Durham, The Culture County

Set to open in summer 2026, The Storied Lands will be a spectacular daytime attraction within the wider Kynren park in Bishop Auckland. This new theme park will transport visitors through history, myth, and legend, bringing the past to life through breathtaking live-action performances and immersive experiences set against beautifully landscaped historical backdrops.

As the UK's National Centre for Light Art, this new venue will draw on Durham's many associations with light, from the Venerable Bede's Lunar Calendar to Durham University's work on the James Webb Space Telescope and the biennial Lumiere festival. Occupying the site of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery building and its grounds, it will bring together art and science to look to the future and celebrate the county's creativity.

The grade II listed Mount Oswald has undergone restoration to create an exciting new local history centre – The Story, and a new register office for the county.

As the cradle of the railways, Durham will play a key role in the historic celebrations and exciting programme.

At Raby Castle they have written the next chapter of history, with 'The Rising' that has restored magnificent spaces to create a destination with a difference.

After almost six years of fundraising, work has now started on the ambitious renewal of Redhills, the historic Durham Miners’ Hall.

Remaking Beamish is the biggest development in Beamish Museum’s history. The exciting project includes over 25 new exhibits and attractions and is bringing a new era to the museum.