The creators of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England have announced their most ambitious project to date: a groundbreaking historical theme park, Kynren – The Storied Lands.

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Scheduled 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 immersive experience will transport visitors through history, myth, and legend, bringing the past to life with breathtaking live-action performances.

The first phase of the park will feature five monumental shows and immersive experiences, set against beautifully landscaped historical backdrops.

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Anna Warnecke, CEO of 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 to this new daytime attraction. Visitors won’t just witness history – they’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. Multiple live-action shows will feature heart-pounding moments of action, thrilling stunts, immersive storytelling, epic music, and cutting-edge technology, taking visitors on an emotional journey through time.

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Visitors will begin their journey in Neolithic Britain, encountering the first settlers before moving into the Viking era. Here, an all-new Viking show will bring Norse life to the forefront in a spectacular, multi-sensory battle display.

The Legend of the Wear will transform a giant lake into a stage for thrilling water stunts, retelling the myth of the Lambton Worm in an unforgettable spectacle. Audiences will be awed as the monstrous, cursed creature rises from the waters in a breathtaking performance.

The Lost Feather will offer a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience centred on the relationship between birds and humanity. Set on a stage inspired by a bird’s nest, this production will explore the beauty, power, and fragility of bird species worldwide, highlighting their struggles and triumphs.

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Visitors will also be transported to the gaslit streets of Victorian England, where they will be immersed in the drama, discoveries, and larger-than-life characters of the era.

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The adventure culminates in the park’s biggest spectacle, Fina, where medieval knights clash on horseback, and a fearless female warrior demonstrates courage and skill in a dazzling display of horsemanship and daring stunts.

Performers will bring these historical scenes to life on grand sets, enhanced by stunning special effects, with Auckland Palace providing a striking historical backdrop. Majestic horses, free-flying birds, and other animals will be seamlessly integrated into performances, adding depth, visual richness, and authenticity. Their involvement will celebrate the connection between history, mythology, and the natural world.

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Kynren – An Epic Tale of England will continue to run on Saturday nights with its 1,000-strong cast and crew of volunteers. As a landmark attraction in the North East, Kynren draws audiences from across the UK and beyond.

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Councillor Amanda Hopgood welcomed the development, stating: “It has been nine years since 11Arches amazed us with Kynren, which consistently receives the five-star TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Durham County Council is proud to support the remarkable transformation of Bishop Auckland, and we are delighted with this new daytime attraction. As Durham establishes itself as a premier UK visitor destination, Kynren – The Storied Lands will be a flagship experience at its heart.”

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With millions of pounds invested in the project, Kynren – The Storied Lands will play a vital role in regenerative tourism, creating hundreds of local jobs and offering career growth opportunities, apprenticeships, and flexible employment, all aimed at boosting the local economy and community.

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Jonathan Ruffer, founder of 11Arches, the charity behind Kynren, reflected on the journey: “When the first quivering shovel broke ground at Flatts Farm a decade ago, many thought the idea of a night show called Kynren was completely bonkers.

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“Now, Kynren is one of the wonders of the North East, and its success has paved the way for this next exciting venture. A decade on, we are filled with determination to bring an extraordinary, world-class attraction to Bishop Auckland.”

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Building on the expertise gained from Kynren, this ambitious new park promises to transport visitors through time like never before. Future phases 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 fresh and exciting experiences for every visit.

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