The Bowes Museum
Opening Times:
Opening Times:
Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm
Closed 25 & 26 December and 1 January.
Admission Costs:
Admission Costs:
Adults £7.00, concessions £6.00, under 16s free with accompanying adult, accompanying carers free, groups of 12 or more £5.50pp, group organiser and accompanying coach driver free. Free parking and admission to the grounds.
The Bowes Museum was created over 100 years ago by an extraordinary couple, John and Joséphine Bowes. Discover their amazing story and fascinating collection in one of Britain’s most magical museum experiences.
The ground floor is home to The Streatlam Galleries, which opened in 2007 and are designed to be family friendly, serving as an introduction to the Museum's extensive collection of fine art, furniture, textiles, ceramics and archaeology.
The first floor houses collections of European fine and decorative arts plus the John and Joséphine Galleries, with a new Textiles and Dress Gallery due to open in Autumn 2009. There is also an area for temporary exhibitions. On the second floor you will find the sparkling Silver & Metals Gallery, which acts as a prelude to the famous Silver Swan musical automaton, together with the Museum’s major collections of paintings and ceramics. With 23 acres to explore outdoors you can enjoy a private picnic, take your dog for a walk or go for a peaceful stroll around the grounds, where there are trees from all over the world. The formal parterre garden complements this unique building.
Venue Enquiries
The Bowes Museum
Barnard Castle
Co Durham
DL12 8NP
Tel: 01833 690 606
Visit The Bowes Museum websiteCafé/Shop
Visit the refurbished Café Bowes, which now offers waitress service to complement its seasonal menu of delicious homemade lunches and refreshments. Open every day 10.00am to 4.30pm. The extended Gift Shop offers a wide range of quality gifts, books, confectionery & stationery. Open every day from 10.00am to 4.45pm.
Accessibility
Parking is available at the rear of the Museum, close to the disabled access. If you are travelling by taxi or bus, a drop off point can be made close to this entrance, which is on the East of the building, fitted with an intercom system that links to reception. Once reception is aware, a member of staff will direct you into the building. The Teesdale Link bus service provides the only direct bus link between Darlington and the Museum. Most of the journeys enter the Museum’s grounds, therefore if a drop off point is needed close to the disabled entrance, this should not be a problem. All floors of the Museum are accessible by stairs or by lift. Visitors should receive a floor plan on arrival. Large print floor plans are available on request. There are sofas and chairs in the galleries for visitor comfort. Two wheelchairs are available and can be found in the main entrance area. However, it is recommended that you book in advance. Assistance dogs are welcomed into the Museum. The reception desk on the ground floor can provide a bowl of water if required. New toilets, including baby changing and disabled facilities, have been installed on the ground floor.
Booking Information
Please contact 01833 690 606.
Directions
By car:
The Museum is situated in the town of Barnard Castle in County Durham, just off the A66, 20 minutes by car from Scotch Corner (A1), 40 minutes from Penrith (M6) and 40 minutes from Durham Tees Valley Airport.
By bus:
Bus services operate from Bishop Auckland (every two hours), Darlington (every hour) and Richmond. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233, web: www.traveline.org.uk.
By train:
Darlington is the nearest railway station and is regularly served by high speed trains from London (two hours 30 minutes), York (30 minutes), Newcastle (30 minutes) and Edinburgh (two hours).
