Ahead of its public opening on 18th July 2026, we were invited to an exclusive preview of Kynren – The Storied Lands.
This expansion introduces the UK's very first dedicated live-action show park. While those who have visited Puy du Fou in France or Spain will draw comparisons, The Storied Lands is an entirely unique experience in the UK, and has carved out its own distinct identity.
Those who have followed Theme Parks UK over the years will know how highly we rate the spectacular live evening show in Bishop Auckland, County Durham. When we reviewed Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, we noted that there were exciting long-term plans to transform the wider site into a multi-hectare daytime visitor attraction. This summer, that vision officially becomes reality.
The Day Park Experience: How It Works
Unlike a conventional theme park built around roller coasters and other rides, Kynren – The Storied Lands shifts the focus completely to immersive storytelling, using historically themed environments, and through high-energy performances.
The practical setup is highly structured. When booking, you select a specific arrival time. This generates a simple daily schedule that seamlessly guides you through all five major live-action shows. The staggered system ensures every guest gets to see every performance without missing out or facing chaotic queues, while still leaving plenty of breathing room between shows to relax in the surroundings, discover the fun Neolithic Play Area, or grab food and drink.
A Quick Tip on Footwear: Every single attraction is outdoors. We highly recommend dressing appropriately for the unpredictable British weather and wearing comfortable walking shoes. Much like at Puy du Fou, the pathways are very dusty, so do not wear your best footwear!
As this was an exclusive, condensed preview event, some elements were still receiving their final touches. For instance, the walk-through Viking Settlement experience, which we thoroughly enjoyed as a pre-show during our previous visit, was not operating.
The Five Live-Action Daytime Shows
Each of the five daytime shows is professionally cast and operated, bringing historic eras, regional myths, and natural wonders directly to life.
1. The Lost Feather
This is arguably the flagship experience of the daytime park. Set inside a custom-built 2,500-seat arena featuring a roof structure inspired by a giant eagle's nest, the show is an absolute marvel. More than 250 birds take to the skies in a free-flying narrative focusing on conservation, accompanied by a soaring original score recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Watching rare, exotic, and native species, from pelicans and scarlet ibis to African grey crowned cranes and massive birds of prey, sweep low across the audience is a breathtaking sight.
2. Land of the Vikings
When open to the public, you'll be able to wander into a Viking Settlement to witness weavers, woodcarvers, and a working blacksmith's forge where chainmail is crafted. Once you take your seat, the main performance erupts into a fast-paced spectacle. Drums echo, fires rage, and warriors clash in a series of dramatic shield-wall demonstrations and intense hand-to-hand combat. A treat for those who love high-stakes action.
3. The Trusty Steed
Taking place on the vast 7.5-acre main stage with Auckland Palace framing the backdrop, this equestrian adventure celebrates the partnership between humans and horses. The narrative follows a fearless young female warrior proving her courage in a medieval world of tournament action, combining some exceptional horsemanship with daring horseback stunts and swordplay.
4. Legend of the Wear
This production brings genuine regional flavour to the park, adapting the famous North East myth of the Lambton Worm. Staged across a purpose-built village layout featuring thatched cottages and a mill, a large lake becomes the setting for thrilling water stunts, special effects, and pyrotechnics. The soundtrack features the Northumbrian musician Kathryn Tickell on the small pipes, grounding the mythic spectacle perfectly in its local heritage.
5. Victorian Imaginariums
Offering a lighter, more whimsical pace than the other action-heavy shows, this actor-led adventure takes you through a hedge maze to meet Professor Flambard. As you navigate the winding paths toward the Professor's Imaginarium, you encounter several larger-than-life Victorian characters who interact with the crowd, offering theatrical surprises and eccentric moments.
The Time Travellers’ Feast
Our preview itinerary included a booking for the brand-new dining option: The Time Travellers’ Feast. Priced at £68 per person, this premium dining experience takes you on a culinary journey corresponding to the main themes of the park.
The experience began with a Roman-inspired welcome cocktail, followed by a Tudor-style sharing starter. The main course was a hearty and delicious Viking feast served with a glass of wine, and the meal concluded with a classic Victorian dessert alongside tea or coffee. Given the excellent quality of both the food and drink, the attentive service, and the entertainment, we think it's genuinely good value for a premium theme park dining option.
Complete the Day: The Ultimate Kynren Experience
Kynren – The Storied Lands operates from Tuesday to Sunday between 18th July and 12th September 2026. On weekdays, visitors simply purchase a standard daytime park ticket.
However, on Saturdays (as well as Friday 21st August and Friday 4th September), Kynren offers the ultimate experience. On these dates, the theme park features a later opening time, starting from midday. This lets you transition seamlessly from the five daytime live-action shows straight into the multi-award-winning evening epic, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, which begins at sunset.
The 90-minute evening production remains an absolute masterpiece of outdoor theatre. Propelled by a cast and crew of over 1,000 local volunteers on a 7.5-acre lake stage, it takes you through 2,000 years of British history from Boudicca to the World Wars. This night-time spectacular is complete with massive pyrotechnics and grand special effects, making the combined day-and-night ticket the definitive way to experience the park.
Photography Note: To minimise distractions, photography and filming are strictly prohibited during the daytime shows and the main body of the night show. However, you are completely free to take photos within the immersive walkthrough areas like the Viking Settlement and Victorian Imaginariums, as well as during the spectacular night show finale.
Ticket Information & Practicalities
Advance online booking is highly recommended, particularly for Saturday night show combinations.
Day Park Only (Kynren – The Storied Lands)
- Advance Saver Online: Adult £30 / Child £20 (Under 3s are Free)
- On the Day Gate Price: Adult £40 / Child £30
Night Show Only (Kynren – An Epic Tale of England)
Seating is tiered across four major options based on your view of the 7.5-acre stage:
- Standard Seats: Adult £30 / Child £20
- Superior Seats: Adult £40 / Child £30
- Deluxe Seats: Adult £50 / Child £40
- VIP Seats: Adult £65 / Child £55
Note: General parking is available on-site and should be booked online in advance, priced at £12 for standard parking or £18 for premium parking closer to the main entrance. For those coming by public transport, Bishop Auckland railway station is roughly a 15-minute walk from the park entrance.
Exploring Beyond the Gates: The Auckland Project
One of the greatest advantages of Kynren’s location is its close relationship with the town of Bishop Auckland. If you are travelling from further afield, we highly recommend turning your visit into a full weekend itinerary by exploring The Auckland Project attractions located right in the immediate area:
- Auckland Palace: The historic home of the Prince Bishops of Durham, featuring pristine gardens and majestic staterooms.
- Auckland Tower: A striking contemporary observation tower that offers panoramic views over the town and the Kynren site.
- The Spanish Gallery: The UK’s first gallery space dedicated completely to the masterworks of the Spanish Golden Age.
- The Mining Art Gallery: A moving collection that highlights the industrial history and working-class pride of the North East through local artists.
- Faith Museum: A beautifully curated space exploring the history, context, and impact of faith systems in Britain across thousands of years.
- Deer Park: A vast, peaceful historic parkland that is perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk.
Our Final Verdict
Kynren – The Storied Lands is an ambitious, high-quality addition to the UK's brilliant choice of theme parks. By steering clear of the more typical rides and attractions, and leaning entirely into live-action spectacle, elite horsemanship, world-class falconry displays, and immersive local folklore, it offers a refreshingly different and genuinely educational day out for families and history enthusiasts alike. Paired with the iconic night show and the remarkable cultural offerings of The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland has now firmly cemented itself as a must-visit destination for 2026 and beyond.
