Located in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Kynren has long been celebrated for its spectacular night show. However, for the 2026 season, the site has been completely transformed with the launch of Kynren – The Storied Lands. Designed as the UK’s very first live-action show park, this brand-new daytime attraction features five spectacular live-action shows, immersive experiences, and unforgettable adventures for all ages.
We recently attended the official press preview event to experience exactly what families can expect from this highly anticipated expansion. To summarise our day: we officially rate Kynren – The Storied Lands a full five stars! Read on for our complete, first-hand review and discover how you can create “The Ultimate Kynren Experience” by combining the daytime park with the award-winning evening spectacular.
Arrival & First Impressions
Our day began at 2:00 PM as we parked in the allocated Purple Car Park, conveniently located near the attraction entrance. Getting into the park was a seamless process; after a very short queue, the welcoming staff at the turnstiles quickly scanned our ticket barcodes, and we were inside.
Just past the entrance is the Kynren Gift Shop, packed with clothing, stationery, books on English history, and official souvenir programmes. After browsing the shop, we crossed the path to grab some fantastic photos with the classic Rolls-Royce that famously stars in the evening show.
The Daytime Live-Action Shows
Following a meticulously planned schedule provided upon entry, we headed down into the main area of the park to begin our journey through the five headline shows.
1. The Trusty Steed
Our first live daytime show took place in the main tribune, utilising the same vast 7.5-acre stage and Bishop Auckland Palace backdrop used for the evening spectacular. This 35-minute production transports audiences to medieval England for an equestrian adventure celebrating the extraordinary bond between humans and horses. Featuring exceptional horsemanship, daring stunts, thrilling tournament action, and a fearless female warrior determined to prove her courage, it is a brilliantly action-packed production filled with heart.
2. The Lost Feather (Our Favourite!)
Next, we headed to the deeply impressive, nest-inspired arena to watch The Lost Feather. This was undoubtedly the highlight of our day and the show we haven’t stopped talking about! Featuring more than 250 birds in free flight, the production is a breathtaking celebration of the natural world.
Birds frequently fly directly over your head, offering incredible close-up views. Accompanied by a beautiful original score recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, the birds sweep and glide through a living landscape of water and mist. It is a powerful, moving call to care for the natural world.
3. Victorian Imaginariums & The Flambards Preview
Our journey continued into the Victorian Imaginariums, an immersive hedge maze where larger-than-life Victorian characters guide visitors through theatrical surprises and unexpected encounters.
A major highlight here is the building housing a preview of the Victorian Village – a collection famously rescued from Flambards Theme Park in Cornwall following its sudden closure. While the full village is targeted for a 2027 opening, visitors in 2026 can step inside Birch & Birch. Originally located in London, this richly detailed bakers and confectioners store features beautiful mahogany counters, traditional display shelving, and authentic period packaging, offering a wonderful taste of what is to come.
4. Land of The Vikings
Passing under a highly impressive, overturned Viking longship, we entered the Viking Settlement. Historically a pre-show walkthrough, this area has been massively expanded to host Land of The Vikings, a 20-minute live show. You can feel the heat from the blacksmith’s forge and hear the roar of warriors before taking your seat for an epic, action-packed clash of Norse history and legend.
5. Legend of the Wear
The final daytime show brings one of the North East’s most famous legends, the Lambton Worm, to life on a vast lake stage. Featuring dramatic live action, fantastic special effects, and an original soundtrack recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, it is a visually stunning retelling of local myth.
Dining: The Time Travellers’ Feast
For visitors staying for the evening show, passing the time between the daytime park and the night spectacular is an experience in itself. We attended the Time Travellers’ Feast, an immersive premium pre-show dining add-on hosted within the atmospheric Arches Hall. Designed to act as the opening chapter of the Kynren story, the experience blends theatrical storytelling, historic encounters, and generous shared banquet dining before the main event begins. From the moment you arrive, characters from across history welcome you.
Costing £68 per person, this three-course sharing feast is prepared by Kynren’s in-house chefs. On arrival, you are treated to a Roman-inspired “Forum Fizz” welcome cocktail, or a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative. The menu itself brilliantly travels through the centuries along long banquet tables designed to encourage lively conversation and camaraderie:
- The Tudor King’s Table: A first course echoing great dining halls, featuring rustic breads, herbed fougasse with sea salt, olive oil, and thyme. This is served alongside speciality house charcuterie, including smoked ham, terrine, and rustic pâté complemented by uniquely flavoured butters like honey and rosemary or roasted garlic.
- The Viking Invasion: A bold, abundant main course inspired by historic fire feasts, loading the tables with flame-grilled meat skewers, seasonal roasted vegetable skewers, fresh salads, herb sauces, and lightly pickled accompaniments.
