County Durham showcased as a cultural & heritage destination during US Delegation visit

A civic delegation from Durham, North Carolina, USA – sister city to Durham, UK – has been welcomed to County Durham as part of a cultural exchange programme.

The event was hosted by Durham County Council and supported by the council’s
international team within Visit County Durham, working alongside key partners.

The visit, which built on a relationship spanning almost five decades, provided the
opportunity to promote County Durham as an attractive and welcoming place to visit, do
business with and invest in. It also enabled the sharing of best practice between
communities, the recognition of civic and cultural similarities, and the strengthening of
people-to-people links through heritage, cultural and community connections.

The delegation also acknowledged the shared military history and experience that has helped forge a long-
standing bond between the two communities.

During their time to the county, the delegation, made up of members of the Sister Cities of
Durham USA enjoyed a curated itinerary reflecting County Durham’s rich cultural heritage,
world-class visitor experiences, thriving food and drink sector and approach to place-based
regeneration. Highlights included a showcase of local producers through the Taste Durham
initiative, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, and
tours of Raby Castle and The Auckland Project, where regeneration, heritage preservation
and community impact were a central focus.

At The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland, the group explored the Spanish Gallery – the
first venue in the UK dedicated to the Spanish Golden Age – and learned about the
restoration of historic gardens and their role in supporting local communities and food
sustainability. At Raby Castle, a new ‘American USA Connections’ tour highlighted
transatlantic heritage links and the potential for future cultural programming.
The delegation also met with civic, university and business leaders, including
representatives from Durham County Council and its business support service Business
Durham, and Durham University, to discuss areas of common interest and explore further
international collaboration and learning.

Councillor Andrew Husband, Leader of Durham County Council said: “It was a great honour
to welcome our friends from Durham, North Carolina in the spirit of cooperation, shared
understanding and enduring friendship. For nearly five decades, our two Durhams have
been connected not only by name, but by a shared sense of identity, cultural pride and

aspiration. This visit provided a powerful opportunity to showcase County Durham’s world-
renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Castle & Cathedral, and visits to key

destinations across the county that reflect our rich heritage, culture, culinary excellence,
natural beauty, and collaborative spirit.”
Eve Marion, Co-Chair for the Sister Cities of Durham, Durham North Carolina said: “Our time
in County Durham has been inspiring, memorable and deeply meaningful. From the warmth

of the welcome to the insight shared by local producers, heritage teams and community
organisations, this visit highlighted the shared values that connect our two Durhams. We
leave with a strengthened appreciation for our partnership, and a renewed sense of what
future collaboration could bring.”