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You are here > Home > Things to Do > The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum

From £0.00
Newgate
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8NP

Tel: +44 01833 690606

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Add The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

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Exterior view of The Bowes Museum and surrounding gardens
  • Exterior view of The Bowes Museum and surrounding gardens
  • family of four sat admiring artwork inside The Bowes Museum
  • The Bowes Museum silver swan
  • couple walking hand in hand in the gallery inside The Bowes Museum
  • family running through the gardens at The Bowes Museum
  • The Bowes Museum drone image

About

See outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in an impressive French-style public Museum set in beautiful parkland. 

The Bowes Museum was created by the philanthropists Joséphine and John Bowes. This family friendly Museum is home to some of the best examples of European fine and decorative arts in the UK with galleries dedicated to paintings, furniture, fashion & textiles, ceramics, silver & metals and more. 

With a fascinating story, an acclaimed exhibition and events programme, celebrating the 250th birthday of the iconic Silver Swan automaton in 2023, family activities, a seasonal menu in Café Bowes and shop, a visit to The Bowes Museum makes a day out to remember.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Day Ticket£17.50 per person per day
Local Membership£12.50 per ticket type
Membership£14.50 per ticket type
Under 18Free
Under 18s, students and carersFree

Enjoy unlimited entry at The Bowes Museum and temporary exhibitions all year around.

Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS
VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS

Awards

  • Visit EnglandVAQAS VAQAS 2019
  • Regional and MiscellaneousTripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
1804 reviews
  • Travelers Choice 2022
  • Excellent
    1154
  • Very Good
    454
  • Average
    131
  • Poor
    39
  • Terrible
    26

Recent Reviews:

  • EJ152
    Trip Type:
    Friends getaway
    Extraordinary collection in a gracious and substantial building.
    5 of 5 stars
    Tuesday, 14th March 2023
    A real find and a treasure. Spacious and full of surprises, charming cafe (booking is wise), and well chosen merchandise on sale in the shop. Read full review
  • World_roaming_leccy
    Lincoln, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Couples
    Glad I've been but won't be returning in a hurry
    3 of 5 stars
    Wednesday, 15th March 2023
    I've driven past this place several times and always wanted to go in. The building itself is very grand and inviting. The admission price of £12.50 for the year (if local) isn't bad in today's... Read full review
  • ClaireRocks84
    Darlington, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Family
    Firm favourite since my childhood
    5 of 5 stars
    Monday, 20th March 2023
    I have visited Bowes museum plenty of times over my years. The silver swan is a must see. As well as the Bowes Family collections they collected over the years. It’s fascinating. Read full review
Write a review
© TripAdvisor 2023

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Access Statement - Please see below
  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
  • Facility for service dogs
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Ramp / Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Parking & Transport

  • Coach Parking Onsite
  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)

Access Information

Visit External Site

Opening Times

2023 (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
Bank Holiday10:00 - 17:00

* Closed 25, 26 Dec & 1 Jan. Cafe opening 1000-1630. Shop opening 1000-1645.

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bowes-Museum/8814259979
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebowesmuseum/

Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

Highlights...

Barnard CastleBarnard Castle, Barnard CastleBarnard Castle is the historic, 'must-see' European market town.

collection of items on offer in the Bowes Museum shopThe Bowes Museum Shop, Barnard CastleOur fabulous gift shop provides a wide range of products many of which take inspiration from the museum's collections. The range includes books, greetings cards and postcards, stationery, homeware, jewellery, children’s gifts and much more.

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