The County Durham spectacle Kynren – The Storied Lands has cemented its status as a premier UK destination, clinching the prestigious “Best UK Tourism Project” award at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ International Tourism Awards. The honour comes just four months after the attraction’s inaugural season opened to the public.
The award was presented during a gala dinner at The Underglobe at Shakespeare’s Globe in London on Monday. Representing the Bishop Auckland-based attraction, Marketing Director Nikki Smith and Chief Technical Officer Graham Emerson accepted the accolade, which stands as a significant milestone for the region’s tourism sector.
To secure the top spot, Kynren successfully competed against a shortlist of high-profile projects, including Gorta – Swatragh’s Famine Story in Northern Ireland and London’s Museum of Homelessness. The winning projects are selected by professional travel writers who visit and experience the attractions firsthand, with the final decision resting on a vote from the Guild’s membership.
Kynren was personally nominated by acclaimed travel broadcaster and Guild member Petra Shepherd, who highlighted the show’s unique contribution to British culture and tourism following her visit to the North East earlier this year.
Anna Warnecke, Chief Executive of Kynren, hailed the win as an extraordinary achievement for the attraction’s debut season. “What makes this particularly special is that the recognition comes from professional travel writers who have experienced The Storied Lands for themselves and understand what makes it different,” Warnecke said. “We set out to create something genuinely new for UK tourism, combining spectacular live performance with history and storytelling in a way that hasn’t been attempted before.”
She credited the success to the dedication of the staff, volunteers, and the creative and technical teams, noting that the award serves as a vital boost for Bishop Auckland as a growing destination for visitors from across the country.
The Storied Lands operates as a daytime visitor experience that complements the site’s established multi-award-winning night show. Guests are treated to an immersive journey through history, featuring five live-action experiences. Highlights include spectacular free-flying bird displays in The Lost Feather, intricate equestrian performances in The Trusty Steed, and the high-energy lakeside adventure, Legend of the Wear. Visitors can also explore the immersive environments of the Land of the Vikings and the Victorian Imaginariums.
This national recognition is expected to further bolster tourism in the North East, drawing increased visitor numbers to County Durham as the attraction looks ahead to building on the momentum of its highly successful debut.
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