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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£18.00 per person per day
Day Ticket with Gift Aid£19.80 per person per day
Local Membership£13.50 per ticket type
Membership£15.50 per ticket type
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 2021
  • 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
1818 reviews
    • Excellent
      1168
    • Very Good
      457
    • Average
      129
    • Poor
      39
    • Terrible
      25

    Recent Reviews:

    • 12rebeccag
      South Cave, United Kingdom
      Wonderful serene place
      5 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 14th September 2023
      What an amazing place - don’t fret about the entry fee it’s worth every penny ! The restaurant is also excellent and not overpriced - we had a wonderful day and will return Read full review
    • SavvyTravelogue
      kent
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      You can spend a couple of hours on the art alone
      4 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 24th September 2023
      If you like fine art it's well worth visiting. You're not going to see the highest level that you would in London but if you're a long way from the capital and getting to Barnard Castle is much... Read full review
    • Jessica S
      Hampshire, United Kingdom
      Amazing museum
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 24th September 2023
      Such an interesting museum . We weren’t expecting to find something of this size with so many artefacts in this area.It was only by chance we came across it . We landed up nearly spending the whole... 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 10:00-16:30 (last orders 4pm). Shop opening 10:00-16:30.

    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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