- The Queen’s Finale: An indulgent Victorian dessert spread consisting of delicate Queen’s Tarts and a selection of sweet Victorian fancies.
A glass of wine is served with your main course, and tea or coffee is included to finish. Throughout the evening, cast characters mingle between the tables, delivering extra doses of music, humour, and theatrical mischief that mirror the scale of the live show. Dietary requirements can also be fully catered for with advance notice.
We highly recommend this fantastic add-on as it sets an incredible tone for the rest of the night, though plenty of alternative food and drink options remain available near the main tribune. Just keep in mind that places are limited and must be booked in advance as a premium upgrade; it cannot be purchased on its own without a valid ticket to Kynren – An Epic Tale of England.
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England (The Night Show)
To end our day, we took our seats for the multi-award-winning outdoor night show, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England. Performed by a cast and crew of more than 1,000 volunteers, this 90-minute cinematic masterpiece takes audiences on an emotional journey through 2,000 years of history.
Because the show takes place completely outdoors with no cover, we highly recommend wrapping up warm and bringing a blanket for your knees, as temperatures drop when the sun goes down. To read our full, dedicated breakdown of the evening spectacular, check out our comprehensive review of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England.
🎟️ Save 10% on the Night Show: Make fantastic savings on your evening tickets with our exclusive discount! Use the promotional code ANM2026 when booking online at Kynren.com to save 10% on standard tickets. (Please note: This exclusive code is valid strictly for the evening ‘An Epic Tale of England’ show and cannot be applied to daytime tickets for ‘The Storied Lands’).
Essential Fast Facts & Visitor Information
Planning your own Ultimate Kynren Experience? Here is everything you need to know:
- Opening Dates: The 2026 season runs from 18 July to 12 September 2026.
- The Storied Lands (Day Park): Open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays). Advance Saver tickets are £30 for Adults and £20 for Children. Children under 3 go free.
- An Epic Tale of England (Night Show): Performances take place on Saturday evenings, plus Friday 21 August and Friday 4 September 2026.
- Parking: Car parking must be booked in advance and is priced at £12.00 (or £18.00 for premium parking). A £3.00 return ride-only shuttle bus service is also available from Bishop Auckland Market Place.
- Accessibility: Accessible facilities and parking are available. Registered assistance dogs are welcome when pre-booked, but please note they are not permitted within The Lost Feather arena due to the free-flying birds.
- Charity Status: Kynren is an arts, education and conservation charity (Registered Charity: 1159011).
Kynren Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! On dates when the Kynren – An Epic Tale of England night show takes place, guests can spend a complete day exploring Kynren – The Storied Lands prior to the evening performance. To guarantee a seamless transition between the daytime and evening experiences, day park arrival slots may be adjusted on these dual-show dates, ensuring you can completely maximise your time across both attractions.
When booking your tickets, you will be prompted to select a specific arrival time, which subsequently determines your scheduled show times for the day.
If you are visiting for the Day Park only, please see the typical schedule below:
| Arrival Time | First Show Starts | Last Show Finishes |
| 09:30 | 10:30 | 15:20 |
| 10:15 | 11:15 | 16:05 |
| 11:00 | 12:00 | 16:45 |
Please note that on dates when the Kynren – An Epic Tale of England night show is performing, arrival times are adjusted throughout the season to align with the sunset. If you have booked a “combined day and night” ticket, your adventure will begin at midday; this ensures you have ample time to catch all five live-action shows before the evening spectacular gets underway.
We recommend setting aside a full day to ensure you can experience all five live-action shows, explore the immersive themed worlds, and get the most out of every experience on offer. The day is thoughtfully scheduled, meaning show times are structured to help you catch each major production without needing to rush. You’ll also find plenty of time throughout the day to relax, enjoy a variety of food and drink, or let the younger explorers burn off some energy in the Neolithic-themed outdoor play area.
You can find Kynren situated in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, within the heart of the North East of England.
While walk-up tickets may be available, we highly recommend booking in advance to guarantee your spot, especially if you are planning to visit during busy weekends or school holidays.
We suggest booking your tickets for Kynren – An Epic Tale of England as far in advance as you can. This ensures you have the best possible selection of available seats, giving you the opportunity to secure those positioned closest to the heart of the action.
Kynren is a destination for dreamers, explorers, and storytellers alike. It is the perfect setting for families crafting lasting memories, groups of friends sharing new adventures, and any visitor in search of an experience they will be reminiscing about long after they return home.
The attraction is designed for anyone fascinated by history, inspired by myth and legend, captivated by world-class live performance, or simply amazed by the beauty of the natural world. Above all, Kynren is for anyone looking to step away from the everyday and immerse themselves in something truly extraordinary.
Yes, absolutely! Both of Kynren’s attractions are specifically crafted to be engaging and enjoyable for families and guests of all ages.
