Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland, has been given a preview of one of the UK’s most ambitious new visitor attractions as he and his family toured the developing site of Kynren – The Storied Lands ahead of its opening this summer.
Hosted by Kynren Chief Executive Anna Warnecke, the visit offered an early insight into the scale and ambition of the new daytime park which will open on 18th July, alongside the internationally acclaimed Kynren night show.
Taking place during English Tourism Week, the visit highlighted the role the attraction will play in strengthening the region’s tourism offer, drawing visitors to County Durham from across the UK and overseas.
Kynren – The Storied Lands features a series of large-scale live shows and immersive experiences designed to bring British history, myth and legend spectacularly to life.
The major new attraction includes historically themed environments, huge performance arenas and thrilling family experiences which together create a vibrant new kind of heritage destination for the UK.
Sam Rushworth MP said the development represents a significant opportunity for the region.
“It was fantastic to see the progress being made at Kynren – The Storied Lands ahead of its opening this summer,” he said.
“This is a hugely exciting project for Bishop Auckland and for the wider North East, creating jobs, supporting local skills and attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond.
“Tourism is critically important to our local economy and attractions like this showcase the extraordinary history, creativity and talent that our region has to offer.”
“I pay tribute to the continued commitment of the local volunteers who support Kynren, whose passion helps enrich the visitor experience and brings a special local spirit to the attraction, he added.”
During the visit, Mr Rushworth was able to see progress on a number of the park’s major elements currently under construction.
These include Legend of the Wear, where traditional craft skills are being used to construct full scale historic buildings, and the striking new Lost Feather arena, a purpose built 2,500 seat venue whose dramatic roof structure has been designed to resemble a giant eagle’s nest.
The arena will host a major new production celebrating humanity’s relationship with birds, with around 250 free flying birds expected to feature in the show.
The tour also provided a first glimpse of other elements that will form part of the wider park experience including a Viking themed settlement, a Victorian inspired maze and family play areas.
At the cavalry stables Mr Rushworth met members of the equestrian team and some of the horses that will appear in both the daytime shows and the long established Kynren night production, which continues to run on Saturday evenings and is performed by more than a thousand dedicated volunteers.
Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, said “It was a pleasure to welcome the local MP and his family to the site for a preview of Kynren – The Storied Lands as we prepare for the park’s opening in July.
“It represents a massive investment in tourism for the North East and builds on the success of the Kynren night show which already welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year.
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of local leaders like Sam as we bring this ambitious new attraction to life,” she added.
Kynren – The Storied Lands opens to the public on 18th July 2026. Sign up to the waitlist for first access to tickets.