Explore the best local events in County Durham during your stay at The Barn Oakenshaw. Plan your getaway around magical seasonal experiences for a selection of festive and family-friendly events in the heart of County Durham.
Enjoy a timeless British tradition at Beamish Museum’s Pantomime 2026, running through the winter season at the historic open-air museum in County Durham. This year’s show is “Dick Whittington and his Cat”, brought to life with live music, audience interaction, mischief and magic — just like a classic pantomime should be!
10 January – 8 February 2026
Shows take place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season.
The performances are held in the 1950s Welfare Hall, a charming period space within the museum grounds.
This family-friendly event is ideal for children of all ages, adults young at heart, and anyone who loves live theatre with humour, music and audience participation. The panto captures the spirit of a traditional British pantomime — singing, jokes, lively antics and plenty of laughs — in a unique historic setting that adds extra charm.
Beamish Museum itself is a famous open-air museum that recreates everyday life in the North East across different eras, and the pantomime makes use of its atmospheric 1950s Welfare Hall for a nostalgic, memorable experience.
Pre-booking tickets is recommended once they go on sale.
Shows are on weekends only during the pantomime season.
Arrive early so you don’t miss any of the fun, and consider combining your visit with other Beamish experiences on the same day.
Planning a winter break in the region? The Barn Oakenshaw makes a cosy countryside base after your pantomime visit. Just a short drive from Beamish, our accommodation offers peace and comfort — perfect for families or groups enjoying local events, attractions and seasonal experiences in County Durham.
Beamish Pantomime 2026: Dick Whittington and his Cat – Beamish
Fire & Ice Durham is one of the city’s most spectacular free winter events, returning on 27 and 28 February 2026. This two-day festival transforms Durham into a magical world of ice sculptures, fire displays and illuminated evening shows, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Spread throughout Durham City Centre, the event features:
Stunning carved ice sculptures created by professional artists
Live ice-carving demonstrations
Fire performers and flame effects
A dramatic evening finale show combining music, light and pyrotechnics
Family-friendly trails and activities around the city
Each year carries a theme, with sculptures placed across popular city spots such as the Market Place, Millennium Place and Prince Bishops Riverside—perfect for an atmospheric winter walk.
Fire & Ice is ideal for families, couples and groups looking for something unique to enjoy during the colder months. The event is free to attend, and visitors can explore shops, cafés, and riverside views as they follow the sculpture trail.
The evening finale is the highlight of the festival, drawing crowds for a spectacular outdoor performance that lights up the historic backdrop of Durham.
If you’re planning to visit Fire & Ice Durham, The Barn Oakenshaw offers a peaceful countryside stay within easy reach of the city. After exploring the sculptures and enjoying the evening entertainment, you can return to calm surroundings, private parking and comfortable accommodation.
Our location is perfect for a winter weekend break, combining the excitement of the festival with the relaxation of a rural retreat.
Wrap up warm — temperatures are low enough to keep the sculptures frozen.
Arrive early for the evening finale, as it attracts large crowds.
Parking in the city can be limited; park-and-ride or public transport is recommended.
The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is one of County Durham’s biggest and most popular spring events. Taking place every April in Bishop Auckland town centre, the festival brings together talented chefs, local food producers, street-food stalls, live demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment.
The festival takes place on 18–19 April 2026. It attracts thousands of visitors every year, making it a great opportunity to explore Bishop Auckland, sample local produce and enjoy a relaxed day out with family and friends.
The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is packed with food stalls, artisan producers, desserts, craft drinks, local brewers and international street-food traders. Visitors can also enjoy chef demonstrations, live music, tasting sessions and special pop-up events around the town.
Whether you love sweet treats, classic comfort food or something new to try, there is always plenty of choice. It’s the perfect place to discover local flavours from across County Durham and the North East.
If you’re planning to visit the festival, The Barn Oakenshaw is a peaceful countryside place to stay within easy reach of Bishop Auckland. After a day exploring food stalls and festival attractions, you can relax in quiet surroundings with comfortable accommodation and scenic rural views.
Our location is ideal if you want to enjoy the festival without staying in the busy town centre. We offer private parking, self-catering facilities and a calm place to unwind.
