Get ready for the Kynren Theme Park!
THE creators of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England have unveiled their most ambitious and exciting
project to date: a brand-new historical theme park.
Set to open in summer 2026, subject to final planning approval, The Storied Lands will be a
spectacular daytime attraction within the wider Kynren park in Bishop Auckland. This new
experience will transport visitors through history, myth, and legend, bringing the past to life through
breathtaking live-action performances.
Phase one of the park will feature five monumental shows and immersive experiences set against
beautifully landscaped historical backdrops.
Anna Warnecke, CEO at Kynren, says, “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. You won’t just witness history – you’ll live it, feel it, and be
moved by it.”
Unlike traditional theme parks that focus on rides, Kynren – The Storied Lands invites exploration
and connection with the past, delivering multiple live action shows featuring heart pounding
moments of action, thrilling stunts, incredible performances, immersive storytelling, epic music and
innovative technology as it takes visitors on an emotional journey through time.
As visitors step into the park, they will be transported back to Neolithic Britain and the era of the
first settlers. Moving deeper into the experience, they will encounter an all-new Viking show, where
warriors clash, sparks fly, and fires rage in an interactive multi-sensory spectacle of Norse life.
In The Legend of the Wear, a giant lake becomes the stage for thrilling water stunts and a captivating
retelling of the Lambton Worm myth. The audience will be left in awe as the monstrous, cursed
creature emerges from the waters in an unforgettable spectacle.
Another highlight is The Lost Feather, a captivating and visually stunning experience centered
around the relationship between birds and humanity. Set on a stage inspired by a bird’s nest, this
show will explore the beauty, power, and fragility of bird species from around the world, highlighting
their struggles and triumphs in a rapidly changing environment.
Then step into the gaslit streets of Victorian England and find yourself swept up in the sights,
sounds, and stories of the era, where everyday life is filled with drama, discovery, and larger-than-
life characters.
The adventure builds to the park’s biggest show— Fina, an epic spectacle where medieval knights
clash on horseback, and a fearless female warrior’s courage and skill are put to the test in a
breathtaking display of horsemanship and daring stunts.
Performers will bring unforgettable historical scenes to life on enormous sets, enhanced by
stunning special effects, with Auckland Palace providing a striking historical backdrop.
Majestic horses, free flying birds, and other animals are seamlessly woven into the performances,
adding depth, visual richness and authenticity to each show. Their involvement celebrates the
connection between history, mythology, and the natural world.
Alongside this, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England will continue on Saturday nights with its 1,000-
strong cast and crew of volunteers. Kynren is already an integral landmark attraction in the North
East and draws both local audiences and visitors from across the UK.
Councillor Amanda Hopgood welcomes the development and said: “It is nine years since 11Arches
amazed us with Kynren, which receives the 5 star TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award year after
year. Durham County Council is a proud partner in the remarkable development of Bishop Auckland,
and we’re delighted with the development of this new day park adventure: Kynren – The Storied
Lands. As Durham County establishes itself as one of the great UK visitor destinations, this
extravaganza will sit at the heart of the County’s offering”.
With millions of pounds being invested into the project, Kynren – The Storied Lands will play a
key role in regenerative tourism, creating hundreds of local jobs and offering career growth
opportunities, apprenticeships, and flexible employment – all designed to boost the local economy
and community.
Jonathan Ruffer, founder of 11Arches, the charity which is focused on education, conservation,
and community development and which operates Kynren, said: “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.
“A decade on, Kynren is one of the wonders of the North East, and there is no talk of the odds
being against its survival – all are agreed that its success was effectively guaranteed, given the
soundness of the business plan.
“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. No quivering shovels, just a settled
determination to bring a gift of outstanding preciousness to Bishop Auckland.”
This ambitious new park builds on the expertise gained from delivering the spectacular Kynren
night show. The team is poised to create an extraordinary, world-class attraction that transport
visitors through time like never before.
Future phases of development will introduce even more attractions, including The Lone
Centurion, Tales of the Tudors, Conquest of the Seas, and legendary stories such as Excalibur and
Robin Hood, ensuring that each visit offers something fresh and exciting.
