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The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum

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Newgate
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8NP

Tel: +44 01833 690606

Fax: +44 01833 637163

Click here to visit website

Travel Directions

Awards

  • Visit Britain Code of Practice 2010
Overview

Type: Museum

Surrounded by tranquil gardens and parkland in the historic market town of Barnard Castle, The Bowes Museum is a unique cultural icon.

This French-style chateau is one of the most important museums outside London, its wonderful history and outstanding treasures having provided inspiration and entertainment since 1892.
Today, the designated collection includes some of the best examples of European fine and decorative arts in the UK, including works by Goya, El Greco and Canaletto.

An endearing exhibit, which stays in visitors’ memories, is the life size 230-year-old Silver Swan musical automaton, played every day to fascinated onlookers.

The permanent collections are complemented by an eclectic exhibition and events programme.

The magnificent Grade 1 listed building also houses the acclaimed Café Bowes, described as ‘the best museum food in the North East’, and gift shop, offering the perfect way to wind up your visit.

Opening Times

Open All Year
02/01/2010 - 24/12/2010
DayTimes
Monday10:0017:00
Tuesday10:0017:00
Wednesday10:0017:00
Thursday10:0017:00
Friday10:0017:00
Saturday10:0017:00
Sunday10:0017:00
BankHoliday10:0017:00
27/12/2010 - 31/12/2010
DayTimes
Monday10:0017:00
Tuesday10:0017:00
Wednesday10:0017:00
Thursday10:0017:00
Friday10:0017:00

* Open all year, daily, 10.00-17.00. Closed 25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan.

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£7.00 per ticket type
Child (under 16)Free
Concession£6.00 per ticket type
Group Travel£5.50 per ticket type

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Awards

  • Visit Britain Code of Practice 2010

Vaqas Accreditation

VAQAS accreditation logo

Accessibility:Accessibility Information Icon

Road Directions

Just off the A66 in the heart of the Pennines in North East England. Follow signs for Barnard Castle and The Bowes Museum.

Public Transport Directions

Nearest train station is Darlington Station. Take A67 from Darlington to Barnard Castle.
There is ample free parking on site, with coach and accessible parking bays. The Bowes Museum is 17 miles from Darlington rail station on the East Coast main line. Bus services run regularly to Barnard Castle from Darlington (Arriva 75, 76 and Compass Royston Travel 70), Bishop Auckland (Arriva 8) and Richmond (Hodgsons 79). To find out more about public transport call 0870 608 2608.

Location

Travel Directions

Facilities

Facilities

Provider Features

  • In town/city centre - On edge of Barnard Castle
  • Indoor Attraction
  • No Smoking Attraction

Accessibility

  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Audio Loop in education room and reception only.
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Clear signage throughout the attraction (e.g. colour contrasted, large lettering, use of pictograms etc).
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Ramp / Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)

Catering

  • On-Site café/restaurant
  • Picnic Site

Payment Methods

  • American Express accepted
  • Approx length of visit - 2-3 hours
  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
  • Delta accepted
  • Groups Accepted
  • Maestro accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Max group size - 200
  • Min group size - 12
  • Solo accepted
  • Special group rates
  • Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
  • TIC Staff Admitted Free
  • Visa accepted

Provider Facilities

  • Conference facilities
  • Dogs Accepted - Assistance dogs only in building. Dogs on leads in grounds.
  • Event Venue
  • Printed Material in Foreign Languages
  • Staff Fluent in Languages - Other - Please call in advance
  • Toilets

Target Markets

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed Towards Children
  • Marketed Towards Families
  • Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
  • Marketed Towards Students / Youth

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Demonstrations Given - Occasionally. Please call in advance.
  • Educational Visits Accepted - 2 meeting rooms which hold between 15 and 60 delegates.
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Languages spoken

  • French spoken
  • German spoken

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

  • Dutch printed material
  • French printed material
  • German printed material

Attraction Facilities

  • Education Groups Min - 15
  • Educational Groups Max - 500
Special Offers

Special Offers

Accommodation

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