host of daytime activities and attractions in the area which will satisfy all types of holidays – be it a weekend break or a longer stay.
For those wanting a cultural fix, Bishop Auckland boasts The Auckland Project which incorporates Auckland Castle and Gardens (once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham), the Deer Park, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower visitor centre and the Faith Museum.
At the heart of these sites is St Peter’s Chapel, in Auckland Castle: the home of the Prince Bishops, and the historic seat of faith and power in the North of England.
Visitors to the town can also see the spot where Stan Laurel learnt his craft on his hometown stage; visit the school where astronomer Thomas Wright was educated; or stand in a Roman bathhouse at a 2,000-year-old fort in nearby Binchester.
Bishop Auckland’s historic town centre has a thriving arts and cultural offering, and with cafés and tea rooms to discover and a variety of cosy cottages and comfy hotels to choose from, this fascinating corner of County Durham has it all for a weekend break.
For days out near Bishop Auckland, there’s the Weardale Railway which is also part of The Auckland Project. The 18-mile (29km) heritage line connects Bishop Auckland with historic market towns in Weardale, part of the North Pennines National Landscape.
Outdoor pursuits across the county include white water tubing, coastal walks, cycling, fishing and golf, while the city of Durham, just 11 miles north of Bishop Auckland, is home to a magnificent 12th century Norman cathedral and castle.
For more information about Kynren – an epic tale of England, and to book tickets, visit www.kynren.com.
Head to www.aucklandproject.org to find out more about the Auckland Project.
For more information about things to see and do in Bishop Auckland and County Durham, visit www.thisisdurham.com
