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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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The Bowes Museum 
Rainbow, Grounds, Blue Skies
  • The Bowes Museum 
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  • The Bowes Museum summer garden
  • The Bowes Museum silver swan
  • The Bowes Museum gallery
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About

Please prebook your tickets in advance.

The Bowes Museum is the jewel in the heart of the historic market town of Barnard Castle in the beautiful Durham countryside.

Housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts, the Museum was purpose built in the 19thC by wealthy businessman John Bowes and his French actress wife Josephine. Their romantic story is revealed as you wander around this graceful and elegant Grade I Listed building.

The diverse collections begun by this amazing couple are constantly being added to and currently span three floors of this magnificent French-style building. Whether its paintings by Van Dyck, Canaletto or Goya, delicate porcelain produced at Sevres, or fashion from the 16-20th centuries, it can all be found at The Bowes Museum, which has received Designated status from the Government in recognition of the quality of its outstanding collections.

Visitors to the museum can not only learn of John and Josephine’s wonderful story and marvel at the fascinating objects on show but can also enjoy an exciting programme of exhibitions – including fashion, photography and fine art – plus events, with guided tours and gallery talks by specialist’s curators enhancing the experience. A recent £12m makeover which has spawned the opening of new galleries and the delivery of enhanced visitor facilities has pivoted the museum into the 21st Century.

The magnificent legacy that John and Josephine Bowes left to the people of Barnard Castle and beyond has been transformed in a sympathetic way to retain its charm and intrigue while protecting the collections for future generations.

No visit is complete without sampling a delicious lunch, sumptuous afternoon tea or tempting snack in Café Bowes, or a browse in the shop, which offer s a wide range of gifts, books, confectionery and original art and jewellery.

Surrounded by 22 acres of parkland including formal gardens, a woodland walk, picnic area and children’s play facilities, The Bowes Museum, surrounded by rolling countryside, is the perfect destination for a family day out.

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
1777 reviews
  • Travelers Choice 2022
  • Excellent
    1137
  • Very Good
    448
  • Average
    128
  • Poor
    39
  • Terrible
    25

Recent Reviews:

  • JEFitzg
    Leyburn, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Couples
    Fabulous cafe
    5 of 5 stars
    Wednesday, 1st June 2022
    In addition to a most interesting visit to the various galleries and the famous silver swan, we had an excellent lunch at the cafe where the soup in particular was superb. Worth dropping in for, even... Read full review
  • V2349QCruthm
    Trip Type:
    Couples
    Enjoyed our visit
    5 of 5 stars
    Sunday, 5th June 2022
    Enjoyable visit to museum and walk around the grounds .Cafe serving good breakfast batch , staff friendly and facilities clean Read full review
  • IL0veH0tels
    County Durham
    Trip Type:
    Friends getaway
    Well Worth A Visit
    5 of 5 stars
    Thursday, 9th June 2022
    The Museum and bulding itself is incredibly imposing and magnificent, with many chancing exhibits and events throughout the year. The museum cafe is open to everyone and provides a delicious... Read full review
Write a review
© TripAdvisor 2022

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

Season (1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022)
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

TWITTER UPDATES

The Bowes Museum

TheBowesMuseum

The Bowes Museum

Last chance: to book your ticket & join us for an evening of #contemporarydance with the amazing @eliotgsmith &… https://t.co/J1XWvp3Mgd
27 Jun 2022   18:28:01
Step into Monday with your favourite summer #shoes on! What about a pair like these 1930s quilted pink silk evening… https://t.co/08IDWJbWX6
27 Jun 2022   09:09:31
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.

Image of mugsThe 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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