Home / Things to Do

The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum

Add The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

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:Tourism For All Logo

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
Monday10:0017:00
Tuesday10:0017:00
Wednesday10:0017:00
Thursday10:0017:00
Friday10:0017:00
Saturday10:0017:00
Sunday10:0017:00
Bank Holiday10:0017:00
27/12/2008 - 31/12/2008
Monday10:0017:00
Tuesday10:0017:00
Wednesday10:0017:00
Saturday10:0017:00
Sunday10:0017:00
02/01/2009 - 24/12/2009
Monday10:0017:00
Tuesday10:0017:00
Wednesday10:0017:00
Thursday10:0017:00
Friday10:0017:00
Saturday10:0017:00
Sunday10:0017:00
Bank Holiday10:0017:00
27/12/2009 - 31/12/2009
Monday10:0017:00
Tuesday10:0017:00
Wednesday10:0017:00
Thursday10:0017:00
Sunday10:0017:00

* Open all year, daily, 10.00-17.00. Closed 25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan.

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket 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.

Related Events

Saturday, 25th October 2008 - Sunday, 22nd February 2009

Beautifully Crafted
more info

Tuesday, 9th December 2008

Faith and Love Gallery Talks
more info

Wednesday, 10th December 2008

Embroidery Workshop - Bag for Life
more info

Thursday, 11th December 2008

A Feel for the Future
more info

Saturday, 13th December 2008

Turner in Teesdale
more info

Tuesday, 16th December 2008

Faith and Love Gallery Talks
more info

Sunday, 21st December 2008

Christmas Market
more info

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

Newgate
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8NP

Tel: +44 01833 690606

Fax: +44 01833 637163

Travel Directions

Click to enlarge images below:

  • The Bowes Museum
  • Gardens
  • Café Bowes
  • The Silver Swan

What's Nearby

Product Type
Proximity
Within miles

Things to Do

Your Itinerary Planner

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

Tv Advert

Watch the tv advert here.