It’s been delighting visitors for more than 100 years, and now a £12m revamp has transformed The Bowes Museum into a must see 21st Century place to visit.A romantic history, stunning galleries, great location, fine dining, top class exhibitions, family fun events, a thriving toddler group – all these can be discovered inside this fabulous listed building which resembles a French chateau.And that’s not all. It’s surrounded by parkland, woodland walks, formal gardens and a newly opened children’s play area.No visit is complete without a browse in our shop, or a delicious snack in Café Bowes.If you’re looking for a great day out, make The Bowes Museum your destination of choice. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for up to the minute info on what’s on when.

 

Opening Hours & Admission

The Bowes Museum is open daily. Closed only 25 & 26 December & 1 January.

The Silver Swan plays daily at 2.00. 

Please note on the 6 October, the Clockwork Garden exhibition will be closed between 10.00 - 11.00.

 

Galleries & Exhibitions

10.00 – 5.00, Free Daily Tours running 30 April - 31 October at 11.30 from reception
Smartify - Download this free app on the App Store or via Google play, then scan, identify and uncover the great stories behind some of your favourite artworks.

 

Admission Price

Enjoy unlimited entry at The Bowes Museum and temporary exhibitions all year around.

Annual Pass - Adults: £14.00

Annual Pass - Concessions (Over 60): £12.00

Family Pass - 2 Adults (Up to 4 Children): £30.00

Family Pass - 1 Adult (Up to 4 Children): £16.00

Students (On production of Student Card): £6.00

Children (Under 18): £5.00

 

Free Entry

National Art Pass (On production of membership card) - Free entry

Friends of The Bowes Museum - Free entry

Children (Under 5) - Free entry

Accompanying Carers - Free entry

 

Groups & Coaches

Pre-booked groups of 12+ paying visitors£7.00

Click here for more information about Groups & Coaches
 

Café Bowes

Open 10.00 – 4.30: Free entry

Click here for more information about Café Bowes
 

Gift Shop

Open 10.00 - 4.45: Free entry

Excluding Saturday (10.00 - 4.45): Free entry

Click here for more information about our Shop
 

Reading Room

Operating on a two-week rota, for dates and times click here - Free entry

Anyone wishing to access the new facility is advised to make an appointment, which will also enable them to check that we hold the relevant material they seek.

To book call 01833 690606 ext 208, email libraryandarchives@thebowesmuseum.org.uk or write to The Reference Library and Archives, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP.

Click here for more information about the Reading Room

Weddings

19 August - The Nineteenth Century Picture Gallery and the Music Room will be closed all day.

20 August - The Music Room will be closed from 1.00.

20 October - The Nineteenth Century Picture Gallery will be closed from 2.30.

21 October - The Nineteenth Century Picture Gallery and the Music Room will be closed all day.

The Nineteenth Century Picture Gallery and the Silver Swan Gallery will be closed 12.00 - 1.50.

If the weather is inclement, the Religious Picture Gallery will be closed 12.30 - 3.30.

 

Gift Aid

The Bowes Museum is a registered charity. Admissions can be Gift Aided at no extra cost to you. If you are a UK Taxpayer for every £1.00 paid the Museum can reclaim 25p. 

*Not transferable, pass holders must sign in on each return visit to prove their identity. Pass valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Pass valid for normal museum opening hours only. No refunds. Full terms & conditions can be viewed here>

Click here for additional accessibility information about this venue from our friends, DisabledGo.