Please find attached 'NewsFlash', a roundup of news and events in Durham. There is a huge amount of activity in 2013, not all of which could fit into this month's newsletter.

With the Lindisfarne Gospels in Durham from June-September, a number of developments at our top attractions, and the launch of our 2013/14 VIP Pass for journalists, we're really keen to host media visits and familiarisation trips to Durham. If anything catches your eye from the suggestions provided, or you would like to pursue a feature idea of your own, please get in touch.

 

For further press information and to arrange visits, contact: neil.mcloram@visitcountydurham.org - 03000 261 223

Lindisfarne Gospels Durham

This summer, one of the world’s greatest books, the Lindisfarne Gospels will be on show in a unique exhibition in Durham University’s Palace Green Library as part of a partnership between Durham University, Durham Cathedral, Durham County Council and the British Library from where the Gospels are on loan.

The must-see exhibition that runs from 1st July to 30th September in the heart of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site will take the form of a compelling new contemporary interpretation of one of the nation’s most enduring stories, the tale of the North’s most famous saint - St Cuthbert, and one of the world’s greatest books – the Lindisfarne Gospels. Housed in new world-class facilities, the forthcoming exhibition represents the closest and most vivid way for centuries, to experience the wonder of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

There are media previews on 26th-28th June 2013, before the exhibition opens to the public on 1st July. Contact us to take advantage of a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with a media visit that combines a tour of the exhibition with a wider exploration of the fantastic heritage waiting to be discovered in Durham.

 

Beamish to open traditional bakery

A traditional Edwardian bakery is being brought to life at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. Set to open this summer, Herron’s Bakery will give visitors the chance to see bakers at work using traditional recipes, with tasty treats including freshly-made bread, pies, cakes and biscuits available to buy and take home. The bakery joins the museum’s open air buildings and collections from the Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian periods, complete with costumed staff and a variety of houses and shops to explore. Tickets: adult £17.50, child (5 – 16) £10, family tickets from £32. Tickets are valid for unlimited return visits within 12 months. See www.thisisdurham.com for further information.

Beamish Museum is a strategic partner in Visit County Durham’s major marketing campaign to highlight history and heritage in 2013. It is a must-see on any media visit to Durham. Call us for more details on developing a themed visit.

 

Dalescape

Escape to the Durham Dales in June for a weekend of walking with a difference.  This fully guided festival offers themed walks on Saturday and Sunday 8-9 June, each accompanied by a mountain leader and designed for a range of levels.  It’s a great chance to combine walking with a special interest or skill such as art, creative writing, photography and navigation skills.

Pre-booking is required. Visit County Durham will assist journalists to stay for the weekend (or longer) and enjoy exhilarating landscapes, fine food and excellent hospitality.  

 

North Pennines AONB Anniversary

To mark the 25th anniversary of becoming a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The North Pennines AONB has arranged 25 events and activities which put the special qualities of the North Pennines in the spotlight! With events focusing on bats, geology, hay meadows and outstanding locations such High Force and High Cup Nick – book on the events and help celebrate the stunning North Pennines. 2013 is a really significant year for the North Pennines – as it is also 10 years since the AONB became a European Geopark.

The celebrations are just another reason to discover Durham’s great outdoors, exploring the Durham Dales is a fantastic  experience that could be just one aspect of a great media trip. Contact us to develop an itinerary.

 

Portrait of Olivia Boteler Porter by Van Dyck on display at The Bowes Museum

Previously thought to have been the work of one of his students, this picture was recently identified as a genuine piece from 17th century master Van Dyck and visitors can now see the remarkable Portrait of Olivia Boteler Porter on display in the museum’s gallery. The museum itself is set in a stunning French chateau on the outskirts of Barnard Castle. Built by John Bowes in the 19th century for his French-born wife Josephine, it houses an extensive collection of art, ceramics and furniture, plus the wonderful automaton silver swan, which plays every day at 2pm. Tickets: Adult £9, children (under 16) free.

