The Snowman with Live Orchestra Durham

Kynren is a spectacular open-air night show staged each summer in Bishop Auckland, telling 2,000 years of English history across a vast lakeside stage with 1,000+ cast members, live horses, pyrotechnics and water displays.

2026 season: selected Saturday evenings, 18 July – 12 September. Shows start at dusk and run around 90 minutes.

Planning your visit: arrive early — gates open well before showtime and car parks fill quickly. Bring layers; the arena gets cold once the sun drops. Parking is free and well signposted, with shuttle buses to the arena. Book tickets in advance, as Saturday nights sell out.

Where to stay near Kynren: The Barn Oakenshaw is a six-acre exclusive-use estate under 20 minutes from the Kynren arena, sleeping up to 16 across the main residence and a Finnish log cabin. With three wood-fired hot tubs, private parking and full self-catering, it suits family groups and reunions combining Kynren with Auckland Castle, Beamish or the Durham Dales. Late finishes are easy when you’re not driving far.

Wolsingham Show is England’s oldest agricultural show and County Durham’s biggest open-air country event, held each September in the heart of Weardale.

2026 dates: Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 September.

Saturday — Agricultural Day: livestock classes, major show jumping, the craft tent, vintage vehicles, birds of prey displays, dog agility, an artisan food market, strongman competition and live music.

Sunday — Country Fair Day: KC dog show, ferret racing, horticulture classes, alpacas and ponies, marquee displays and more show jumping.

Practical tips: parking is on grass, so sturdy footwear matters after rain. Cash is useful for smaller trade stands. It’s a full day — arrive mid-morning to see the main rings.

Staying nearby: The Barn Oakenshaw sits in the County Durham countryside within easy reach of Wolsingham, sleeping up to 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs. Many groups make a weekend of it, pairing Wolsingham with Stanhope Show the following week.

Stanhope Show is Weardale’s premier agricultural show and the traditional finale to County Durham’s country show season, held on the showfield beside the Wear each September.

2026 dates: Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September.

What’s on: cattle, sheep and horse classes across multiple rings, show jumping, sheepdog trials, vintage machinery, industrial and horticultural tents, local food and craft stalls, funfair rides and live entertainment across both days.

Practical tips: Stanhope is a small dales town, so arrive early for the best parking. Weardale weather turns quickly — bring waterproofs whatever the forecast. The industrial tent, with its baking, produce and handicraft classes, is worth an hour on its own.

Where to stay: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use countryside estate in County Durham, sleeping up to 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs, private parking and full self-catering. After a long day on the showfield, a hot tub under the stars is a good way to end it.

Durham Book Festival is the North East’s leading literary event, produced by New Writing North for Durham County Council and held in Durham City each October.

2026 dates: Friday 9 – Sunday 11 October, taking place mainly at Gala Durham. Tickets are on sale now.

This year’s line-up: Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant joins Durham University Chancellor Fiona Hill for a talk in the Forged in the North series, marking the 40th anniversary of the band’s debut album. Actor Christopher Eccleston appears alongside bestselling and award-winning writers including Susanna Clarke, Lucy Foley, Louise Doughty, Kit Fan and Sarah Hall, with poets Hollie McNish and Kayo Chingonyi. Fiona Hill also appears with Times columnist James Marriott for a discussion on smartphones, reading and democracy.

Also running: a programme of workshops and activities across County Durham’s libraries tied to the 2026 National Year of Reading, plus the return of the Big Read and Little Read.

Practical tips: headline events sell out book early. Most of the programme is concentrated at Gala Durham in the city centre, so parking is the usual Durham challenge; Park & Ride is easiest.
For groups travelling in: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use estate a short drive from Durham city, sleeping up to 16 with three wood-fired hot tubs, log burners and private parking — a quiet countryside base for an October weekend in the city.

✨ Raby Castle – Enchanted Christmas Light Trail ✨

Raby Castle near Staindrop transforms for Christmas, with the castle’s state rooms dressed for the season and an illuminated trail winding through The Plotters’ Forest.

New for 2026: the experience expands with two new ground-floor rooms — the Servants’ Hall dressed for a traditional Christmas Day below stairs, and an immersive kitchen installation by designer Tom Le Bon showing the preparations behind the meal. More projection and lighting technology has been added throughout, with candlelit evening experiences on selected dates.

Also on: Father Christmas at Raby Castle, Mr and Mrs Claus in the Yuletide Yurt, and the Enchanted Forest trail — walkable in daylight or after dark when the lights come on. Tickets include Deer Park and Walled Gardens access.

Booking: these events sell out annually. Book early.

Where to stay: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use estate in County Durham sleeping up to 16, with three wood-fired hot tubs a comfortable base for groups visiting Raby, High Force and Barnard Castle.

Step into a world of festive magic at the Enchanted Christmas Light Trail at Raby Castle, one of County Durham’s most breathtaking winter experiences. Wander through glowing woodland paths, shimmering light installations, and beautifully illuminated castle grounds as the historic estate transforms into a sparkling wonderland for the season.

Expect a magical evening filled with:
🎄 Twinkling tunnels of light
✨ Enchanted forest scenes
🕯️ Atmospheric projections on the castle
🍭 Festive food cabins, drinks & treats
👨‍👩‍👧 A family-friendly trail perfect for all ages
📸 Stunning photo moments at every turn

Whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple, or bringing the whole group, Raby’s light trail delivers a truly unforgettable festive experience a perfect way to start (or end!) your Christmas celebrations.

The Gala Durham pantomime is one of the city’s best-loved Christmas traditions, and 2026 brings Rapunzel — set in the tangled forest of Hamsterley, where a mysterious tower hides a kind-hearted prisoner and the enchantress Mistress Gothel haunts the woodland paths.

2026 run: 19 November – 31 December.

Cosa aspettarsi: booing, cheering, “he’s behind you!”, and the feel-good festive energy Gala pantos are known for. Suitable for all ages and a reliable first theatre trip for younger children.

Group bookings: email groupbookings@durham.gov.uk, call the Group Sales Co-ordinator on 03000 264 169, or the Box Office on 03000 266 600. School performance dates available on request.

Where to stay: The Barn Oakenshaw is an exclusive-use countryside estate sleeping up to 16, a short drive from Durham city. Popular with extended families combining the panto with the Durham Christmas Festival — with three wood-fired hot tubs waiting when you get back.