The Official Visitor Information Site for North East England
The Bowes Museum
One of Britain's most fascinating museum experiences. Founded over 100 years ago, by John and Joséphine Bowes, the magnificent building contains the greatest collection of European fine and decorative art in the North of England. The designated collection contains works by Goya, El Greco and Canaletto.
Opened in 1892, a major transformation is now underway, planting it firmly in the 21st century.
A fun day out for the whole family, there are a number of interactives to enjoy, which complement the exhibition programme.
The acclaimed Cafe Bowes is the perfect venue to unwind over lunch or a snack, while the adjacent shop offers a wide range of quality goods.
Accessibility:
Vaqas Accreditation
VAQAS accreditation.
Gradings
- VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS
Awards
- Visit Britain Code of Practice 2008
- Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver 2008
Opening Times
Open All Year
| 02/01/2008 - 24/12/2008 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Bank Holiday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| 27/12/2008 - 31/12/2008 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| 02/01/2009 - 24/12/2009 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Bank Holiday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| 27/12/2009 - 31/12/2009 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
* Open all year, daily, 10.00-17.00. Closed 25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan.
Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff* |
|---|---|
| Adult | £7.00 per ticket type |
| Concession | £6.00 per ticket type |
| Group Travel | £5.50 per ticket type |
| Child (under 16) | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Road Directions
The Bowes Museum is situated on Newgate in the town of Barnard Castle. 5 minutes from the A66, 20 minutes from Scotch Corner (A1), 40 minutes from Penrith (M6).
Public Transport Directions
The Bowes Museum is 17 miles from Darlington. Bus services run regularly to Barnard Castle from Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Richmond. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233
Facilities
Provider Features
- In town/city centre - On edge of Barnard Castle
- Indoor Attraction
- No Smoking Attraction
Accessibility
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
- Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Audio Loop in education room and reception only.
- Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Clear signage throughout the attraction (e.g. colour contrasted, large lettering, use of pictograms etc).
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp / Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant
- Picnic Site
Payment Methods
- American Express accepted
- Approx length of visit - 2-3 hours
- Blue Badge Guides admitted free
- Delta accepted
- Groups Accepted
- Maestro accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Max group size - 200
- Min group size - 12
- Solo accepted
- Special group rates
- Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
- TIC Staff Admitted Free
- Visa accepted
Provider Facilities
- Conference facilities
- Dogs Accepted - Assistance dogs only in building. Dogs on leads in grounds.
- Event Venue
- Printed Material in Foreign Languages
- Staff Fluent in Languages - Other - Please call in advance
- Toilets
Target Markets
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Children
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed Towards Students / Youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Demonstrations Given - Occasionally. Please call in advance.
- Educational Visits Accepted - 2 meeting rooms which hold between 15 and 60 delegates.
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals
Languages spoken
- French spoken
- German spoken
Printed Material in Foreign Languages
- Dutch printed material
- French printed material
- German printed material
Attraction Facilities
- Education Groups Min - 15
- Educational Groups Max - 500
Related Links
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8NP
Tel: +44 01833 690606
Fax: +44 01833 637163
Travel Directions
What's Nearby
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