Bishop Auckland town centre can get busy during the festival weekend, so arriving early is recommended.
Parking is available around the town, but staying nearby makes travel easier and more relaxed.
Check the official festival website for chef line-ups, map information and food stall listings.
The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is a wonderful way to enjoy spring in County Durham. Combine your festival visit with nearby attractions such as Auckland Castle, The Mining Art Gallery, Raby Castle or countryside walks around Weardale.
If you’re looking for a place to stay for the festival weekend, The Barn Oakenshaw offers a comfortable base close to Bishop Auckland with easy access to local events, walks and restaurants..
Bishop Auckland Food Festival – A celebration of Food & Drink in the North of England
If you’re planning to attend Crookfest 2026, why not turn your festival trip into a countryside getaway? The Barn Oakenshaw is perfectly located near Crook, offering a peaceful and comfortable place to stay after a full day of live music.
Crookfest takes place on Sunday 3 May 2026, over the early May Bank Holiday weekend. It’s an all-day music festival held at Crook Town AFC football ground in County Durham, with multiple stages, tribute acts and an exciting lineup of rock, indie and classic hits.
Crookfest does not offer camping, so staying nearby makes travelling to and from the festival much easier. Book accommodation in advance to avoid the rush closer to the event date.
The Barn Oakenshaw is a short drive from Crook, giving you quick access to the festival without the noise or crowds. It’s ideal for couples, families or groups looking for:
Quiet countryside surroundings
Comfortable self-catering accommodation
Private parking and easy travel to Crook
A relaxing place to unwind after live music
After spending the day enjoying bands, food stalls and festival atmosphere, you can return to the calm of rural County Durham.
Food and drink stalls are available on site
The festival usually runs from around lunchtime until late evening
Public transport is available, with buses serving Crook and nearby towns
Accommodation around festival events tends to fill up fast. If you’re attending Crookfest 2026, consider staying at The Barn Oakenshaw for a comfortable, convenient and memorable festival weekend.
Looking for a memorable North-East getaway with music, energy, and a great community spirit? Then BishFest in Bishop Auckland is the perfect excuse to book a stay with us.
BishFest is a lively, weekend-long music festival bringing together headline acts and a lineup of talented bands for two days of entertainment across the town. bishfest.co.uk
🗓 Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 June 2026 bishfest.co.uk
We’re just a short drive from Bishop Auckland town centre — making it easy to get to and from the festival without the hassle of late-night travel.
After a day of live music and buzzing festival atmosphere, you can return to the peace, comfort, and rustic luxury of your countryside escape.
With multiple accommodation options (from cosy cabins to the full-estate stay), hot tubs, spacious living areas and countryside tranquillity, The Barn Oakenshaw offers the best of both worlds: festival access and a serene overnight retreat. The Barn Oakenshaw
A weekend filled with live performances — from headline bands to up-and-coming groups, offering a variety of music styles. bishfest.co.uk
A fun, friendly festival atmosphere: perfect for groups of friends, families, or anyone wanting to experience a great local music event in County Durham.
Planning a stay around BishFest? Consider booking your stay at The Barn Oakenshaw soon — weekends nearby tend to fill up quickly once festival dates are announced. Let us be your base for music, countryside calm, and comfort.
The Durham Regatta is one of the North East’s most historic and iconic sporting events. Often called the “Henley of the North,” the Regatta brings two days of competitive rowing, riverside entertainment and festival atmosphere to the River Wear in Durham City.
The 193rd Durham Regatta will take place in June 2026, attracting rowing clubs, spectators and families from across the UK.
Established in 1834, Durham Regatta is one of the oldest regattas in the country. Over the years it has become a major summer highlight, combining competitive rowing with a relaxed, scenic day out along the river.
Visitors can enjoy:
Two days of rowing races on the River Wear
Viewing spots along the riverbanks and city bridges
Refreshments, food stalls and family-friendly riverside areas
A lively festival feel in and around Durham City
A chance to watch beginners, university teams and elite rowers all compete
It’s a brilliant event for both sports fans and those simply looking for a picturesque summer outing.
The Regatta traditionally runs on the second weekend of June each year.
Exact 2026 race times and schedules will be confirmed closer to the event.
