For almost a decade, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England has been one of the UK’s most spectacular live outdoor shows, attracting visitors from across the country to Bishop Auckland in County Durham. But for 2026, Kynren has grown into something even bigger.
I was invited to an exclusive media preview of Kynren – The Storied Lands, the UK’s first live-action show park, giving me the chance to experience everything on offer before it opens to the public.
Located in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, The Storied Lands transforms the Kynren site into a full-day attraction. Throughout the afternoon you’ll explore themed lands, enjoy spectacular live performances and immersive experiences before the day culminates in the world-famous night show, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England.
What makes Kynren even more special is that it isn’t just an attraction. It is a registered charity dedicated to education, conservation, heritage skills and the regeneration of its corner of North East England, all brought to life by more than 1,000 passionate local volunteers. Their enthusiasm is evident throughout the day and is a huge part of what makes the experience so memorable.
Arriving at The Storied Lands
The park opens during the afternoon, allowing plenty of time to explore before the evening performance.
Unlike a traditional theme park with rides, The Storied Lands is centred around storytelling. Beautifully themed pathways connect each area, with live actors, costumed characters and interactive experiences creating an atmosphere that makes you feel part of the story.
The day is carefully timed, allowing guests to experience each major show in sequence.
The Trusty Steed
Our first stop was The Trusty Steed, a medieval spectacular celebrating the relationship between knights and their horses.
The show features impressive horsemanship, daring stunt riding and fast-paced action, all performed in a purpose-built arena. The skill of both the riders and the horses is remarkable, and it sets the tone perfectly for everything that follows throughout the day.
The Lost Feather
Next came The Lost Feather, and this quickly became one of the biggest surprises of the day.
More than 250 birds take part in this unique free-flight experience, soaring above the audience in a specially designed arena inspired by a giant bird’s nest.
Watching birds of prey, parrots, owls and many other species flying just metres overhead creates an unforgettable experience. It’s not only entertaining but also delivers an important conservation message, making it one of the most distinctive attractions within The Storied Lands.
Victorian Imaginariums
Unlike the other attractions, Victorian Imaginariums is less of a traditional show and more of an immersive theatrical experience where you’re encouraged to become part of the story.
Our adventure began with a mischievous Victorian pickpocket who welcomed us into his world before introducing us to a maid. She then escorted us to meet the Professor inside his fascinating Imaginarium, a place where invention and imagination collide.
Inside, the Professor enthusiastically shared his latest ideas and creations, surrounded by beautifully themed Victorian shopfronts that really help bring the setting to life. There’s even a genuine shop where guests can browse and purchase Victorian-inspired gifts and souvenirs before continuing their journey.
From there, we stepped out into the gardens, where we met two charming Victorian sisters. They invited us to try our hand at a game of hoopla, creating a wonderfully interactive moment before we encountered the friendly gardener, who was more than happy to stop for a chat.
Rather than simply sitting and watching a performance, Victorian Imaginariums encourages you to wander, meet its colourful cast of characters and enjoy a series of entertaining encounters. It’s a delightful change of pace from the larger arena shows and does a fantastic job of transporting you back to Victorian England.
Land of the Vikings
Things become considerably louder in Land of the Vikings.
A bustling Viking settlement comes alive with warriors, craftsmen and musicians before building towards an action-packed live performance.
The pounding drums, spectacular fire effects and choreographed battles create an exciting atmosphere, while the themed village provides plenty to explore before and after the show itself.
Legend of the Wear
Our final afternoon performance was Legend of the Wear.
Performed on a beautiful lakeside stage, the show retells the famous legend of the Lambton Worm, one of the North East’s best-known myths.
The combination of water effects, dramatic staging and storytelling makes this feel very different from the earlier performances, providing a fitting finale before the evening celebrations begin.
Time Travellers Feast
After a busy afternoon, it was time for the Time Travellers Feast.
Rather than simply stopping for dinner, the meal becomes part of the entertainment.
As you enjoy your food, performers from different periods of history appear throughout the hall, interacting with guests and providing plenty of laughs along the way. It bridges the gap perfectly between the daytime attractions and the evening spectacular, ensuring the entertainment never really stops.
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England
As darkness fell, it was finally time for the attraction that made Bishop Auckland famous.
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is unlike any other live show in the UK.
Performed on a vast seven-and-a-half-acre outdoor stage, it takes audiences on a breathtaking journey through 2,000 years of English history. Romans, Vikings, medieval knights, castles, royalty, the Industrial Revolution and two World Wars are all brought to life through an extraordinary combination of live action, music, projection mapping, water effects, pyrotechnics and breathtaking choreography.
The scale is almost impossible to describe. Hundreds of performers fill the stage at once, horses gallop across the arena, boats glide across the water and fireworks illuminate the night sky.
Despite all the spectacular technology, it’s the people that make Kynren truly special. Knowing that every performance is powered by over a thousand local volunteers makes the production even more impressive. Their dedication and passion shine through in every scene.
Final Thoughts
Kynren has always been an outstanding evening show, but The Storied Lands transforms it into a genuine full-day destination.
Each of the five themed shows offers something completely different, ensuring the afternoon never feels repetitive, while the Time Travellers Feast provides a seamless transition into one of the best live outdoor performances you’ll see anywhere in the UK.
Whether you’re interested in history, wildlife, live theatre or simply looking for a unique family day out, there’s something here for everyone.
Most importantly, every ticket helps support an organisation committed to education, conservation, preserving traditional skills and continuing the regeneration of this part of County Durham.
If you’ve previously visited Kynren, 2026 is the perfect excuse to return. And if you’ve never experienced it before, there has never been a better time to discover why this remarkable attraction has become one of the North East’s greatest success stories.
