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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 exterior of The Bowes Museum and its grounds on a sunny day.
  • The exterior of The Bowes Museum and its grounds on a sunny day.
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  • A woman and a young girl together looking at paintings in an exhibition.
  • A group of people in the galleries on a tour with a guide.
  • A close up shot of the head and neck of silver swan.

About

Discover The Bowes Museum, a purpose-built French style museum set within 22 acres of landscaped parkland overlooking the breath-taking Teesdale countryside in County Durham.

Founded by visionaries Joséphine and John Bowes, the museum reflects the couple’s passion for art and their vision to share it with the local community. Inside, it houses a world-class collection of over 58,000 objects, with highlights including masterpieces by Goya, Canaletto and Van Dyck. Among its treasures, the Silver Swan, an 18th-century automaton which remains a firm favourite, captivating visitors daily with its life-like movements.

With 22 galleries spanning paintings, fashion and textiles, ceramics and more, there endless opportunities to explore, learn and be inspired. Curate your own perfect visit, from a dynamic exhibition's programme and family artist workshops to in concert performances and special events there is something to spark creativity in everyone daily.

Offering an exceptional experience and great value for money, The Bowes Museum is a must-see attraction in County Durham. Complete your day with a visit to Café Bowes, where an award-winning, locally sourced seasonal menu awaits, and browse the museum shop for a bespoke range of gifts, the perfect way to remember your visit.

Book Tickets

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Day Ticket£19.50 per person per day
Day Ticket with Gift Aid£21.45 per person per day
Local Membership£17.70 per ticket type
Membership£20.00 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 MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021
  • Visit EnglandVisitEngland Award Quality Food and Drink 2023 VisitEngland Award Quality Food and Drink 2023 2023
  • Visit EnglandVisitor Ready Visitor Ready 2025
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWeardale Visitor Network Member Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025
  • Regional and MiscellaneousTripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
1887 reviews
    • Excellent
      1219
    • Very Good
      466
    • Average
      135
    • Poor
      39
    • Terrible
      28

    Recent Reviews:

    • annettef978
      Harvington, United Kingdom
      Not to be missed…
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 30th September 2025
      What a stunning place to visit! The story of Joséphine and her husband John is both romantic and inspiring, and led to this extraordinary collection housed in a stunning French château-like museum... Read full review
    • IL0veH0tels
      County Durham
      A Magnificent French Château in the Heart of Teesdale
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 11th October 2025
      The Bowes Museum is nothing short of breathtaking — a magnificent French-style château standing proudly in the beautiful countryside of Barnard Castle, surrounded by immaculate grounds and rich... Read full review
    • ColinandEleanor
      Melbourne, Australia
      well worth a visit
      4 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 11th October 2025
      We'd seen some of this on TV and it exceeded what we expected. The exhibits are far more esoteric and diverse, the formal gardens were very attractive and the staff friendly and informative. If you... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2025

    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 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)
    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...

    An example of the afternoon tea Café Bowes makes featuring macaroons, scones and swan style biscuit.Café Bowes at The Bowes Museum, Barnard CastleWith Cafe Bowes' modern space and wonderful views over the gardens and countryside you can relax, unwind and enjoy the delights of the menu.

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

    A man playing a cello and a man playing the piano room in the picture gallery.Venue Hire, Barnard CastleThe Bowes Museum is set in the historic market town of Barnard Castle in the breath taking Durham Dales, surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, it is an inspirational and aesthetic venue for multiple uses.

    The inside of the shop with books, toys and cards on display.The Bowes Museum Shop, Barnard CastleExplore our shop, where you'll find the perfect souvenir or special gift. Our selection includes art books, toys, crafts, beautiful cards, and tasty confectionery. We also offer handmade jewellery and ceramics, allowing you to take home a unique piece of art.

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