With Durham Cathedral rising above the river and boats gliding along the Wear, the Regatta offers one of the most beautiful viewing settings in the region. Many visitors enjoy spending part of the day watching the races and the rest exploring Durham’s cafés, parks and riverside walks.
If you’re visiting in June, The Barn Oakenshaw is an ideal place to stay. Located within easy reach of Durham City, our countryside accommodation provides a peaceful retreat after a busy day by the river.
Guests appreciate:
Comfortable, spacious self-catering accommodation
Private parking and easy access to Durham
Quiet rural surroundings perfect for relaxing after the event
Whether you’re attending to support a team, enjoy a summer weekend away or simply experience a historic North East tradition, staying nearby makes your visit stress-free and enjoyable.
Arrive early to secure a good riverside viewing spot.
Parking in Durham can be busy during the Regatta — use park and ride where possible.
Bring comfortable footwear for walking along the riverbanks.
The Durham County Show is one of the county’s most popular summer events, celebrating rural life, farming, animals, food and family fun. Taking place over two days — Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026 at the DCS Showground, Thornley Hall Farm, Durham, this event draws visitors from across the North East for a lively weekend of entertainment and countryside activities.
The Durham County Show is a traditional agricultural event with something for everyone. Highlights include:
Show-jumping and British Show-jumping competitions — thrilling equestrian action over both days.
Horse and dog shows featuring impressive displays and competitions.
Livestock, craft and trade tents showcasing local produce, makers, demonstrations and shopping.
Family entertainment, festival villages, fairground rides and interactive activities for all ages.
Unique attractions like monster truck rides and vintage vehicle displays, with even more being added to the 2026 programme.
This two-day show is a great day out for families, couples, groups and anyone who loves country life, animals or summer festivals.
📅 Saturday 4 July 2026 – 09:00 to 17:00
📅 Sunday 5 July 2026 – 09:00 to 17:00
📍 DCS Showground, Thornley Hall Farm, Thornley, Durham DH6 3LY
Tickets are cheaper when purchased online in advance, and there are options for adult, child, OAP and family passes. Children under 5 usually go free.
If you’re planning to attend the Durham County Show, The Barn Oakenshaw offers comfortable countryside accommodation just a short drive from the showground. After a full day of fun and activities, you can return to peaceful surroundings, private parking and a relaxing evening in rural Durham.
Arrive early to make the most of both days and see the show-jumping, animal competitions, crafts and entertainment.
Food and refreshments are available
The showground is large and active — comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
enjoy exploring cafés and pubs in nearby towns.
The Durham Miners’ Gala is one of the most famous and long-running community events in the North East. Held every year on the second Saturday in July, the Gala is a celebration of culture, music and mining heritage in the heart of Durham City.
The Miners’ Gala is best known for its colourful banners and brass band parades. Traditional mining lodges, local communities, marching bands and trade unions gather in Durham from early morning, filling the streets with music, colour and atmosphere.
The event is friendly, lively and suitable for all ages. Highlights include:
Brass band marches through the city
Banner parades across Durham’s historic bridges
Speeches and community gatherings on the Racecourse
Food stalls, local traders and family-friendly areas
A relaxed, festival-style atmosphere throughout the city
It is a brilliant opportunity to see Durham at its most vibrant, with crowds of visitors, music around every corner and a genuine community spirit.
The Durham Miners’ Gala has been running since 1871 and is sometimes called “The Big Meeting”. It celebrates the history of mining in County Durham and honouring the people who worked in the coal industry, their families and their communities.
Even if you have no connection to mining, the Gala is a powerful, uplifting cultural event that offers a real sense of local identity and pride.
In 2026, the Gala will take place on Saturday 11 July 2026 (second Saturday in July).
If you are planning to visit the Gala, The Barn Oakenshaw offers comfortable countryside accommodation within easy driving distance of Durham. After a busy day in the city, you can return to peaceful surroundings, private parking and a relaxed evening away from the crowds.
Our location is ideal for festival-goers who want:
A quiet place to stay after a long day in Durham
Self-catering facilities and countryside views
Easy access to Durham City without staying in the centre
The Gala is very busy, especially around the Cathedral and Market Place, so arriving early is recommended.
Public transport runs from nearby towns and villages — buses are a good option to avoid city centre parking.
