The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum is a purpose built Museum created in the late 19th century by Joséphine and John Bowes. The Museum houses internationally renowned collections of European fine and decorative arts spanning five centuries.

The Museum is in the picturesque market town of Barnard Castle, County Durham in the heart of the Pennines in North East England. The town is just off the A66, 20 minutes by car from Scotch Corner (A1), 40 minutes from Penrith (M6), 30 minutes from Darlington station and 40 minutes from Durham Tees Valley Airport.

We have a range of resources for families to make a visit extra special.

These resources include:

  • play area
  • woodland walks
  • picnic areas
  • museum explorer backpacks
  • toddler trail
  • interactive resources and orienteering trails


In addition, we hold regular family events in the school holidays. Please visit our website for more information.

Live local? Membership for local people is the cheapest way to visit the Museum. 

Eligible postcodes for Local Memberships are as follows:

DH1, DH2 DH3 DH4 DH5 DH6 DH7 DH8 DH9 DH97 DH98 DH99

DL1 DL2 DL3 DL4 DL5 DL8 DL10 DL11 DL12 DL13 DL14 DL15 DL16 DL17 DL98

NE16 NE17 NE38 NE39

SR7 SR8 SR88

TS11 TS21 TS22 TS27 TS28 TS29

When is it on?

Time of day
Morning
Afternoon
Session information
10.00am - 5.00pm daily
We are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Who to contact

Telephone
01833 690 606
E-mail
hello@thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Website
The Bowes Museum

Where to go

Address
Newgate
Barnard Castle
County Durham
Postcode
DL12 8NP

Other details

Cost description
Free entry for Under 18s, Full Time Students & Carers.
Under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Students must provide proof of full time hours.
Referral required?
No

Local Offer

Local Offer description

Our disabled facilities:

  • level access
  • lift
  • assistance dogs permitted
  • wheelchair hire - free loan
  • wheelchair access in all areas
Contact telephone
01833 690 606
Contact email
info@thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Disclaimer

Durham County Council's Families Information Service does not promote nor endorse the services advertised on this website. Anyone seeking to use/access such services does so at their own risk and may make all appropriate enquiries about fitness for purpose and suitability to meet their needs.
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