If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out that combines breathtaking live entertainment, fascinating history, and plenty to explore, Kynren and The Storied Lands deserve a spot on your list. From epic battle scenes and dazzling special effects to immersive historical attractions that bring centuries of storytelling to life, this unique destination offers something for history buffs, families, theatre lovers and adventurers alike.
Whether you’ve already heard whispers about the spectacular night show or you’re curious to find out more about the brand new day park, you’re in the right place. Take a look at this blog post to find out everything you need to know about Kynren and the new Storied Lands park, and start planning your visit!
What is Kynren?
Kynren is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It’s an outdoor show that is set on 7.5 acres of land in an arena (or Tribune) that seats up to 8000 people. The cast is made up of 1000 volunteers and 150 live animals who bring together the history of England. “From Boudicca’s battles with the Romans to two world wars, via Vikings, Tudors and the fate of Charles I, Kynren’s a spellbinding, family-friendly experience delivering thrills, shocks, tears, laughs, goosebumps and gasps on a truly cinematic scale.“
The show follows young Arthur as he journeys through time to discover more about himself and his heritage. As an audience, we venture through 29 different historical scenes with him, each its own choreography, special effects, hand to hand combat and pyrotechnics.
When is Kynren on?
These are the Kynren 2026 show dates and times.
| Date | Gates open | Show time |
| Sat 18 July | 6:45pm | 9:15pm |
| Sat 25 July | 6:45pm | 9:15pm |
| Sat 1 August | 6:45pm | 9:15pm |
| Sat 8 Aug | 6:30pm | 9pm |
| Sat 15 Aug | 6:15pm | 8:45pm |
| Fri 21 Aug | 6pm | 8:30pm |
| Sat 22 Aug | 6pm | 8:30pm |
| Sat 29 Aug | 5:45pm | 8:15pm |
| Fri 4 Sept | 5:30pm | 8pm |
| Sat 5 Sept | 5:30pm | 8pm |
| Sat 12 Sept | 5:15pm | 7:45pm |
What is The Storied Lands?
The Storied Lands is the UK’s first live action show park, featuring spectacular action-filled shows, immersive experiences and family-friendly attractions. You’ll get to discover five spectacular live shows and immersive experiences in one day out, from Viking battles and medieval horsemanship to breathtaking birds in flight and a Victorian maze.
This isn’t your traditional theme park with rides and rollercoasters. Instead, your day unfolds with live experiences and incredible storytelling. Each experience takes place at scheduled times throughout the day, allowing you to journey through different worlds, legends and adventures.
Take a look at the below to find out about each of the five live shows.
The Lost Feather is a breathtaking live bird show featuring over 250 magnificent birds soaring through the skies above a purpose-built arena. Through stunning free-flight displays and spectacular storytelling, the show explores humanity’s relationship with birds and delivers a powerful message about the importance of conservation for future generations. You will see a variety of birds free fly – including native, exotic and rare species. Look out for vultures, African grey crowned cranes, macaws, and magical owls.
The Victorian Imaginariums is an immersive hedge maze adventure where visitors encounter larger-than-life Victorian characters ready to guide them on their journey. Around every corner, unexpected encounters, theatrical moments and imaginative discoveries bring this curious Victorian world to life. It’s a one-way storytelling maze, so you won’t get lost, but you’ll have a lot of fun uncovering all of the characters.
Legend of the Wear transforms a vast lake into the stage for a breathtaking live-action show inspired by North East folklore and the famous Lambton Worm story. Water erupts, chaos unfolds and a mysterious force moves beneath the surface in a visually spectacular experience that leaves audiences in awe. At the heart of the story is John, a young hero whose courage and compassion shape the fate of his community. This is perfect for fans of local folklore.
The Trusty Steed is a spectacular equestrian adventure set in medieval England. Follow the journey of a fearless young female warrior and her remarkable bond with a wild horse as they navigate a world of knights, tournaments and adventure. Featuring exceptional horsemanship, daring stunts, thrilling tournament action and a heartwarming story of courage, friendship and resilience, The Trusty Steed celebrates the enduring partnership between humans and horses.
Step into the Viking Settlement. As you walk through the village, you’ll see traditional skills in action, feel the heat of the forge and watch sparks fly from the blacksmith’s hammer. Food grows in the gardens, fires are lit for cooking, fisherwomen work along the water’s edge, and Viking warriors prepare for what lies ahead. Stories are shared. Drums echo. Something is coming. Take your seat for the live show and see the world erupt!
When can I vist The Storied Lands?
The Storied Lands is officially open on Saturday 18 July 2026. It will be open from Tuesday to Sunday every week until Saturday 12 September 2026.
How much are tickets?
The Kynren ticket prices are as follows:
| VIP seats | £65 per adult | £55 per child |
| Deluxe seats | £50 per adult | £40 per child |
| Superior seats | £40 per adult | £30 per child |
| Standard seats | £30 per adult | £30 per child |
For The Storied Lands, tickets can be booked in advance for £30 per adult and £20 per child (under 3s go free), or you can pay on the gate for £40 per adult and £20 per child.
