The UK is preparing for a clash to rival the Battle of Stamford Bridge, with former friends pitted against each other, echoing drums and lots of vikings, all taking place in an arena.
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No, we don’t mean Norway vs England in the World Cup on Saturday – we’re talking about the launch of Kynren – The Storied Lands.
The UK’s first live-action historical theme park, the new attraction features five major shows and immersive experiences focused on England’s history and myths.
Located in Bishop Auckland in County Durham, Kynren started out as an outdoor night show – An Epic Tale of England – in 2016. Across nearly 30 scenes, performers cover 2,000 years of history from Boudicca’s battle against the Romans to the creation of the first locomotive.
Now the show has expanded into a full day-to-night experience, complete with a viking settlement with a blacksmith’s forge, warriors preparing for combat and craftsmen working on their wares.
It will open its doors on 18 July, with the season running until 12 September.
Tickets to Kynren – The Storied Lands include access to all of the shows and experiences, which take place at scheduled times throughout the day.
This includes The Trusty Steed, which sees medieval knights complete stunts on horseback; The Lost Feather, a production featuring eagles, vultures, owls, cranes and macaws; Land of the Vikings, with duels and clashes; Legend of the Wear, a lakeside show inspired by the legend of the Lambton Worm; and Victorian Imaginariums, an outdoor maze filled with curious characters you can interact with.
The sets are as epic as the shows, and include a medieval hamlet alongside the viking settlement and various arenas. Next year, there are plans to open a Victorian Village with more than 40 homes and shops.
The theme park has a food court and a bar, but you can also sign up for a three-course meal with a Tudor-inspired starter, a Viking-esque main, and Victorian sweets to finish.