Constructed from durable Douglas fir and carefully designed to mirror the distinctive shape, craftsmanship and seafaring heritage of vessels used during the Viking age, the enormous timber structure is already emerging as one of the defining visual features of the new attraction. Due to its immense scale, the full-size Viking longboat is being assembled in two separate sections before being joined together on site, where it will ultimately form the dramatic and highly immersive entrance into Land of the Vikings – one of the flagship experiences within the ambitious new live-action day park.
The Viking-themed world has been created to transport visitors deep into the heart of Norse culture and storytelling. Combining richly detailed scenery with theatrical spectacle, the attraction will feature an immersive walk-through Viking settlement designed to recreate the atmosphere of a bustling Norse community. Guests will then experience a large-scale seated live show with capacity for 1,250 people, blending cinematic storytelling with high-energy performance. The production will feature choreographed combat sequences, large-scale stunts, fire effects, live action and an original storyline centred on a Viking settlement torn apart by internal divisions, rival loyalties and escalating conflict.
Land of the Vikings forms part of Kynren – The Storied Lands, a major new visitor destination that combines live performance, historically themed environments and immersive storytelling experiences in a format organisers say is unlike anything currently offered elsewhere in the UK. The attraction aims to bring history to life on an unprecedented scale, combining theatrical spectacle with detailed world-building to create a fully immersive day-park experience for visitors of all ages.
The new development has been created by the team behind the award-winning Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, the acclaimed outdoor live-action show that has become one of the North East’s most successful visitor attractions. Kynren – The Storied Lands is set to open in Bishop Auckland this summer, with anticipation continuing to build ahead of the launch and tickets now officially on sale.