How do I book?
You can book your Kynren and/or Storied Lands tickets via the Kynren website.
Where are Kynren and The Storied Lands?
The site is based at Flatts Farm, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7SF. You can see the site from the Newton Cap Viaduct.
Can you go to both attractions in one day?
Absolutely! On dates when Kynren is performing, visitors can enjoy a full day at The Storied Lands before attending the night show in the evening. Arrival times for the day park may vary on night show days to ensure a smooth transition between the day time and evening experiences and to help visitors make the most of both attractions.
What does a day at The Storied Lands look like?
Visitors choose an arrival time and receive a schedule of shows, like this:
| 10:15am | Arrival time |
| 11:15 – 11:50am | The Lost Feather |
| 11:55am – 13:20pm | Explore Victorian Imaginariums |
| 13:25 – 14:00pm | Legend of the Wear |
| 14:45 – 15:20pm | The Trusty Steed |
| 15:45 – 16:05pm | Land of the Vikings |
Time is built in for refreshments and exploring the Park.
On night show dates, arrival times vary throughout the season as the start time of Kynren changes to coincide with sunset. Visitors booking a combined day and night ticket will begin their Storied Lands experience from midday, allowing plenty of time to enjoy all five live action shows before the night show begins.
A full day is recommended to enjoy all five live-action shows, immersive experiences and themed worlds. Visitors can also enjoy a range of food and drink options throughout the day, while younger adventurers can let off steam in the Neolithic-themed outdoor play area.
What else is available on site?
No matter if you go to just Kynren, The Storied Lands or both attractions on the same day, you’ll be able to visit the Viking Settlement. Watch Viking warriors prepare for battle, marvel at the craftsmanship in the working blacksmith’s forge, meet the Viking fisherwomen, showcasing age-old fishing techniques that add to the immersive atmosphere, and so much more.
There are also spots to grab a drink or bite to eat, including the Kynren food court, the Binchester Bar, and the Viking Village Kiosks. Find out more about food here.
What is the Time Travellers’ Feast?
The Time Travellers’ Feast at Kynren gives you the opportunity to dine before the drama. It’s an immersive dining experience with theatre, storytelling, and spectacle, all served up in three courses.
- A Roman-inspired welcome cocktail.
- A Tudor-inspired starter to begin the journey.
- A hearty Viking main, rich with bold flavours.
- Victorian sweet treats to close the chapter in indulgent style.
Each course arrives with live moments, mischief and dramatic surprises, building anticipation for the epic night ahead. Check out the full menu here.
Tickets cost £68 per person and these are extra to your Kynren and Storied Lands ticket. There’s a limited number of places each night, so make sure to book in advance.
Is the site accessible?
Click the dropdown info boxes to find out more about accessibility at Kynren and The Storied Lands.
The team strive to make the Kynren site as accessible as possible to ensure all guests can come and have an amazing time. The main visitor path is DDA compliant with a natural fine stone surface. Some areas have grass or stone surfaces, so wheelchair users may need some help crossing those.
The site includes a 400m walk from the Blue Badge car park to the main welcome Hub, and visitors are required to walk between shows in The Storied Lands. If you struggle with large walking distances, do bring walking aids and wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for hire. Please note that there is limited availability, and these must be pre-booked before your visit by calling a member of the team on 01388 436 030.
At The Storied Lands, shows open up to thirty minutes before performances, allowing early seating for those with access requirements. The seated experiences offer raked, stadium-style seating with shallow steps to higher rows. Areas for wheelchair users and those with access needs are available.
The Kynren Tribune opens an hour before the show starts, allowing early seating. Visitors may freely enter and exit the arena before the show, but may be restricted during the performance, for safety reasons and the live-action nature of the show. For visitors with limited mobility, you are able to choose your seats in the Tribune on the online booking system. This allows you to opt for seats lower down or at the level of your choice.
The site has a number of park benches, providing seating for those who may need it.
Disabled toilets are located at the Welcome Plaza, immediately adjacent to the Blue Badge Car Park, and directly behind the Tribune. If you are a blue badge holder, you can book a space in the Blue Badge Car Park A with your show tickets. This can be done online or via the Booking Hotline (+44(0) 1388 436030).
Spaces for wheelchair users and their Essential Companions are reserved in each of our seated performances, both for attractions. Essential Companions must be at least 12 years old. Companions aged 12–17 can only accompany a guest over 18. Essential Companions must be physically able to assist their companion, particularly in an emergency.
Visitors who meet qualifying criteria may be entitled to a complimentary Essential Companion Ticket. Find out more about Essential Companion Tickets and eligibility here.
Wheelchair users must remain in their wheelchairs throughout the performance in case of emergency.
Visitors with sensory sensitivities can access a designated quiet area for a break from crowds or noise. Please consult a map for precise locations or speak to a member of staff.
