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Enjoy a warming winter day out at The Bowes Museum with a mix of drop-in creative activities, artist-led workshops for children and a brand-new Winter Trail to explore. Adults can settle in for the December meeting of the Bowes Book Club, while Café Bowes welcomes the return of its festive menu from the beginning of December, featuring traditional roast lunches and festive afternoon tea.
Creative Sessions:
Take inspiration from beautiful snow-themed pieces from the collection and create your own Spectacular Snowflakes, snow globes and bunting using a variety of exciting art materials. Roll up your sleeves and get creative with Clay Creations. Craft your own unique piece, decorate it with dazzling extras, and take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Artist Makers gives children the chance to experiment with different techniques and materials in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Led by local artists, designers and makers, these sessions help budding artists build confidence and enjoy making together.
For the Youngest Visitors:
Bowes Babies offers a welcoming opportunity for little ones to play, explore and connect over the Christmas holidays. These sessions encourage children to discover the museum through their senses, nurturing their natural curiosity and building confidence. The warm and welcoming environment also makes it a lovely opportunity for parents and carers to meet others and become part of a friendly local community.
For the Whole Family:
Discover a seasonal wonderland at The Winter Market, with over 100 artists, designers, makers and food stalls. Browse unique gifts, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, original art, candles and skincare, alongside delicious street food, sweet treats, craft beers and warming drinks. Market stalls stretch from the museum grounds into the galleries, blending heritage with festive cheer. It is the perfect seasonal outing for families, friends and shoppers alike.
For Grown-Ups:
In December's session of Bowes Book Club, readers and culture lovers are 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. This session will be introduced by Howard Coutts, Curator of Fine Art and Design, who will explore connections between the novel and The Bowes Museum's collection of historic books, including illustrations by poet and artist William Blake (1757–1827).
Daily Highlights:
Pick up our brand-new self-guided Winter Trail from reception and explore the museum in a whole new light. Alongside workshops and activities, visitors can enjoy daily favourites throughout the school holidays, including the 11am Spotlight tour and the much-loved Silver Swan performances at 11.45am and 2pm each day.
This is also the last chance to see Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks before it closes on 3 January 2026. The sketches in the exhibition change every six weeks, so if you've visited before, it's worth coming back to see new sketches revealed showing the workings of the beloved local artists.
Café Bowes:
Enjoy a traditional one-, two- or three-course festive lunch, featuring butter-roast turkey with all the trimmings or a roasted root vegetable and chestnut bake, served daily between noon and 3pm from 1–23 December.
Alternatively, enjoy a festive afternoon tea, served from 2pm to 3.30pm.
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The Bowes Museum, Barnard CastleThere’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum. With more than 58,000 items in this Museum of artists, designers and makers, there are treasures at every turn.
Find out what’s happening this week across the Culture County. From festivals and exhibitions, to sport and theatre, you’re certain to have an eventful time in Durham.
