PLAN YOUR VISIT
Outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in a beautiful French-style public museum set in gardens and parkland.
OPENING TIMES
Open Daily 10.00am – 5.00pm (3.00pm 24 & 31 December).
Closed 25 – 26 December and 1 January.
You can see the Museum’s iconic 250-year-old Silver Swan back in action every day at 2.00pm (and also at 11.45am on bank holidays and during school holidays) following an intensive and intricate restoration and conservation programme.
The world famous automaton is wowing audiences once again after more than 1500 hours of work carried out by experts from the Cumbria Clock Company assisted by specialist horologists and clock interns from West Dean College in Sussex and Birmingham School of Jewellery alongside the Museum’s in-house conservation team.
GETTING HERE
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.
Address Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
Telephone 01833 690606
By road
Follow the A66 westbound from Scotch Corner. After approximately 11 miles, just after Greta Bridge, brown tourism signs highlight the Museum, take a right turn following them in the direction of Barnard Castle. Stay on this road for around 3 miles, crossing the River Tees via Abbey Bridge, to reach Barnard Castle. As you enter the town, signs will indicate The Bowes Museum on the right hand side of the road.
Follow the A66 eastbound from Penrith via Brough and Bowes. At Bowes follow the A67 towards Barnard Castle (about 4 miles), crossing the River Tees via the County Bridge into Barnard Castle. Continue along this road and up the steep bank towards the round stone Market Cross. Turn right at the Cross onto Newgate and the Museum is about 500m along this road on your left, after Birch Road.
When you reach West Auckland, take the A688 towards Barnard Castle. On arrival in Barnard Castle take the 2nd exit from the mini roundabout near the petrol station and follow this road through the centre of Barnard Castle until you reach the round stone Market Cross. Turn left at the Cross onto Newgate and the Museum is about 500m along this road on your left, after Birch Road.
Take the A688 from Bishop Auckland, going straight ahead at all the roundabouts and follow the signs for Barnard Castle. On arrival in Barnard Castle take the 2nd exit from the mini roundabout near the petrol station and follow this road through the centre of Barnard Castle until you reach the round stone Market Cross. Turn left at the Cross onto Newgate and the Museum is about 500m along this road on your left, after Birch Road.
Take the A67 via Gainford. On arrival in Barnard Castle take the 1st exit from the mini roundabout near the petrol station and follow this road through the centre of Barnard Castle until you reach the round stone Market Cross. Turn left at the Cross onto Newgate and the Museum is about 500m along this road on your left, after Birch Road.
Public transport
The Bowes Museum is 17 miles from Darlington station which is on the East coast main line. This is regularly served by high speed trains from London (2 hrs 30 mins), York (30 mins), Newcastle (30 mins) and Edinburgh (2 hrs) and Transpennine services. For information about LNER services see lner.co.uk . For information about Transpennine services see http://tpexpress.co.uk
Barnard Castle is well served by regular buses provided by Arriva and Weardale Travel
The Bowes Museum is 40 minutes from Durham Tees Valley Airport.
Parking
We have recently invested in an extensive programme of work to improve your experience in the outdoor spaces.
Free parking is available behind the Museum in a dedicated car park with accessible parking bays located immediately behind the Museum opposite the coach parking. Vehicular gates are open at 8.00am and locked at 5:00pm.
Closures
Please note: The Museum is normally open from 10.00 to 5.00, any room closures or late openings will be noted here.
24 & 31 December 2024 – The Museum will close at 3.00. Last orders in Café Bowes for hot food is 2.00 and 2.15 for drinks and snacks.
ADMISSION
*Enjoy unlimited entry to The Bowes Museum, temporary exhibitions and events all year round.
*Local Membership | £16.00 |
*Membership | £18.00 |
Standard Day Ticket | £19.00 |
Day Ticket incl. Gift Aid | £20.90 |
Under 18s, Full Time Students and Carers | Free |
FREE ENTRY
National Art Pass (on production of membership card) | Free entry |
GROUPS AND COACHES
Pre-booked groups of 12+ paying visitors | £13.00 (until 1 Jan 2025) |
EAT, SHOP AND DISCOVER
We’re more than just a Museum, make a day to remember with fabulous food, gorgeous gifts and a whole world of knowledge at your fingertips.
EXPLORE TEESDALE
Discover the stunning area surrounding the Museum.
PARKS & GARDENS
Explore beautiful woodland walks, nature trails, play and picnic areas.
CAFÉ BOWES
Relax and enjoy delicious local seasonal food in gorgeous surroundings.
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