A spectacular new visitor attraction combining live action shows, immersive experiences and epic storytelling opens this summer in the North East of England.

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England

Kynren – The Storied Lands launches on 18 July 2026 in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and is being billed as the UK’s first live-action show park. The ambitious new attraction offers families a full day of adventure through history, myth and legend.

Set against the backdrop of Auckland Palace and the surrounding countryside, the daytime park will feature five large-scale live shows and immersive experiences, combining cinematic music, stunts, storytelling, special effects and extraordinary animals.

Kynren is set against the backdrop of Auckland Palace

One of the centrepieces of the attraction is The Lost Feather, a visually stunning bird spectacle staged within a dramatic nest-inspired arena. Magnificent birds will soar above audiences in free flight as the show explores humanity’s connection with nature and delivers a powerful conservation message. 

The Lost Feather at Kynren

Visitors will also be able to explore Land of the Vikings, a detailed Viking settlement where sparks fly as the blacksmiths work and warriors prepare for battle before audiences take their seats for a high-energy live performance packed with clashing shields, raging fires and dramatic action.

Land of the Vikings

North East folklore takes centre stage in Legend of the Wear, where a vast lake becomes the setting for thrilling water stunts inspired by the legendary Lambton Worm tale. Water erupts, chaos unfolds and mysterious forces move beneath the surface in what promises to be one of the attraction’s most visually spectacular experiences.

The Legend of the Wear

Families can wander through Victorian Imaginariums, an outdoor storytelling maze filled with theatrical encounters, playful surprises and larger-than-life Victorian characters. And medieval action arrives in The Trusty Steed, featuring horseback stunts, sword fighting, knights charging into combat and a fearless young female warrior proving her courage and skill in front of a live audience.

Jousting forms part of The Trusty Steed

Anna Warnecke, CEO at Kynren, described the new attraction as a major milestone for the organisation and the wider UK visitor market. She said: “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.”

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, who was invited to enjoy a preview of the new attraction, said it was a tremendous experience. "I have never seen anything like it - it was truly amazing! It was a real privilege to be able to see for myself just what an incredible visitor destination Kynren is set to become for the north east of England."

A medieval procession forms part of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England

Unlike traditional theme parks focused on rides, the attraction has been designed around live performance and immersive storytelling, with visitors moving between dedicated arenas and environments across the day.

Alongside the new daytime park, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England will continue on Saturday evenings throughout the summer season. The award-winning outdoor night show features a cast and crew of around 1,000 volunteers and takes audiences on a 90-minute journey through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend on a vast 7.5-acre stage.

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England

The wider Kynren project is also expected to deliver a major boost to the regional economy. Since launching in 2016, Kynren has contributed more than £65 million to the local economy, with the new development projected to generate a further £196.5 million in economic impact across the North East.

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England

The 2026 season runs from 18 July to 12 September. Kynren – The Storied Lands will operate during the day from Tuesday to Sunday, while the night show will run on Saturday evenings, plus selected Friday nights in August and September.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to this epic new family attraction on a tailor-made tour of England, please do contact our friendly team today.

All photos courtesy of Kynren.