Last Updated on July 11, 2026
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England & The Storied Lands Day Park
5.0 out of 5.0 starsThe award-winning Kynren is a live-action experience in a stunning setting in Bishop Auckland, County Durham. The first performance was in July 2016; since then, Kynren has constantly evolved, with the latest iteration, new for 2026, being Kynren – The Storied Lands, an immersive and memorable day park.
A series of spectacular live-action shows, drawing inspiration from the surrounding area’s history and legends, culminates in the evening tribune, an epic journey through two thousand years of history, myths, and legends staged by a cast of hundreds. A visit to Kynren is an unforgettable experience with incredible live shows set in a theatrical production; it will take your breath away. It is akin to a live history outdoor theme park.
New for 2026 is Kynren – The Storied Lands, a thrilling day park experience. Five separate shows, each with a different theme, take place in custom-built settings, with one show leading onto the next.
On our preview visit, the experience began with The Trusty Steed, an equestrian story set in medieval times on the main tribune stage. A young woman is bereft when her father is imprisoned, with his sole possession left being a wild horse. In a moving display, she gains the trust of the horse. Together, they compete to secure his release. The performance features horses and jousts; the skills of the riders and daring stunts they perform on horseback will make you gasp. This is a thrilling start to Kynren – The Storied Lands.
The next live show we visited was The Lost Feather, staged in an arena topped with a huge eagle’s nest. From owls to falcons, vultures, cranes, eagles, and pelicans, the cast for this show creates an aerial display framed by a massive waterfall. They sweep and glide through the air to the atmospheric backdrop of an original score recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra. The story tells the tale of a young bird guardian learning wisdom from a wise old guardian. The magnificent birds in flight are a spectacular sight. This was a highlight of the day for me.
Victorian Imaginariums followed, bringing the Victorian era to life. As you make your way through a winding hedged path, characters in Victorian dress engage in conversations and make comments. The central area contains the Birch & Birch store based on the Victorian provisions shop, which was located in Angel Court in London. The Victorian Imaginarium is a taster for what will be developed into a full experience in 2027.
Leaving this area, we moved on to The Land of the Vikings, staged in the Viking settlement. This show features fire, drums, and fast-paced combat.
This is a powerful, moving performance, telling the tale of two groups of Vikings who fight each other. The underlying conflict being Vikings who want to settle in a new land and those who wish to continue their warrior way of life.
The final daytime show for us was entitled Legend of the Wear, based on the legend of the Lambton Worm. This is set in a lakeside arena, inspired by the traditional folktale centring on the River Wear and the Lambton family of County Durham. Water erupts from the lake in a thrilling manner as John leaves his village on a dangerous rescue mission. A powerful witch controls the water with her staff, creating watery chaos.
These five live-action shows are staged at set times during the day leading up to the finale of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, which commences as dusk falls.
A break in the live action will give you time for refreshments before you take your seat for Kynren – An Epic Tale of England. There are food and drink courts in the park; alternatively, why not book The Time Travellers’ Feast? A limited number of tickets are available to purchase in advance for this experience, where costumed performers entertain you whilst you indulge in a sit-down feast.
The night show Kynren – An Epic Tale of England starts as day turns into night. This ticketed seated event is performed on the seven-and-a-half-acre stage with Bishop Auckland Palace in the background. A journey through two thousand years of history is told through the eyes of young Arthur, who is seeking his ancestry.
This thrilling, ninety-minute performance is based on historical scenes interwoven with myths and legends. Some of the events depicted include Boudica’s battle with the Romans, the Viking invasions and combat with the Anglo-Saxons, the legend of King Arthur, a conversation between Queen Elizabeth I and Shakespeare, Winston Churchill delivering his uplifting speech and the sorrow of the mining community following a colliery incident. Along with the large cast, sheep, geese, horses, and a real locomotive all play a part in this incredible production. Rousing music accompanies the show, which ends in a joyful dance with a pyrotechnic display lighting up the skies.
Kynren is an unforgettable experience. The storytelling will delight people of all ages. The scale of the event, staging and costumes is world-class – a truly memorable outdoor event. Kynren – The Storied Lands is the UK’s first live-action show park, bringing together spectacular live-action productions, immersive storytelling and themed worlds in a unique way.
I attended the press preview on Saturday, 4 July 2026.
Opening on 18 July 2026, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, the night show, is staged on Saturday evenings, with two Friday performances on Friday 21 August 2026 and Friday 4 September 2026, until 12 September 2026. The timing of the live night show changes during the course of the season, coinciding with the sunset.
Kynren – The Storied Lands day park will be open from 18 July to 12 September 2026, daily apart from Mondays.
A combined ticket for both the day park and night show can be purchased. On dates when the night show is staged, only full-day tickets can be bought. Day park-only tickets, on dates with no night show, give timed entry for the live shows based on the arrival time selected when booking your ticket.
There is ample on-site car parking; it should be booked and paid for in advance. Kynren is an accessible site with all the facilities you need for a great day out. The closest station to Kynren is Bishop Auckland, a 15-minute walk away.
Kynren, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7SF.
Tel: 01388 436 030
For more detailed information and to purchase tickets, visit Kynren.
County Durham has a wealth of attractions and places to visit on a stay in this beautiful part of the country, amongst them the historic Durham Cathedral, the Auckland Project, Raby Castle, and the Bowes Museum, to name a few.
To plan a trip to Durham County, visit This is Durham.
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