American visitors welcomed to Bishop Auckland from city of Durham, North Carolina
- gracebell7
- Oct 30
- 2 min read
A delegation from Durham, North Carolina, USA – sister city to Durham, UK – was welcomed to Bishop Auckland as part of a cultural exchange visit organised jointly by The Auckland Project and Durham County Council’s international team in Visit County Durham.
The group was greeted by Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Sam Zair, and Town Clerk, Sarah Harris, before being given a guided tour of The Auckland Project’s Spanish Gallery by Morlin Ellis, Spanish Gallery & Library Research Curator. The gallery is the first in the UK dedicated to the art and culture of Spain’s Golden Age, featuring works by El Greco, Murillo, Zurbarán and Velázquez.
They also enjoyed a tour of Auckland Palace’s historic gardens with Andy Nesbitt, Head Curator of Parks, Gardens & Landscapes, learning about the restoration of the gardens originally designed for the Prince Bishops of Durham. The visit showcased how The Auckland Project’s work is driving regenerative tourism and supporting the local community.
Produce grown within the gardens is used across The Auckland Project’s operations – including El Castillo Spanish tapas restaurant, Auckland Palace’s Bishop’s Kitchen, and the Park Head Hotel – with any surplus donated to local food banks.
The cities of Durham, North Carolina, and Durham, UK, have been Sister Cities since 1975. Their relationship is maintained through citizen diplomacy, cultural exchanges, and various civic programmes managed by organisations including Sister Cities of Durham, Inc. and Durham County Council.
Arabella Lawler, Visitor Development Coordinator at The Auckland Project, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome visitors from Durham, North Carolina, and to share the story of Bishop Auckland’s cultural and community regeneration. Visits like this highlight the global connections being forged through heritage, tourism and shared values.”
Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham, added: “This visit is a fantastic example of how cultural exchange and partnership working can strengthen international links and shine a light on the incredible tourism offer we have here in County Durham. By showcasing our heritage, landscapes and warm welcome, we’re helping to position the county as a compelling destination for global visitors.”
Councillor Sam Zair, Mayor of Bishop Auckland, said: “It was an honour to welcome our friends from across the pond to Bishop Auckland. Our two communities share not only a name but also creativity and pride in our heritage. Visits like this strengthen those bonds and showcase the remarkable progress being made here through organisations like The Auckland Project and Visit County Durham. We look forward to continuing to build on this friendship in the years to come.”
As a regeneration charity, The Auckland Project is revitalising Bishop Auckland as a major cultural destination, celebrating the town’s rich history – from the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham to its surprising ties to the Spanish Golden Age. Through heritage, art, and community engagement, the charity is creating opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
