Kynren at Bishop Auckland Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Jo Hardy
Kynren is an old English word meaning, family, generation, kin all words that fit perfectly with this entire experience, billed as “An epic tale of England” this is the story of 2,000 years of history depicted in 90 minutes and “epic” is the operative word. The show is now in its 10th year and has won many awards.
Presented by a cast of 1,000 volunteers called “archers” and many animals, I saw horses, cows, donkeys, geese and sheep and may of missed some as there was so much to look, at times it was like being at a tennis match my head was continually from side to side so I didn’t miss a thing.
The transition from one scene to another time in history was seamless and there was never a time when nothing was happening.
Set on a 7.5 acre stage the a back drop of Auckland Castle this is a truly memorable show, the lighting, the costumes, the sound and the enthusiasm of the cast all came together to give the audience the best show possible culminating in a spectacular firework display, I was bursting with patriotic pride when I left.
Before the show there is the opportunity to stroll through a recreated Viking village and watch the villagers perform everyday tasks they are all very friendly and happy to chat, watch out for the Vikings they like to make a noise but are also happy to pose for photos.
This is an outdoor event, watched from an 8,000 seat grandstand the show starts at sunset and goes on whatever the weather so go prepared.
The thing I find most amazing is the team of loyal volunteers all so friendly and happy to chat, it’s quite possible that the person who delivered your food at the food court( excellent by the way) could also be fighting in one of the battles and I was told that the Viking village closes ten minutes before the show starts to give all the Vikings time to get ready for their invasion.
I truly cannot recommend it highly enough and encourage everyone to go and see it .
The 2025 season runs every Saturday from 19th July to 13th September start times change as they are in line with the time of the sunset, ticket prices start at £31 for adults, less for children and can be booked through the website Kynren.com.
The Kynren team have something very exciting planned for 2026, a new daytime attraction“ Kynren The Storied Lands” this is not going to be the usual ride based theme park it’s five immersive shows will focus on storytelling and connecting with the past, I was lucky enough to see a little preview of “The Lost Feather” one of the shows it’s conservation based and led by renowned experts in bird training and conservation, it blew me away and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Birds I’ve never seen before in free flight some of them inches above my head, this was just a taster of what’s to come and I’m so excited about the whole project. From what I’ve experienced of Kynren so far I am confident that it is going to be something very special.
Rating: 5/5
For more information and to book tickets, visit kynren.com