A new chapter begins for one of the North East’s most spectacular visitor attractions.
A brand new daytime experience joins the award-winning Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, creating an unforgettable full day of history, storytelling and live entertainment.
When you think of a theme park, rollercoasters and thrill rides probably come to mind.
However, The Storied Lands is something entirely different. As the UK’s first live-action show park, it swaps rides for storytelling, theatre and spectacular live performances, proving you don’t need adrenaline-fuelled attractions to create an unforgettable day out.
Building on the success of the award-winning Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, this brand new daytime experience is made up of five distinctive live-action shows. Each offers a different chapter of history, legend and storytelling before the experience concludes with the famous evening spectacular.
Five live-action shows that bring history to life
The day began with The Trusty Steed, where breathtaking horsemanship and daring riding stunts tell the story of a courageous young heroine and her loyal horse. It’s a fitting introduction to what lies ahead and immediately demonstrates the quality of performance visitors can expect throughout the day.
Next up is The Lost Feather, set within a striking giant bird’s nest amphitheatre. Eagles, vultures and owls swoop just metres above the audience in a thrilling display that’s as educational as it is entertaining. Learning about the important role birds of prey play in our ecosystem adds real depth to the spectacle, making it much more than simply a display of incredible flying.
The pace then changes with the wonderfully quirky Victorian Imaginariums. As you make your way through the experience, actors remain completely in character, bringing every encounter to life. The picturesque fountain and charming Victorian sweet shop add to the atmosphere. We couldn’t resist leaving with some sweets, purely for research purposes, of course.
Action, adventure and North East legends
The energy ramps up once again in Land of the Vikings, where fire, fierce battles and charging horses combine to create one of the most exhilarating shows of the day. The atmosphere is electric, with enough action to keep audiences of all ages completely absorbed.
My personal favourite was Legend of the Wear, a spectacular retelling of the Lambton Worm story. Performed against a beautiful lakeside backdrop, the show combines daring acrobatics, impressive stunts and dramatic water effects with one of the North East’s best-loved stories.
The familiar Lambton Worm tune woven throughout the performance is a lovely touch, giving the production a real sense of place.
From feast to finale
Between the daytime experiences and the evening performance comes the Time Travellers’ Feast, where historical characters appear between courses, bringing the storytelling to the dinner table before everyone heads to the amphitheatre for the evening spectacular.
As darkness falls, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England once again reminds you why it has become one of the country’s most celebrated live productions. Watching Viking ships emerge from the water, alongside breathtaking pyrotechnics, stunning special effects and a cast of more than 1,000 volunteers, is a fantastic experience.
The story unfolds across 2,000 years of English history, celebrating defining moments from the nation’s past while proudly showcasing the region’s own heritage.
More than a day out
What makes Kynren even more impressive is what happens behind the scenes. Operated as an arts, education and conservation charity, every visit supports skills development, community programmes and the continued regeneration of Bishop Auckland, giving the attraction a lasting impact beyond the performances themselves.
Kynren has always been one of the North East’s standout attractions, and The Storied Lands enhances that reputation. Together, they create a full-day experience that is beautifully produced and genuinely different from anything else in the UK.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to experience what’s new, it’s a day out that celebrates history, storytelling and the remarkable talent behind one of our region’s greatest success stories.
Kynren – The Storied Lands opens on 18 July, with tickets available at kynren.com.
