Kynren, a historical visitor attraction in County Durham, England, is opening a new daytime theme park at the current site called Kynren – The Storied Lands.
Described as a “time travelling theme park” and due to open in summer 2026 (subject to final planning approval) The Storied Lands is an immersive experience within the wider Kynren park in Bishop Auckland.
It joins Kynren’s existing show, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, which will continue on Saturday nights with its 1,000-strong cast and crew of volunteers.
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.”
The Storied Lands will immerse visitors in history, myth and legend as they experience spectacular live-action performances.
Guests will be transported back to Neolithic Britain before they encounter a new Vikings show. Next, they will see a thrilling aquatic attraction on a giant lake that retells the Lambton Worm legend.
After this, they will enjoy a new experienced centred around the relationship between birds and humans, set on a stage inspired by a bird’s nest.
Then, visitors will find themselves walking the gaslit streets of Victorian England before taking in the park’s biggest show, called Fina.
With Auckland Palace as a striking historical backdrop, this epic production will bring historical scenes to life on enormous sets, enhanced by special effects.
The Storied Lands: opening in 2026
Jonathan Ruffer, founder of 11Arches, the charity operating Kynren, 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.”
Kynren was originally developed in collaboration with Puy du Fou. Instead of coasters and rides, both concepts offer incredible shows, immersive storytelling and themed experiences.
“As we prepare for the opening of Kynren – The Storied Lands, there is excitement a-plenty. What a difference those 10 years have made,” Ruffer said.
“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.”
The first phase of The Storied Lands includes five shows and immersive experiences, as above. Later phases of development will introduce attractions themed to the Tudors, and legendary tales about Robin Hood and Excalibur.
Puy du Fou is also planning a new theme park for the UK, located near Bicester in Oxfordshire.
Images courtesy of 11Arches
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