Group bookings are now open for the 2027 Kynren season following international recognition for its new live-action show park, with prices held at 2026 levels and a major expansion of its Victorian experience among the developments awaiting coach operators and group visitors.
Kynren – The Storied Lands, the UK’s first live-action show park, won European Top New Attraction at the 2026 Parksmania Awards, placing the Bishop Auckland attraction alongside some of the continent’s leading visitor destinations.
The Storied Lands returns to Bishop Auckland from 29th June to 12th September 2027, offering a full day of live shows and immersive experiences alongside the opportunity to combine a visit with the award-winning Kynren – An Epic Tale of England night show.
Opened in July 2026, The Storied Lands brings history, myth and legend to life through five very different experiences, from the mass free-flight spectacle of The Lost Feather and medieval horsemanship in The Trusty Steed to fiery battles in Land of the Vikings and the water stunts and special effects of Legend of the Wear.
For 2027, Kynren is significantly expanding its Victorian world, with live characters and unfolding stories at the heart of a much more immersive experience.
Visitors will find themselves among the people of Victorian Britain, encountering a colourful cast of characters as they explore winding passageways, shadowy alleys and cobbled streets.
From the Society Sisters and a mischievous maid to a light-fingered rogue, the characters will interact with visitors and each other as stories develop around them, making every journey through the streets potentially different.
The action unfolds across more than 40 life-size shops and scenes, including an apothecary, pawnbroker, corsetière, cobbler, blacksmith, schoolroom, sweet shop and corner pub.
Thousands of genuine Victorian artefacts provide the backdrop, but it is the actors and the stories playing out around visitors that bring the experience to life.
Further investment for 2027 includes additional covered seating and shelter around the park, including at Land of the Vikings and Legend of the Wear, providing protection from the weather as well as shade during warmer days.
The European accolade adds to Kynren’s established reputation within the group travel industry.
Kynren won Best Event for Groups at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards in 2025 and was again a finalist in 2026.
It has also been named a 2026 finalist for Best Theatre and Entertainment at the Group Travel World Awards and shortlisted for Best Experience Attraction/Event in the 2026 We Want Groups Awards.
Kynren Chief Executive Anna Warnecke said: “To receive international recognition in our first season was a wonderful achievement for everyone involved in creating The Storied Lands, and it gives us a great platform to build on for 2027.
“One of the great advantages for groups is the sheer variety. In the space of a day you can watch horses and birds, encounter Vikings, find yourself among the characters and stories of Victorian Britain and see a North East legend unfold on water, with each experience taking place in its own purpose-built setting.
“We’ve listened carefully to feedback from our first season and are continuing to invest in the visitor experience, including more covered areas which provide shelter when it is needed and shade during warmer weather.
“The Victorian expansion adds another completely different dimension. Our actors are at the heart of the experience, with characters and stories unfolding all around visitors rather than simply having streets and shops to walk through.
“And holding our prices for 2027 gives group organisers the confidence to start planning and selling their visits now,” she added.
Special travel trade and group rates are available for parties of 20 paying visitors or more, with free coach parking and a complimentary ticket for the coach driver when booked in advance.
Group visits to The Storied Lands last approximately six hours, with a schedule provided ahead of arrival showing when each group is booked to see the different shows.
Groups can also turn a visit into a full day and evening at Kynren by combining The Storied Lands with Kynren – An Epic Tale of England on selected dates.
The 90-minute night show brings 2,000 years of British history to life on a 7.5-acre outdoor stage with an 8,000-seat tribune and a cast and crew of 1,000 volunteers, combining mass choreography, horses, stunts, music, special effects and pyrotechnics.
It runs every Saturday from 17th July to 11th September, plus Friday 13th and Friday 27th August.
For groups making an evening of their visit, the Time Travellers’ Feast offers a three-course themed dining experience before the night show, accompanied by characters from the past.
Bishop Auckland itself provides further opportunities for operators developing short breaks and itineraries, with Auckland Palace and Gardens, the Mining Art Gallery, Spanish Art Gallery and Faith Museum among the attractions close to Kynren.
Kynren also supports coach operators marketing departures through its own channels, including its dedicated coach travel information, helping potential visitors identify operators and departure points around the UK.
- Bookings for groups visiting Kynren in 2027 are now open, with no-obligation reservations available by contacting groups@kynren.com or calling 01388 436 030.