Kynren is proud to welcome guests of every age, from the smallest babies to toddlers and beyond. To ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible, children under the age of 3 are admitted free of charge, and baby-changing facilities are provided conveniently throughout the site.
Families with little ones often love the opportunity to explore the immersive worlds and meet the various characters, as well as enjoy the spectacular live-action shows. Please be aware that some performances include special effects, such as loud music, pyrotechnics, fire, battle scenes, and birds in flight, and the spectacular evening show, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, features fireworks and flashing lights. Should you have any specific concerns regarding a particular show or experience, the Kynren team is always happy to assist you. Personally, we would recommend the evening show for children aged 8 and above.
Guests can immerse themselves in five distinct daytime live-action experiences: The Lost Feather, Land of the Vikings, The Trusty Steed, Legend of the Wear, and the Victorian Imaginariums.
The Lost Feather is a spectacular live bird production featuring over 250 birds soaring through the open skies above a custom-built amphitheatre. Through awe-inspiring free-flight displays and compelling storytelling, the production explores our deep connection with the natural world and delivers a powerful conservation message for future generations.
During the performance, you will see an incredible variety of native, exotic, and rare species taking flight directly over your head, including vultures, African grey crowned cranes, macaws, and majestic owls. The show takes place in a purpose-built, 2,500-seat arena featuring a unique roof structure beautifully inspired by an eagle’s nest.
Land of the Vikings transports visitors into a bustling Viking world where history comes vividly to life. Feel the heat and watch sparks fly from the blacksmith’s forge, see weavers and woodcarvers practising traditional crafts and discover what everyday life was really like over a thousand years ago. Watch warriors prepare for battle, hear thunderous battle cries and experience dramatic shield wall demonstrations before taking your seat for an action-packed live show where drums echo, fires rage and warriors clash in an epic tale inspired by Norse history and legend.
The Trusty Steed is an immersive equestrian adventure that transports audiences back to medieval England. The production follows the captivating journey of a courageous young female warrior and her extraordinary bond with a wild horse as they navigate a thrilling world of knights, royal tournaments, and danger.
Celebrating the enduring partnership between humans and horses, this action-packed show features world-class horsemanship, daring stunts, and a heartwarming story of resilience and friendship. The entire spectacle plays out across Kynren’s expansive 7.5-acre outdoor stage, with the historic Bishop Auckland Palace providing a magnificent backdrop in the distance.
Legend of the Wear is an incredible live-action production that brings one of the North East’s most enduring myths (the tale of the Lambton Worm) roaring to life. The performance takes place on a custom-designed stage that accommodates 2,500 spectators, unfolding against a highly detailed replica of a historic local village complete with a watermill, thatched cottages, and a sprawling lake in the foreground.
This unforgettable theatrical experience seamlessly blends high-octane action, dramatic storytelling, and immersive special effects. Elevating the entire production is a magnificent original soundtrack recorded by the world-renowned BBC Concert Orchestra, featuring acclaimed local musician Kathryn Tickell on the Northumbrian small pipes to give this legendary regional myth an entirely authentic local sound.
The Victorian Imaginariums is an immersive hedge maze adventure where guests interact with eccentric, larger-than-life Victorian characters who help guide them through the twists and turns. This whimsical, curious world comes completely to life around every corner through lively theatrical surprises, unexpected encounters, and imaginative discoveries.
Absolutely! Guests are highly encouraged to capture memories of their day out, and you will find endless photo opportunities throughout Kynren – The Storied Lands, including within the bustling Viking Settlement, the whimsical Victorian Imaginariums, and across the wider parkland.
However, please note that photography and filming are strictly prohibited during the live-action shows themselves and throughout the main Kynren – An Epic Tale of England evening performance. This policy ensures that everyone in the audience can enjoy the shows free from the distraction of glowing screens, offering a rare opportunity to be fully present and completely immersed in the magic unfolding before you. The one exception is the night show’s spectacular grand finale, where you are more than welcome to get your camera out to capture the excitement and take home a visual memento of an unforgettable evening.
Yes, Kynren is fully accessible. Kynren offers designated on-site parking for Blue Badge holders, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. Blue Badge parking is located near the Welcome Plaza, which is approximately a 450-meter walk from the main Tribune seating area. The site is designed with level access pathways, and accessible toilet facilities are provided to ensure a comfortable experience for guests with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs and pushchairs.
No, pets and companion dogs are not permitted on site. The only exception is for registered assistance and guide dogs, which are welcome but must be pre-booked with the venue before your visit.
Registered assistance dogs are very welcome across the vast majority of the park; however, they are strictly prohibited from entering The Lost Feather arena. This is a safety measure put in place for the welfare of both the dogs and the birds, given the unpredictable nature of the free-flying birds of prey during the performance.
