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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.
  • Two young children enjoying a curiosity project workshop.
  • Three women enjoying a make a stitch workshop in the create space.
  • A close up shot of the head and neck of silver swan.
  • A group of people in the galleries on a tour with a guide.
  • A woman and a young girl together looking at paintings in an exhibition.

About

There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum.  With more than 50,000 items in this Museum of artists, designers and makers, there are treasures at every turn.

Be inspired by the magnificent French style public Museum which was created by the philanthropists Joséphine and John Bowes. Enjoy some of the UK’s best examples of European fine and decorative arts with galleries spread across three floors dedicated to paintings, furniture, fashion and textiles, ceramics, silver and metals, sculpture and more.

With a fascinating story, newly opened interactive galleries, an acclaimed exhibition and events programme; celebrating its founder’s 200th year with a contemporary continuation of the collection in From Joséphine Bowes: Trendsetters and Trailblazers and Pippa Hale’s Pet Project, which is sure to be a hit with families and ceramic lovers alike.  Not forgetting the mesmerising daily performance of the Silver Swan, family activities, an award winning locally sourced-seasonal menu in Café Bowes and 22 acres of parkland to explore, a visit to The Bowes Museum makes a day out to remember.

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 MiscellaneousTripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016
  • 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 2024
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWeardale Visitor Network Member Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
1871 reviews
    • Excellent
      1206
    • Very Good
      464
    • Average
      134
    • Poor
      39
    • Terrible
      28

    Recent Reviews:

    • FarAway60942131867
      Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      A striking and interesting museum with great staff
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 29th March 2025
      A really great museum. The building has a striking profile in the middle of Northern England, but is full of interesting items which are well labelled. The oft mentioned Swan is the highlight, and... Read full review
    • WatsonBell
      Sydney, Australia
      Great Museum in North Yorkshire to visit.
      5 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 24th April 2025
      This is one of the best museums in the North Yorkshire area to take people to. full of interesting facts and the famous silver swan. A mixture of art work and furniture, with a good display of... Read full review
    • S-Swift5
      York, United Kingdom
      A Hidden Treasure.
      5 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 30th April 2025
      Found by chance when turning car around. An independant museum by an industrail back-ground, shunned by the aristocrocy of the time. Turned to the arts, and collected for pleasure. An amazing... 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.

    Saturday, 24th May 2025 - Saturday, 24th May 2025

    Charlotte Hodes exhibitionExhibiting Artist Talks: Charlotte Hodes - The Bowes MuseumJoin artist, Charlotte Hodes to learn about her art practice and how art collections and archives are an inspirational source for her projects.
    more info

    Saturday, 7th June 2025 - Saturday, 7th June 2025

    Ceramics plates painted with a blue pattern.Upcycled Plate Painting with Lucy Waters - The Bowes MuseumTake time to be creative with exhibiting artist Lucy Waters in an afternoon of plate painting.
    more info

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