The creators of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England have announced plans for a new historical theme park, Kynren – The Storied Lands, scheduled to open in summer 2026, pending final planning approval.
Located in Bishop Auckland, The Storied Lands will be a daytime attraction within the existing Kynren site. It aims to provide an immersive educational experience, showcasing key moments from history, mythology, and folklore through live-action performances. The park will expand on Kynren’s approach to storytelling, using historical reenactments and interactive elements to engage visitors with the past.
The park’s first phase will include five large-scale live shows and immersive experiences, each set within historically themed landscapes. These attractions will be designed to recreate significant historical periods and events, offering visitors an interactive and visually engaging way to explore the past.
Anna Warnecke, CEO at Kynren said, “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. It delivers multiple live-action shows featuring moments of action, thrilling stunts, incredible performances, immersive storytelling, epic music, and innovative technology as it takes visitors on an emotional journey through time.
Visitors entering the park will begin their journey in Neolithic Britain, experiencing the lives of the first settlers. As they progress, they will encounter a new Viking-themed show depicting the intensity of Norse life. This multi-sensory experience will showcase battles between warriors, the striking of weapons, and the dramatic use of fire, immersing audiences in the sights and sounds of the Viking era.
The park’s most significant production, Fina, will feature a dramatic medieval battle in which knights clash on horseback, and a skilled female warrior demonstrates her bravery and expertise through daring stunts and horsemanship.
Performers will reenact significant historical moments on expansive sets, enhanced by special effects, with Auckland Palace as a historically significant backdrop. The shows will also incorporate live animals, including horses and birds, to add realism and depth, reflecting the historical and mythological connections between humans and the natural world.
Councillor Amanda Hopgood 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 invested in 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 said, “When the first quivering shovel went into the land at Flatts Farm, 10 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 10 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.”
Click here to find out more about Kynren.
