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The Bowes Museum
From
£0.00
Newgate
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8NP
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8NP
Tel: +44 01833 690606
OnlineBooking
Book Tickets
Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket 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 carers | Free |
Enjoy unlimited entry at The Bowes Museum and temporary exhibitions all year around.
Gradings
- VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS
Awards
- Visit England
VAQAS 2021 - Regional and Miscellaneous
WTTC Safe Travels 2021 - Visit England
VisitEngland Award Quality Food and Drink 2023 2023 - Visit England
Visitor Ready 2025 - Regional and Miscellaneous
Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025 - Regional and Miscellaneous
TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025
TripAdvisor
- Excellent1240
- Very Good468
- Average136
- Poor39
- Terrible28
Recent Reviews:
- tkn_1967_Wonderful museum
Tuesday, 21st July 2026A perfect afternoon spent at the museum to see the Vivienne Westwood exhibition in particular, we also saw the Swan and had a good look around. The staff are very welcoming and the cafe lovely. I... Read full review - Elssa21Chester, United KingdomVivienne Westwood Exhibition. Don't miss it!!!Sunday, 16th August 2026I love Bowes. Visited here a few times. A great collection of art items, incredible building and setting. Coupled with the Vivienne Westwood exhibition. I'm not local. The journey from my home... Read full review
- sarz1977Birmingham, United KingdomGreat visit
Monday, 17th August 2026We went to see the Vivienne Westwood exhibition. Was well worth the trip. Under 18's are free. They had different activities around the museum for kids to do. The museum was easy to get around and... Read full review
Facilities
Parking & Transport
- Coach Parking Onsite
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Access Information
Opening Times
| 2026 (1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 17:00 |
| Bank Holiday | 10:00 | - 17:00 |
* Closed 25, 26 Dec & 1 Jan. Cafe opening 10:00-16:30 (last orders 4pm). Shop opening 10:00-16:30.
Highlights...
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 Castle, Barnard CastleBarnard Castle is the historic, 'must-see' European market town.
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 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.
Wednesday, 26th August 2026 - Wednesday, 26th August 2026
Pattern and Protest - The Bowes MuseumInspired by Vivienne Westwood's iconic designs, Pattern and Protest invites participants to experiment with fabric by adding marks and messages to create their own bold response. Suitable for families with children aged 5+, the session encourages making while exploring ideas around fashion,…- more info
Friday, 4th December 2026 - Saturday, 5th December 2026
Nerina Pallott in Concert at The Bowes MuseumEnjoy an unforgettable evening with critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot at The Bowes Museum this December.- more info
Friday, 11th December 2026 - Sunday, 13th December 2026
The Winter Market - The Bowes MuseumDiscover a festive seasonal wonderland at The Bowes Museum, with over 100 stalls market, food and drink, museum entry and activities for all ages.- more info
Saturday, 17th October 2026 - Saturday, 17th October 2026
Martin Taylor in Concert - The Bowes MuseumExperience an unforgettable evening of live music as multi-award-winning guitarist Martin Taylor MBE performs in the intimate setting of The Bowes Museum's Jubilee Room.- more info
Friday, 16th October 2026 - Friday, 16th October 2026
An Audience with Dr Margaret Bradshaw - The Bowes MuseumCelebrate the remarkable Upper Teesdale landscape and the rare flora found across the valley at this special evening with local botanist and ecologist Dr Margaret Bradshaw MBE.- more info
Saturday, 10th October 2026 - Saturday, 10th October 2026
St Catherine's Child in Concert at The Bowes MuseumThe Bowes Museum is delighted to welcome back emerging artist Ilana Zsigmond, AKA St Catherine's Child, for her second live performance in the beautiful setting of the Jubilee Room. Don't miss this chance to experience an evocative evening of storytelling through song from one of the UK's most…- more info
Saturday, 12th September 2026 - Sunday, 13th September 2026
Heritage Open Days - The Bowes MuseumCelebrate Heritage Open Days with free admission to The Bowes Museum and a packed programme of activities inspired by this year's theme, Everyday Histories. Enjoy guided tours, including rare behind-the-scenes access to the museum's vaults, hands-on artist maker workshops, interactive object…- more info
Sunday, 27th September 2026 - Sunday, 27th September 2026
Bowes Book Club: The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy ChevalierBowes Book Club invites readers and culture lovers to enjoy a cosy curator-led Sunday afternoon at The Bowes Museum.- more info
Sunday, 22nd November 2026 - Sunday, 22nd November 2026
Bowes Book Club: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney - The Bowes MuseumUnravel the web of secrets within Rock Paper Scissors, Alice Feeney's psychological thriller about a couple whose anniversary trip to a remote chapel reveals the fragile games people play in relationships.- more info
Sunday, 20th December 2026 - Sunday, 20th December 2026
Bowes Book Club: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - The Bowes MuseumBe transported to The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, a contemporary novel that follows Nora Seed as she finds herself in a mysterious library between life and death, where each book offers the chance to explore a different version of her life. Moving between regret and hope, the story invites…- more info
Saturday, 24th October 2026 - Sunday, 1st November 2026
October Half Term - The Bowes MuseumThis October Half Term, families can enjoy a lively mix of creative and nature-inspired activities across The Bowes Museum's galleries, creative spaces and parkland.- more info
Monday, 26th October 2026 - Friday, 30th October 2026
Tuesday, 27th October 2026 - Tuesday, 27th October 2026
Wednesday, 28th October 2026 - Wednesday, 28th October 2026
Thursday, 29th October 2026 - Thursday, 29th October 2026
Friday, 30th October 2026 - Friday, 30th October 2026
Make an Impression! The Bowes MuseumInspired by Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum, look out from the Create Space and make their own artwork based on what they can see.- more info
Tuesday, 27th October 2026 - Wednesday, 28th October 2026
Wonder Workshop: Cloud Collage - The Bowes MuseumA workshop for curious young people aged 10–16 who enjoy asking questions, looking closely and thinking creatively.- more info
Thursday, 29th October 2026 - Thursday, 29th October 2026
Thursday, 26th November 2026 - Thursday, 26th November 2026
Wednesday, 30th December 2026 - Wednesday, 30th December 2026
Bowes Babies - The Bowes MuseumA sensory museum session for little ones and their grown-ups.- more info
Tuesday, 27th October 2026 - Tuesday, 27th October 2026
Parkland Explorers: Hedgehog Houses - The Bowes MuseumHead to the wildflower meadow behind the museum to discover hidden wildlife and make habitats for hibernating hedgehogs using recycled materials.- more info
Tuesday, 27th October 2026 - Tuesday, 27th October 2026
Wednesday, 28th October 2026 - Wednesday, 28th October 2026
Gallery Takeover: Map Makers - The Bowes MuseumTake a closer look at the art around you, then create something inspired by what you find.- more info
