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, Kynren – The Storied Lands.

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.

For further information about Kynren – The Storied Lands, where legends come alive, visit: www.kynren.com

ENDS  

Notes to editors

About Kynren

Kynren is produced by 11Arches, a registered charity dedicated to creating world-class shows that inspire, educate, and drive social and economic regeneration. Through a dynamic arts, education, and community programme, 11Arches provides skills development, fosters local pride, and supports sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and the region.

Founded by Jonathan Ruffer, 11Arches is one of two charities in Bishop Auckland, alongside The Auckland Project. Together, their mission is to transform Bishop Auckland into a major visitor destination, attracting investment, creating jobs, and ensuring that tourism delivers long-term benefits to the community.

Since its launch, Kynren has contributed £65.5 million to the local economy. With the introduction of Kynren – The Storied Lands, this impact is set to grow, with an additional £196.5 million projected—driving economic growth, supporting local businesses, and championing regenerative tourism.

About Kynren – An Epic Tale of England – The Live Action Night Show 2025

Since 2016, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England has been the UK's must-see live-action night show, transporting audiences on an exhilarating journey through 2,000 years of history, myth, and legend.

Brought to life by a 1,000-strong team of volunteers, Kynren is more than a spectacle—it is a social impact project, empowering people with new skills, confidence, and a sense of community. Volunteers aged 5 to 85 contribute both on stage and behind the scenes, gaining experience in performance, production, and technical roles, making it a truly unique creative and learning experience.

Staged on an epic 7.5-acre set—equivalent to five football pitches—the 90-minute production unfolds under the stars in an 8,000-seat amphitheatre, bringing history to life with dazzling stunts, pyrotechnics, special effects, and animals, from magnificent horses to Kynren's much-loved gaggle of geese.

The 2025 season runs Saturday nights from 19th July – 13th September, offering an unforgettable experience that blends entertainment with heritage, storytelling, and community impact.