Wear comfortable shoes and plan for a full day out, as the parades begin early and continue into the afternoon.
The Durham Brass Festival is one of the most popular summer music events in the North East. Held every July in Durham City, the festival brings brass bands from across the UK and around the world for a week of live music, performances and community celebrations.
The festival features a wide variety of brass music, from traditional marching bands to modern, contemporary and jazz-inspired performances. Each year, audiences can enjoy:
Outdoor concerts in city squares and parks
Family-friendly street performances
Evening shows in popular venues
School and community projects
Pop-up music events around Durham
It’s a lively, colourful event that fills the city with sound, energy and atmosphere. Whether you’re a music lover or simply enjoy discovering something new, the Brass Festival is a wonderful way to experience Durham in the summer.
The Durham Brass Festival usually takes place in mid-July, with the 2026 dates expected to run 12–19 July 2026.
The festival is designed to bring people together through music. Local residents, visitors and musicians gather in different locations across Durham, including the Market Place, Wharton Park, Gala Theatre and city cathedral spaces.
Because performances take place across multiple days and venues, it’s easy to plan a visit that suits your schedule — whether you want a full weekend of concerts or just a relaxed afternoon enjoying outdoor music.
If you’re attending the Durham Brass Festival, staying at The Barn Oakenshaw offers a comfortable and peaceful base close to the city. After a day of music and celebrations, you can return to countryside accommodation, private parking and a quiet evening away from the crowds.
Our location is ideal for:
Couples enjoying a summer music break
Families looking for space and flexibility
Groups attending concerts together
Some events are free, while others may require booking in advance.
Public transport is useful during the festival, as city parking can be busy.
Bring comfortable footwear if attending multiple performances around the city.
The Durham Brass Festival is a fantastic way to explore the city and enjoy live music in historic surroundings. Combine your visit with local attractions such as Durham Cathedral, riverside walks, markets, cafés and summer events around Bishop Auckland and County Durham.
For a relaxed place to stay nearby, The Barn Oakenshaw gives you space, comfort and easy access to everything the festival has to offer.
Kynren is a spectacular outdoor night show that takes place each summer in Bishop Auckland. Performed on a huge open-air stage, Kynren tells 2,000 years of English history through live action, music, dramatic effects and breath-taking choreography. It’s one of the most unique and memorable experiences in County Durham.
The Kynren Night Show Season usually runs through the summer on selected Saturday evenings, with performances typically scheduled from mid-July to mid-September.
Shows begin at dusk and last around 90 minutes. The 2026 season is expected to run from:
18 July – 12 September 2026
(Exact dates and performance times are released closer to summer.)
Kynren is a full sensory experience designed to “bring history to life.” Across a vast lakeside stage, you’ll see:
Hundreds of costumed cast members
Live horses, animals and special effects
A dramatic soundtrack
Pyrotechnics, lighting and water displays
Historical scenes from Roman times to World War II
It’s suitable for families, couples and groups, and the atmosphere builds as daylight fades and the show unfolds under the night sky.
Kynren has become one of the top summer attractions in the North East. The scale of the production, the storytelling and the dramatic staging make it genuinely unforgettable — even if you’ve been before, each season brings new details and developments.
Visitors often combine Kynren with other Bishop Auckland attractions such as Auckland Castle, the Mining Art Gallery or the Bishop Auckland Food Festival if visiting in spring.
If you’re planning to attend Kynren, The Barn Oakenshaw provides comfortable countryside accommodation just a short drive from Bishop Auckland.
After an exciting evening show, return to peace and quiet with:
Private parking
Self-catering facilities
Relaxing rural views
Space to unwind away from crowds
It’s an ideal location for a summer weekend break around Bishop Auckland.
Arrive early, as seating access opens before dusk and parking can get busy.
Bring warm layers — evenings can feel cool even in summer.
Follow signage for Kynren event parking; it is well organised with shuttle buses.
Booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended.
For visitors looking for a truly unique event, the Kynren Night Show Season is a highlight of the County Durham calendar. With history, drama, music and incredible staging, it’s an unforgettable summer experience for all ages.
Stay nearby at The Barn Oakenshaw and enjoy a comfortable, quiet base close to one of the North East’s most remarkable live shows.
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