Assistance Dogs are welcome at Kynren, but must have valid documentation and be pre-booked in advance by calling the Visitor Services team on 01388 436 030, as there may be seating restrictions due to the live action nature of our shows and the inclusion of animals in the performances.
Blue Badge holders can pre-book a space in the Blue Badge Car Park for all of Kynren’s attractions. Please note that it’s essential to pre-book as there is limited availability and there’s no guaranteed availability for on-the-day arrivals. Supply the team with a photo of your valid Blue Badge at access@kynren.com and then call 01388 436 030 to book.
A valid Blue Badge and parking tickets must be displayed on arrival.
If you need any more information about accessibility, take a look at the Kynren accessibility page.
Are dogs allowed at Kynren?
No, dogs are not permitted, with the exception of registered assistance and guide dogs which must be pre-booked. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout most of the site but are not permitted within The Lost Feather arena due to the nature of the free-flying bird experience.
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is available and should be booked in advance (priced at £12 or £18 for premium parking). You can also reach the site via public transport. Bishop Auckland railway station is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the site and local bus services operate to the town centre.
My review of The Storied Lands
We found getting to the Kynren site incredibly easy. The postcode (DL14 7SF) brought us right to the car park and there was clear signage heading into Bishop Auckland to point the way. There were also plenty of volunteers who made sure we knew where we were going, so we didn’t feel lost or overwhelmed at any point.
The walk in is really simple – you just follow the main path along, head through security and you’re almost there! There was a small gift shop on the way in, which sold lots of Kynren-branded products, as well as costumes and accessories. Even though it was a fairly small shop, there were lots of fab products!
Just like with Kynren, you enter The Storied Lands via the Welcome Plaza, where you can enjoy the Kynren food court. I liked that the menu was available to see before you joined the queue. It means that you don’t have to decide when you get to the front and you don’t have to feel awkward if you don’t want anything.
The site itself is easy to navigate. The Trusty Steed happens in the main Tribune (the same as Kynren), while the other four shows have their own purpose-built spaces. It isn’t hard to miss the giant nest arena for The Lost Feather, Land of the Vikings happens in a space through the Viking Village, and the Legend of the Wear is right next to the food court. The only one that was a bit confusing to find was Victorian Imaginariums, but there were plenty of volunteers to point us in the right direction.
The path to each one was flat and the walks were short between them, and as you’re sat for four out of five shows, it wasn’t a strenuous day.
The shows themselves were great and I won’t give away too much detail so that you can still enjoy all of the surprises. But the standouts for me were The Trusty Steed and The Lost Feather. The horsemanship and stunts in The Trusty Steed were fantastic, and I found myself saying “woah!” over and over again. The Lost Feather was absolutely breathtaking and it was incredible to see all of the birds swooping above us. With the added specially-written soundtrack, it was just jaw-dropping.
There’s also a new playground as part of The Storied Lands, which looks fab for kids!
Overall, we really enjoyed our Storied Lands visit and would say it’s well worth the £30 price for an adult. Considering you get to see five individual shows within that ticket price, it’s great value for money.
My review of Kynren
As we were already on site for The Storied Lands, we didn’t need to drive anywhere. However, in the past, using the postcode (DL14 7SF) has brought us right to the car park and there was clear signage heading into Bishop Auckland to point the way.
Finding our seats in the Tribune was really easy and it was great to have volunteers on hand to point us in the right direction. We were sat right in the middle in the VIP seats, which are padded and have a spectacular view.
It’s really hard to put into words just how spectacular Kynren is. I honestly think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen in my whole life. Everything, from the choreography to the fireworks, was just utterly incredible. I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the whole production!
As I mentioned at the start of this post, there are 29 different historical scenes in the show – some of them I was familiar with and some of them I wasn’t. For example, I recognised Boudicca’s powerful presence as she tore across the stage on her horse, but I wasn’t so familiar with King Charles I. I came away having learned a thing or two!
I also loved that there was a North East history thread running throughout, such as the Prince Bishops of Durham, how Auckland Castle came to be, the terrible pit disaster and the first Durham Miner’s Gala. Seeing it all play out in such a huge venue in the heart of the North East really made me feel proud to be from the region.
It’s so hard to choose a favourite part. There were so many brilliant bits! I really loved when the Viking longboat came out of the lake – look out for that bit and notice the guys who are on it. I also loved the finale, of course. The dancing was fabulous, the music was sensational and the fireworks just topped it all off. But I should also give a shout out to the animals in the show because they are just magical. The horses have such a key role in so many scenes, like jousting, jumping over flames and pulling carts, but the geese, sheep, goats and cows all get their moment in the spotlight too.
If there’s one thing you do this summer, make it a visit to Kynren and The Storied Lands. If you like history, theatre, the North East or doing something a bit different, it will be totally up your street. Take a look at the Kynren website for more information or book your tickets here.
I was gifted tickets to Kynren and The Storied Lands in exchange for this blog post. All opinions are my own.