Yes, you certainly won’t go hungry! A fantastic variety of food and drink options are available across the site throughout the day, offering plenty of choices to keep the whole family fuelled for your adventure. To make it a truly memorable event, you may choose to add on an immersive dining experience featuring theatre, storytelling, and spectacle at the Time Travellers’ Feast.
Yes, chargeable parking is available on-site and must be booked in advance to secure your space. You can choose between standard parking or premium parking, which positions you closer to the park entrance.
Yes, getting to Kynren by public transport is straightforward. Bishop Auckland railway station is just a short 15-minute walk from the venue, and regular local bus services run frequently into the town centre, making the site highly accessible for visitors travelling without a car.
Kynren – The Storied Lands stands out as the UK’s very first live-action show park. What makes it entirely unique in the country is the way it seamlessly brings together world-class, spectacular live-action productions, immersive storytelling, and beautifully themed worlds all within a single, unforgettable park experience.
How Does My Day at Kynren – The Storied Lands Work, will I get to see all of the shows?
Your day is designed to be completely stress-free so you can focus entirely on the fun. Because Kynren – The Storied Lands is built around five major live shows and immersive experiences running throughout the day, the park uses a clever scheduling system to ensure you don’t miss a single thing.
How Your Day Works
- Choose Your Arrival: When booking your tickets, you will select your preferred arrival time.
- Get Your Personalised Route: Based on your arrival, you will be assigned a specific, personalised day plan named after one of the park’s historic themes – either the Roman, Viking, Victorian, or Knight schedule.
- Enjoy a Smooth Flow: This plan acts as your personal itinerary, telling you exactly where to go and when. By simply following your designated schedule, you are guaranteed to experience every single headline attraction without any stressful rushing.
The plan also leaves plenty of built-in free time between the performances so you can relax, grab some food, shop, and explore the wider park at your own leisure.
Do I need to follow my schedule?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you stick to your allocated itinerary.
The timings on your schedule have been meticulously calculated so that thousands of visitors can rotate smoothly and see all five daytime live experiences (The Lost Feather, Land of the Vikings, The Trusty Steed, Legend of the Wear, and the Victorian Imaginariums).
Important Note: If you miss one of your scheduled show times, it is highly unlikely the team will be able to squeeze you into a later performance, as the arenas operate at strict capacities. To get the absolute most out of your ticket, make sure to head to each location promptly as directed by your day plan!
Things to Do Between Shows
You can easily fill your time between the live daytime performances with plenty of relaxing and fun activities.
- For Younger Explorers: Little adventurers will love burning off some extra energy in the Neolithic-themed outdoor adventure play area.
- Shopping & Souvenirs: Take some time to browse the retail and gift shops, where you can pick up unique keepsakes, local crafts, and themed souvenirs to remember your epic day out.
- Food & Drink: A fantastic variety of food and drink stalls are dotted all across the site, making it easy to grab a quick snack, a refreshing drink, or a hearty bite to eat whenever you need a boost.
- Relax & Unwind: There are plenty of beautifully positioned seating areas throughout the park. They offer the perfect spot to take a breather, enjoy your refreshments, and simply sit back to admire the stunning natural surroundings.
Where to Stay Near Kynren
Getting out of the car park after the evening show can take a little time as thousands of guests leave simultaneously. To avoid a long, exhausting drive home in the dark, we highly recommend staying over! Check out our trusted accommodation partners to secure budget-friendly local hotel spaces and cosy country cottages right in Bishop Auckland and the surrounding County Durham area:
- 🏡 Sykes Holiday Cottages – Perfect for a cosy self-catering weekend nearby.
- 🛏️ Travelodge – Ideal for budget-friendly, no-fuss family rooms.
- 🌳 Rural Retreats – Great for luxury countryside escapes.
- 🏰 National Trust Holidays – Unique, heritage-rich accommodation options.
- 🍷 Hotel Du Vin & Malmaison – For a premium boutique stay in the region.
- 🏨 Booking.com – Compare the best rates on local hotels and B&Bs.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars – a spectacular, immersive adventure that brings history to life!
We visited Kynren – The Storied Lands for the press preview event on Saturday 4th July 2026. Don’t miss this spectacular daytime family park; secure your entry tickets directly from the Official Kynren Website.
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Author: Dan
I am passionate about theme parks and attractions, and I love riding roller coasters and thrill rides! As the founder and lead travel editor of Attractions Near Me, and a father of four, I understand how expensive family days out can be. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve tested over 100+ UK and European theme parks, waterparks, and family destinations. I also manage the 80,000+ member UK Travel Industry LinkedIn Group. My aim is to help you, your family, and your friends enjoy some incredible days out without costing the earth. You can read my full story and our editorial standards on our About Us page. Thanks for reading, and have a great time - Regards Dan
