The historical theme park will boast exhibits and shows from throughout British history (Image: Kynren)
A company staging historical reenactments near a small Durham town has ambitious plans to expand into a fully-fledged theme park.
Kynren have staged 90-minute outdoor spectacles, free-wheeling through 2,000 years of British history at a site near Bishop Auckland since 2016.
Now, the company has drawn up plans for a large-scale tourist attraction packed with five shows and a number of immersive experiences to ensure customers don’t just witness the history but “live it, feel it and [are] moved by it”.
Despite what you might expect from its theme park moniker, the new project won’t have any rides but will invite history buffs to explore live demonstrations and performances, storytelling sessions and innovative technology used to bring the past to life.
Instead of the quick jumps between eras of human history, the park will allow visitors to wander between Neolithic Britain, Victorian London, Ancient Rome and more at their leisure.
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The park will offer an immersive glimpse into Britain’s past (Image: Kynren)
Live shows are set to include clashes between Viking warriors and a planned storytelling session will take place over a giant lake, with water stunts and spectacles planned to wow audiences of all ages.
Kynren has already incorporated impressive replicas of bygone times into its 90-minute show and the popular attraction – which has five stars on TripAdvisor from over 2,000 reviews – will continue to be staged on Saturday nights amid its wider, sprawling offshoot.
Recent attendees to the existing demonstration have described it as a “must see”, “fantastic” and an “incredible performance portraying the amazing history of our beloved country”.
While plans have yet to be submitted to Durham Country Council, Kynren’s CEO Anna Warnecke was confident that the “game changer” development would boost tourism in the northeast and encourage more engagement with British history.
“For the past decade, we have poured passion and expertise into delivering Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, and now we are bringing the same level of scale, innovation and magic into this new daytime attraction,” she said.
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The company is hoping to open Kynren – The Storied Lands by 2026 (Image: Kynren)
Jonathan Ruffer, the founder of 11Arches, the charity behind Kynren and owner of its site at Flatts Farm in Bishop Auckland, described the initial idea for the show as “bonkers” – and marvelled at its growth into “one of the wonders of the northeast”.
“What a difference those 10 years have made!” he added. “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.”
Councillor Amanda Hopgood also put her support behind the plans, positioning the council as “a proud partner” in the “remarkable development of Bishop Auckland”.
“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,” she added.
Millions of pounds will be invested in Kynren – The Storied Lands, developers said, ahead of a planned opening date in summer 2026.