The Bowes Museum is located in the beautiful and dramatic Durham Dales. We are keen to promote both history & heritage, and cycling & walking. The Bowes Museum therefore is ideally situated to be part of a media visit on either theme.

 

Auckland Castle re-opens with enhanced facilities

The historic Auckland Castle, home to the Prince Bishops of Durham for nearly a thousand years, is now open for the 2013 season. New for this summer are enhanced guided tours and a children’s trail, with a tearoom also set to open later this year. A must for lovers of history, culture and architecture, the castle houses a famous collection of art by Spanish artist Francisco Zurbaran, which from May will incorporate new sound and light audio-visual features. Tickets: Adult £8, child £4, family ticket £20.

Auckland Castle has not been open to the public for a full-season for some time, and therefore would make a great ‘what’s new’ addition to a heritage-themed story, or media trip to Durham. Contact us for more information.

 

Celebrity Chefs wowed crowds at the Bishop Auckland Food Festival

The Bishop Auckland Food Festival, the biggest food festival in Durham, returned on 20 – 21 April, and spanned two days for the very first time. Headlined by Channel 4’s The Fabulous Baker Brothers and John Whaite, the winner of the Great British Bake Off 2012, along with MasterChef finalist Dean Edwards, the festival featured producers hand-picked for their quality, diversity and regional flavour.

The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is an event that celebrates great food and drink, but the great locally-sourced produce, warm welcome and fantastic range of eateries is available year-round. Contact us if you’d like to visit Durham, and make food and drink part of a great itinerary.

 

The Morritt receives two AA rosettes

The Morritt, a Grade II listed building and home to Gilroy’s Restaurant, is proud to have just been awarded its second AA rosette. Strengthening Durham’s reputation as a region of high quality cuisine, Gilroy’s seasonal, contemporary menu changes every two months, showcasing the very best in regional produce, with dishes including Whitby Crab with bloody Morritt and Limousin beef with wild sorrel and smoked bone marrow.

Gilroy’s Restaurant at The Morritt is one of fifty establishments proudly displaying their TasteDurham award which is a national standard, awarded by Visit England to businesses based on their menu and quality of food, as well as the comfort and cleanliness of the establishment.

The Morritt could be an ideal starting point for a ‘foodie’ media trip. Contact us for more information.

 

VIP Pass

Visit County Durham has launched an updated VIP Pass for 2013/14, this year supported by nearly 30 businesses and organisations, with many of Durham’s top attractions offering free entry to showcase their tourism offer. The VIP pass is available to all visiting media, to experience key attractions first hand, and to highlight the county’s exceptional tourism offer.

2013 sees five new attractions join the scheme, Diggerland near Langley Park; Tweddle Children’s Animal Farm in Blackhall Colliery; The Prince Bishop River Cruiser in Durham City; Binchester Roman Fort; and Auckland Castle, which is reopening to the public from the 1st of April.

Used to its full potential, the VIP pass represents a value in excess of £400 and last year. Contact us now about a media trip to Durham, and learn more about what is included with the VIP Pass and the great attractions you could visit.

 

This is Durham

With its iconic Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site, Durham City is the jewel in the crown of an extraordinary county.  The Durham Dales, Vale of Durham and Durham Coast are wonderfully diverse landscapes, dotted with market towns, picturesque villages and steeped in history. The Durham Dales and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are home to stunning moorland and forest. Durham’s Heritage Coast, with its beaches, rugged cliffs and imposing headlands, is a truly beautiful location and internationally known for its rare plants and wildlife. Durham is home to historic houses, gardens and family attractions, a thriving gastroculture, plus cycling and walking trails for the more active visitor, it’s the perfect place to indulge, explore and enjoy.

 

To find out more about Durham - with information on attractions, events, food and drink and accommodation please visit www.thisisdurham.com