The UK attraction reopening this summer without any rides or rollercoasters – but parents say their kids love it
AN attraction in the UK has been praised for being ideal for kids – despite having no rides or rollercoasters.
11 Arches in Bishop Auckland, opens during the summer with live historical performances.
The attraction, which opened in 2019, is thought to have been inspired by Puy du Fou in France, which is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe.
This year’s live show is called Kynren – An Epic Tale of England.
The website explains: “Rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache are vividly brought to ground-shaking life in a dazzling outdoor-theatre spectacular,
“From Boudicca’s battles with the Romans to two world wars, via Vikings, Tudors and the fate of Charles I, Kynren’s a family-friendly experience delivering thrills, shocks, tears, laughs, goosebumps and gasps on a truly cinematic scale.”
Guests at 11 Arches park can make the most of the immersive walkthrough Maze of Fame, Kids’ Viking lair and the Dancing Waters show during the day.
Kids will also love the Animal Croft and Viking Village.
However, the 90-minute evening outdoor show starts from 6pm with 1,000 actors showing off stunts, fights, horse shows and pyrotechnics across the 7.5 acre stage.
Starting from July 29, the show runs every Saturday until September 9.
Kids tickets start from £16 while adults cost £26.
You can also book a dining package at Auckland Castle, exclusive for guests with a three-course meal from £54.95.
People on TripAdvisor have been raving about the attraction.
One person said: “Hard to beat anything like this in the country and it’s right here in the North East.”
Another said: “Our 5-year-old and our 2-year-old were both captivated by the stunts in the Fina and the Golden Cape show, and when the dragon appeared, it blew their little minds!”
One person said it was better than Disney, explaining: “The fireworks were better than Disney, I’ve seen many displays in my life but this tops them all!”
One woman said: “My two grandchildren have been to Puy du Fou in France – the show that was the inspiration for Kynren – and they find Kynren (and now 11 Arches) just as enjoyable even though it is on a much smaller scale.”
Having opened a Puy du Fou in Spain in 2019, the theme park is looking for a third location – which could be in the UK.
Estate agent Savills confirmed that the park is looking for a 300-400 acre site in the country, and is currently looking within a 40-mile radius of Oxford.