October Half Term

Spotlight Tour

A friendly and informative introduction to an exhibition, the collection or building. Led by The Bowes Museum’s team of Visitor Attendants, Curators and Volunteer Tour Guides, join us for an informal 30-minute tour, everyday at 11:00, and 2:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to find out more.

Pippa Hale: Pet Project

Joséphine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion

Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail

Nathan Coley: You Create What You Will and Tate Modern on Fire

Martin Smith: Kinetic Arboretum

Claire A Baker: In Progress and Process

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.

Artist Makers

Inspire your curiosity and creativity in these weekly, artist-led workshops. Experiment with different materials and techniques, and create something unique to take home with you, inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibitions, nature and other seasonal events.   Drop-in sessions in the Create Space, included in Membership and day admission. Recommended for ages 8+, children

Pet Pottery Painting

Feeling inspired by Pippa Hale: Pet Project? Join Mud & More Pottery to paint your own bisque pottery cat or dog, cast from 18th and 19th objects in The Bowes Museum’s collection. Each piece will be fired off-site in Mud and More’s kiln, and you’ll have three weeks to return and collect your unique creation.

Regal Beasts with Maddie Agnew

Create a Victorian-style portrait of your pet in this playful workshop with artist Maddie Agnew. Take inspiration from the museum’s galleries as you paint your own masterpiece on canvas, whether it’s a dashing dog in uniform or a sassy cat in ruffles. In this 3-and-a-half-hour workshop you will have step-by-step guidance and all materials provided

Bat Boxes

Join us this autumn and build your own bat box from recycled materials or decorate a ready-made one. Take your creation home to welcome bats into your own garden.   Activity taking place in the Outdoor Classroom (in between the Bowling Green and Tennis Court behind the museum) or Create Space in the case of

Purr-fect Story Tour

Do you want to learn more about Pippa Hale: Pet Project? Join one of our activators for the purr-fect story tour in which the exhibition will be brought to life. Hear how the museum’s pet ceramics have inspired this exhibition and find out more about animal art in the galleries.  Booking required, meet in the

The Art of Autumn Trail

Explore the museum’s 22 galleries and 22 acres of parkland on a colourful new trail bursting with autumn magic. Spot trees, leaves, birds and other seasonal objects, both inside the museum and out in the parkland. Grab a pencil and sketch your own autumn scene, inspired by the sights around you. See the museum in

Not just Nude

LGBTQIA+ Object Trail

Explore The Bowes Museum’s collection through a different lens and learn about the stories and emotions objects hold through the lived experiences of those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Trail booklets are available to collect at Reception. This trail has been co-produced by Be You at The Bowes, an LGBTQIA+ working group.

Chris Difford: A Little Stand-Up And A Little Sit-Down

Chris Difford: A Little Stand-Up and A Little Sit-Down, live in concert at The Bowes Museum Enjoy an intimate performance by double Ivor Novello award-winning lyricist and founding member of the rock group Squeeze, Chris Difford, at The Bowes Museum. Featuring songs from both the Squeeze catalogue and Difford’s solo albums, spanning his entire musical