About Kynren
Get ready for an evening full of spectacular stunts, pyrotechnic effects and immersive action as you travel back in time at Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, where history is brought to life with brilliant blockbuster open-air performances!
Watch as two thousand years of history rush by in 90 minutes as you join young Arthur on his epic quest. Expect rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration, and heartache as they're vividly portrayed in a dazzling outdoor theatre spectacular!
In 2025, Kynren marks a special milestone – the 200th anniversary of the Locomotion No.1, the world’s first passenger steam train. This groundbreaking invention will take centre stage in the performance, with a breathtaking full-scale replica steaming into action as part of the spectacular story.
Every summer, a 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew, trained by performance industry experts, bring this world-class show to life on a 7.5-acre stage – the size of five football pitches – in front of an 8,000-seat open-air amphitheatre known as the Tribune.
The action unfolds with dazzling displays of horsemanship, mass choreography, stunts, and combat, alongside stunning pyrotechnics, water jets, and state-of-the-art video projections. Expect a menagerie of animals, breathtaking scenery, and larger-than-life sets that transport you through time.
The soundtrack, composed by award-winning Nathan Stornetta, perfectly captures the drama and excitement of this unforgettable spectacle. Adding to the magic is the distinctive voice of Kevin Whately who narrates Old Arthur, the time-traveling guide who helps Young Arthur discover the meaning of ‘Kynren.’
Rooted in the Anglo-Saxon word "cynren," meaning generation, kin, or family, Kynren is a story brought to life by a passionate community, making it as meaningful as it is entertaining.
Please note this is an evening show only.
Food & Drink
Roll up good sirs and madams, it's snack time!
Enjoy lots of hot and cold snacks and a good variety of drink options before the action spectacular begins. Last year's event served everything from on-the-go hot and cold family favourites like pulled pork, spiced sweet potato and rice noodles with vegetables, to chips and popcorn chicken!
Got a bit of a sweet tooth? Well, they also had sweet treats like cookies, chocolate fudge cake and ice cream, so you'll have a lip-smacking start to your experience at Kynren!
You can also refresh yourselves with a full selection of hot & cold drinks. Not to mention snacks galore at the food court which is located at the bottom of the main visitor path to the Tribune.
Food will stop being served 30 minutes before the start of the performance and drinks will stop being served 15 minutes before the start of the performance.
Accessibility:
Parking - Please note, that parking needs to be pre-booked in advance.
Footpaths - The main visitor path is DDA compliant with a natural fine stone surface. Some areas have grass or stone surfaces and wheelchair users may require the help of a Personal Assistant to access these. The main visitor path is 450 meters from the Welcome Plaza to the Tribune.
Seating - The site has a number of park benches, for those who may need them. Also, the Tribune opens one hour before the start of each performance for those who want to take their seats early. You can still come and go out of the Tribune as many times as you wish before the performance starts.
Walking Aids Store - You can use your own pushchairs, wheelchairs and walking aids. Pushchairs and walking aids can be left safely and free of charge at the side of the Tribune during the performance.
Disabled Toilets - These are located at the Welcome Plaza, immediately adjacent to the Blue Badge Car Park, and directly behind the Tribune.
Food Outlets - All of the food outlets at Kynren have large print menus available on request. If you need any help, just ask a member of staff as they will be more than happy to assist you!
Personal Assistant Tickets - Visitors with disabilities, who meet the qualifying criteria, and may not be able to attend the show unaccompanied or require a wheelchair space, are entitled to one complimentary Personal Assistant ticket at no additional cost.
For more accessibility information please head to Kynren's accessibility page.
- Must-see live evening show
- 2,000 years of English history brought to life
- Family-friendly entertainment at 11Arches Park
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Watch Legends Come to Life
Join young Arthur on his spellbinding journey through time and watch legends come to life in the thrilling tale of his quest.
From the fog of war and the noise of battle to the heat of industry; from Romans to Victorians; from the lavish pomp and pageantry of royal ceremony to thrilling choreography, amazing stunts, equestrianism, water jets, special effects and pyrotechnics, this multi-award-winning live action, outdoor theatre spectacular delights and dazzles the senses as the last 2,000 years are brought to vivid life on an enormous scale.
Return of the Vikings
Kynren's Viking Village, a pre-show immersive experience, allows you to wander through a recreation of a 9th century viking settlement.
Watch history come to life in vivid detail as warriors prepare for battle. Marvel at the craftsmanship as sparks fly at the working blacksmith's forge, where authentic chainmail is meticulously crafted before your eyes. Experience Viking life as you visit the cookhouse, complete with its own vegetable patch, and the woodworker's cottage nestled into the hillside.
But the adventure doesn't stop there! Meet the animal inhabitants of the village, including curly-haired Wensleydale sheep and Icelandic chickens, adding an extra layer of authenticity to your experience.
And during the show, keep a keen eye out for the breathtaking Viking sequence! Witness a Viking longship burial ont he water, featuring live Vikings onboard. Be captivated by the dramatic kidnapping of a fisherwoman amidst fiery effects and explosive displays that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Award-winning Outdoor Theatre Spectacular
Kynren - An Epic Tale of England has been recognised in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2024. The 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew have been honoured with an award for attractions that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.
The 90-minute live action night show in Bishop AUckland, County Durham, needs to be seen to be believed. Set on a seven-and-a-half-acre outdoor stage, the experience starts at sunset and ends in starlight and takes place every Saturday night from 27th July to 14th September 2024.
Facilities
Toilets
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
Every Saturday evening from the 19th July to the 13th September 2025:
19th July: Gates Open 6:45pm, Show Starts: 9:15pm
26th July: Gates Open 6:45pm, Show Starts: 9:15pm
2rd August: Gates Open 6:45pm, Show Starts 9:15pm
9th August: Gates Open 6:30pm, Show Starts 9:00pm
16th August: Gates Open 6:15pm, Show Starts 8:45pm
23th August: Gates Open 6:00pm, Show Starts 8:30pm
30th August: Gates Open 5:45pm, Show Starts 8:15pm
6th September: Gates Open 5:30pm, Show Starts 8:00pm
13th September: Gates Open 5:15pm, Show Starts 7:45pm
Please note, these are evening shows only
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-17) : £20.00
- Adult (18++) : £30.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-3) : Free
Adults
Standard: £30
Superior: £40
Deluxe: £50
VIP: £61
Young Person (4-17)
Standard: £20
Superior: £30
Deluxe: £40
VIP: £51
Children 3 and under go free when sat on an adult's knee.
All prices exclude a £1 booking fee per ticket.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Kynren by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Popular food and drink options include gourmet sausage, chicken jalfrezi and rice, slow roast pork roll, and chips. We have a range of options for people with dietary requirements; please speak to a member of the team when ordering.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Transport Information
There are several bus and train routes that service Bishop Auckland. Both the bus station and the train station are within 10 minutes walking distance of the Kynren site.
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 16:00 27/02/2025
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