May Half Term

23 MAY – 31 MAY

School’s out! This May half term, dive into a fantastic programme of free activities included within admission, inspired by the museum’s wonderful collection, nature in the parkland and exhibitions not to be seen elsewhere.

Families can enjoy daily self-guided creative activities and trails, join the 11:00 Spotlight Tour for a brief introduction to the collection, or run off some energy and explore 22 acres of beautiful parkland. Special family activities take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, including Bug Hotels, Step Into Westwood: A Family Adventure Through Fashion Rebellion and Botany at The Bowes Museum.

Our littlest visitors can enjoy Stay and Play and Bowes Babies on Thursday, and Artist Makers takes place on Wednesday and Saturday, with daily creative activities available in the Create Space.

Don’t miss an opportunity to explore our exclusive exhibition Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary. 

There’s something for all ages to enjoy, with all activities included with admission or Membership. Don’t forget, under 18s and full-time students always go free!

Book Tickets

What's On

A painted still life shows a large bouquet of flowers arranged in a blue‑and‑white ceramic vase, set on a wooden tabletop. The bouquet includes roses, poppies, irises, carnations, and small daisy‑like flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and deep blue, with green leaves and stems spreading outward. The background is dark and plain, creating contrast with the brightly coloured flowers and the reflective surface of the vase.

Botany at The Bowes Museum

Step into a world where plants aren’t just part of the landscape, they’re the inspiration behind art, design and groundbreaking ideas. Botany at The Bowes invites you to explore how the natural world has shaped creativity across history, right here in the Parkland. Recommended for ages 14-18, children under 14 must be accompanied by an

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A child crouches beside a small outdoor “bug hotel” made from stacked wooden pallets filled with twigs, leaves, and natural materials. A hand‑painted sign on the front reads “BUG HOTEL” and is decorated with autumn leaves and a small illustrated insect. The child wears a long‑sleeved grey top, bright pink trousers, and trainers, and rests one hand on the structure. The setting is a park or garden with grass, fallen leaves, trees with autumn foliage, and a large tree trunk behind the bug hotel.

Bug Hotels

Join us in the wildflower meadow behind the museum to find bugs at the Bowes. Build eco-friendly bug hotels and learn about the importance of insects in the parkland. Use the #Bowesbugs on Instagram, when making your own at home. Recommended for families and nature lovers, children under 14 must be accompanied. Please contact the

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A group of children and an adult gather around a male adult instructor in a bright, art-filled classroom, watching attentively as he demonstrates a craft project.

Step Into Westwood: A Family Adventure Through Fashion Rebellion

Step into the world of Vivienne Westwood, the ultimate rule-breaker of fashion, in a family-friendly tour that brings her exhibition to life. Discover the stories stitched into her most daring outfits and unlock the secrets behind her visionary style. Meet in the Reception, recommended for ages 5-12, children under 14 must be accompanied.   Please contact the learning team

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Stay and Play

Time for The Bowes’ youngest visitors to explore and play in the Conversation Gallery, investigate materials and be creative in this self-led, free-play session. Suitable for children up to 5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

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A young child with light hair, wearing a mustard-yellow shirt, khaki shorts, and colorful socks, smiles while crawling on a large white cushioned surface in a brightly colored play area with red and pink abstract shapes on the wall behind.

Bowes Babies

Bowes Babies are special sessions designed for our youngest visitors aged 0–5 and their families. Join a member of our Learning Team in the Conversation Gallery for an opportunity for little ones to play, explore and connect.  Guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, these sessions encourage children to discover the museum

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Your Visit

Discover wonders at every turn.

Image of a family looking at The Bowes Museum

Plan Your Visit

School’s out! This May half term, dive into a fantastic programme of free activities included within admission, inspired by the museum’s wonderful collection, nature in the parkland and exhibitions not to be seen elsewhere.

Families can enjoy daily self-guided creative activities and trails, join the 11:00 Spotlight Tour for a brief introduction to the collection, or run off some energy and explore 22 acres of beautiful parkland. Special family activities take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, including Bug Hotels, Step Into Westwood: A Family Adventure Through Fashion Rebellion and Botany at The Bowes Museum.

Our littlest visitors can enjoy Stay and Play and Bowes Babies on Thursday, and Artist Makers takes place on Wednesday and Saturday, with daily creative activities available in the Create Space.

Don’t miss an opportunity to explore our exclusive exhibition Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary. 

There’s something for all ages to enjoy, with all activities included with admission or Membership. Don’t forget, under 18s and full-time students always go free!

LEARN MORE
Image of a child looking at a kids automata from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre whilst holding a puffin teddy

Book Tickets

School’s out! This May half term, dive into a fantastic programme of free activities included within admission, inspired by the museum’s wonderful collection, nature in the parkland and exhibitions not to be seen elsewhere.

Families can enjoy daily self-guided creative activities and trails, join the 11:00 Spotlight Tour for a brief introduction to the collection, or run off some energy and explore 22 acres of beautiful parkland. Special family activities take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, including Bug Hotels, Step Into Westwood: A Family Adventure Through Fashion Rebellion and Botany at The Bowes Museum.

Our littlest visitors can enjoy Stay and Play and Bowes Babies on Thursday, and Artist Makers takes place on Wednesday and Saturday, with daily creative activities available in the Create Space.

Don’t miss an opportunity to explore our exclusive exhibition Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary. 

There’s something for all ages to enjoy, with all activities included with admission or Membership. Don’t forget, under 18s and full-time students always go free!

LEARN MORE
Image of an adult and child playing with outdoor toys in the Museum grounds

Park & Gardens

School’s out! This May half term, dive into a fantastic programme of free activities included within admission, inspired by the museum’s wonderful collection, nature in the parkland and exhibitions not to be seen elsewhere.

Families can enjoy daily self-guided creative activities and trails, join the 11:00 Spotlight Tour for a brief introduction to the collection, or run off some energy and explore 22 acres of beautiful parkland. Special family activities take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, including Bug Hotels, Step Into Westwood: A Family Adventure Through Fashion Rebellion and Botany at The Bowes Museum.

Our littlest visitors can enjoy Stay and Play and Bowes Babies on Thursday, and Artist Makers takes place on Wednesday and Saturday, with daily creative activities available in the Create Space.

Don’t miss an opportunity to explore our exclusive exhibition Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary. 

There’s something for all ages to enjoy, with all activities included with admission or Membership. Don’t forget, under 18s and full-time students always go free!

LEARN MORE

YOUR
VISIT

With wonders at every turn there’s something for everyone.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

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CELEBRATE

We’ve beautiful spaces for all your entertainment needs.

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