A County Durham attraction has been named as one of the best in Europe.
Kynren's new daytime attraction was crowned a Top New Attraction at a prestigious international awards ceremony.
Kynren – The Storied Lands, which opened in Bishop Auckland in July this year, received the accolade at the 2026 Parksmania Awards in Italy, placing it alongside some of Europe's most celebrated visitor attractions.
The award was presented to Kynren chief executive Anna Warnecke and chief technical officer Graham Emerson during the 25th annual Parksmania Awards ceremony at Movieland Park near Verona on October 9.
Representatives from Kynren collect the Top New Attraction award at the 2026 Parksmania Awards in Italy. (Image: GREGORYBALZI)
Often described as the "Oscars of amusement parks", the awards are organised by Italian attractions publication Parksmania and celebrate standout parks, attractions and visitor experiences from across Europe.
Previous winners have included Disneyland Paris, Europa-Park, Parc Astérix and Puy du Fou.
Kynren – The Storied Lands opened in Bishop Auckland on July 18, creating a new daytime experience alongside the long-running Kynren – An Epic Tale of England evening show.
Mounted performers take part in a medieval display at Kynren – The Storied Lands, one of the attractions recognised at the 2026 Parksmania Awards. (Image: Peter Haygarth)
The attraction features five immersive productions inspired by history, myth and legend.
Among them are The Lost Feather, performed in a purpose-built arena inspired by a giant bird's nest, equestrian spectacle The Trusty Steed, water-based production Legend of the Wear, Land of the Vikings and the Victorian Imaginariums.
Anna Warnecke said: "To receive international recognition in our very first season is a wonderful moment for everyone who has helped bring The Storied Lands to life.
"We knew when we started that we were attempting something very different. There are extraordinary theme parks across Europe, but our attractions bring the thrills and excitement of live performances directly to audiences.
"To see that recognised alongside some of the best new attractions in Europe is enormously rewarding and a real vote of confidence in what we have created here in Bishop Auckland."
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The recognition comes in the attraction's debut season and builds on the success of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, which celebrated its 100th performance during 2026.
Visitors can now spend the day exploring The Storied Lands before watching the large-scale night show unfold across Kynren's outdoor stage.
The international award is the latest boost for Bishop Auckland's tourism offer as Kynren continues to establish itself as one of the North East's leading visitor attractions.