A new theme park promising to “immerse visitors in a time-travelling adventure” is set to open in Bishop Auckland, County Durham next summer.

Kynren – The Storied Lands will be added to the existing Kynren Park, which hosts immersive weekly shows in the summer months about the history of England. These take place on a 7.5 acre stage and include over 1,000 volunteers using spectacular special effects and pyrotechnics. The new theme park, which is currently waiting for final planning approval, would be a daytime attraction where visitors can wander around and experience different periods of history. 

Information released so far about the park promises: “Action, thrilling stunts, incredible performances, immersive storytelling, epic music and innovative technology”. Phase one of the park, set to open in Summer 2026, will include five immersive experiences, each one from a different stage of history.

Planned attractions include Land of the Vikings, where visitors can experience the spectacle of a Viking show, including clashes between warriors. An area called Legend of the Wear is set to feature water stunts, while The Lost Feather pays homage to the many beautiful bird species from around the world. 

Victorian Adventure is a chance to “ Step into an immersive Victorian adventure and meet some larger than life characters”, while Fina promises an epic spectacle where medieval knights clash on horseback, with daring stunts on display.

There are also plans for future developments covering historic tales such as the Tudors, Excalibur, and Robin Hood. 

An update, posted earlier in the year, confirmed that performers were working on a spectacular, conservation-led bird show, which organisers said would “connect people with rare and endangered species”. 

Anna Warnecke, Kynren’s CEO, said at the time: “Approval of the plans for The Lost Feather is another momentous step forward for Kynren – The Storied Lands. Every aspect of the entire park has been carefully thought through and designed, building on the expertise gained from delivering Kynren’s night shows, and we’re all incredibly pleased we can continue to progress our exciting ideas to produce an epic park that will help boost the local economy and community.”

Jonathan Ruffer, founder of 11Arches, the charity which operates Kynren, said in a statement: “When the first quivering shovel went into the land at Flatts Farm, ten years ago, onlookers were united that the grand plan for a night show, which might or might not be called, Kynren, was completely bonkers.”

He went on to say: “As we prepare for the opening of Kynren, The Storied Lands, there is excitement a-plenty. What a difference those ten years have made! Kynren’s success has not only made the day park possible, but it has provided a springboard for its opening next year.”

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