The Bowes Museum

Surrounded by tranquil gardens and parkland in the historic market town of Barnard Castle, The Bowes Museum is a unique cultural icon.

This French-style chateau is one of the most important museums outside London, its wonderful history and outstanding treasures having provided inspiration and entertainment since 1892.

Today, the designated collection includes some of the best examples of European fine and decorative arts in the UK, including works by Goya, El Greco and Canaletto.

An endearing exhibit, which stays in visitors’ memories, is the lifesize 230-year-old Silver Swan musical automaton, played every day to fascinated onlookers.

The permanent collections are complemented by an eclectic exhibition and events programme, which for 2008 includes Alfred Sisley: Impressionist Landscapes. The first major display of Sisley’s work to be shown in the North East, it opens on Saturday 17 May and runs until 21 September. Opening on 19 April is a selling exhibition, Illumination: Judy Hurst, displaying intricate illustrative works on vellum, many inspired by objects in the museum’s collections.

The magnificent Grade 1 listed building also houses the acclaimed Café Bowes, described as ‘the best museum food in the North East’, and gift shop, offering the perfect way to wind up your visit.

Accessibility:

Vaqas Accreditation

VAQAS accreditation.

Gradings

VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS

Opening Times

Open All Year

01/03/2008 - 31/10/2008
Day	Times
Monday	10:00	16:00
Tuesday	10:00	16:00
Wednesday	10:00	16:00
Thursday	10:00	16:00
Friday	10:00	16:00
Saturday	10:00	16:00
Sunday	10:00	16:00
Bank Holiday	10:00	16:00

01/11/2008 - 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

Prices

Prices for The Bowes Museum
Ticket Type	Price
Adult	£7.00
Concession	£6.00

Ticket Information

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff*
Adult	£7.00 per ticket type
Concession	£6.00 per ticket type
Child (under 16)	Free

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Road Directions

Just off the A66 in the heart of the Pennines in North East England. Follow signs for Barnard Castle and The Bowes Museum.

Public Transport Directions

Nearest train station is Darlington Station. Take A67 from Darlington to Barnard Castle.
There is ample free parking on site, with coach and accessible parking bays. The Bowes Museum is 17 miles from Darlington rail station on the East Coast main line. Bus services run regularly to Barnard Castle from Darlington (Arriva 75, 76 and 70), Bishop Auckland (Arriva 8) and Richmond (Arriva 79). To find out more about public transport call 0870 608 2608.

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 - Cafeteria capacity approximately 100. Cafe Bowes capacity 85 seated. Jubilee room 60 seated. Music room 60 seated.
Picnic Site

Payment Methods

American Express accepted
Approx length of visit - 2-3 hours
Blue Badge Guides admitted free
Booking essential
Delta accepted
Groups Accepted
Maestro accepted
MasterCard accepted
Max group size - 999
Min group size - 12
Solo accepted
Special group rates - £1 reduction.
Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
TIC Staff Admitted Free
Visa accepted

Provider Facilities

Conference facilities
Dogs Accepted - Guide dogs only in building. Dogs on leads in grounds.
Event Venue
Printed Material in Foreign Languages
Staff Fluent in Languages - Other
Toilets

Target Markets

Family Fun
Marketed Towards Children
Marketed Towards Families
Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
Marketed Towards Students / Youth

Tours and Demonstrations

Educational Visits Accepted - 2 meeting rooms which hold between 15 and 60 delegates.
Guided Tours Available for Groups
Guided Tours Available for Individuals