Durham will be introducing some new attractions and expansions in 2017 that are ideal for group excursions.
Auckland Castle is due to be re-opened in 2018 after being renovated. However, its brand new Mining Art Gallery will be opening to the public in August 2017.
The new gallery has been developed by The Auckland Castle Trust and will offer a series of educational activities and community events to help visitors engage with the castle’s heritage and history.
Dalton Park shopping centre meanwhile has recently been given a new leisure extension, which has resulted in the opening of new restaurants such as Prezzo, Frankie & Benny’s and KFC, as well as a new Cineworld cinema.
The venue is offering groups of 20 or more discounts at various stores and restaurants. GTOs and coach drivers will also receive a gift card to be spent on site and group members will claim a discount card.
The leisure and retail park is also planning on extending its opening hours so that visitors can enjoy longer visits.
The first season of Kynren - An Epic tale of England was launched this year and was a major success.
Planning is already underway for 2017 for an even bigger performance. The night show will take place on a 7.5 acre stage against the backdrop of Auckland Castle and audiences will be able to enjoy a 90 minute experience of lights, water effects, dance and history.
Durham Cathedral has recently unlocked its doors to Open Treasure, a new permanent exhibition experience. This experience gives visitors access to the cathedral buildings and collections. The exhibition gives visitors the chance to learn about over 2,000 years of history.
New for Durham Cathedral in 2017 will be three exhibitions: the Beasts exhibition explores mythical beasts and monsters throughout history; the Magna Carta exhibit will allow visitors the chance to see all six documents of the Magna Carta including the only surviving copy of the 1216 issue; the Treasure of St Cuthbert exhibit will allow visitors a view of the objects from St Cuthbert’s tomb.
Beamish museum, The Living Museum of the North, has also recently been given a grant in order to expand parts of it.
This project plans to create around 30 new exhibits for the open air museum.
Despite this renovation, the museum will remain open to all visitors and offers group discounts.
For more information visit www.discoverdurham.co.uk or phone 0300-0262626.
