October Half Term

24 October – 1 November

School’s out! This autumn, discover a packed programme of family-friendly activities inspired by the museum’s collection, exhibitions and beautiful parkland. Enjoy daily trails and creative activities, explore 22 acres of outdoor space, and join special Tuesday and Wednesday events including Gallery Takeover: Map Makers and Parkland Explorers: Hedgehog Habitats.

Young people can get creative at The Wonder Workshop: Cloud Collage every Tuesday Wednesday, while younger children can enjoy Stay and Play, Bowes Babies and Artist Makers sessions throughout the holidays. Daily creative activities are also available in the Create Space.

Alongside family fun, adults can enjoy talks, tours, workshops and live music, while everyone can explore Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa Le Havre and The Bowes Museum and Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks, both exclusive to The Bowes Museum. All activities are included with admission or Membership, and under 18s and full-time students always go free.

Children and Families

Two young children examine a small museum display case in the Curiosity Gallery using magnifying glasses. The display contains botanical elements. Around them are various museum objects, including textiles and vintage instruments, all arranged in bright, modern exhibition shelves.

Gallery Takeover: Map Makers

Take a closer look at the art around you, then make something inspired by what you find. Inspired by the landscapes and terrains of Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa Le Havre and The Bowes Museum, collect ideas and inspiration to use in creating your own map. Guided by a member of the Learning Team,

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Children playing outside on grass, building a hedgehog house from natural materials.

Parkland Explorers: Hedgehog Houses

Join the Learning Team in the parkland to help build habitats for hibernating hedgehogs. Help us create these eco-friendly hedgehog houses, play fun games and learn facts about these fascinating animals. On days when it is too rainy outside, we’ll take to the Create Space to make arty hedgehog houses instead. Recommended for families and

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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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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 child sits at a bright yellow table drawing on a large sheet of white paper with a red marker. The child leans forward with one arm resting on the table while drawing a small coloured shape near the centre of the page. Containers filled with coloured pens and pencils sit on the table to both sides. In the foreground are small cardboard cut‑out shapes, and in the background a display plinth holds an object within a well‑lit indoor museum or gallery space.

Artist Makers

Make time for making; join in and get creative. An opportunity to try out new techniques, materials and experiment with our team of artists, designers and makers.  Drop-in activity in the Create Space, recommended for ages 5+, children under 14 must be accompanied.  

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Young People

Two people wearing protective gloves carefully handle a mechanical bird object, with its beak and internal mechanism partially exposed, in a museum conservation or workshop setting.

The Wonder Workshop: Cloud Collage

Have you ever wondered about the museum’s collection? How the swan moves? Why Joséphine and John Bowes collected the objects that they did? What grows in the parkland? What different symbols mean in paintings? Unlock your imagination and join us for this creative workshop that blends the logic of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

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Adults

A person sits on a low block playing a classical guitar in a studio portrait. Warm, dramatic lighting highlights the guitar and dark clothing against a plain brown background, while the musician's hands are positioned on the strings and fretboard.

Juan Martín In Concert at The Bowes Museum

Following two successful shows in 2025, The Bowes Museum is excited to welcome back world-renowned flamenco guitarist, Juan Martín. Hailed as one of the greatest exponents of flamenco guitar, Martín has captivated audiences across the globe with his fiery technique, soul-stirring compositions and deep-rooted authenticity. Ticket Options First Two Rows (£45): Seating closest to stage Standard

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A musician sits on a stage playing an acoustic guitar while seated on a black stool. The performer wears a light-coloured suit, and purple stage lighting illuminates the scene. Microphones are positioned near the guitar, and the polished wooden stage floor reflects the coloured lights.

Juan Martín Masterclass at The Bowes Museum

Following his two night-run at The Bowes Museum, aspiting flamenco players can take advantage of an opportunity to spend time with one of the world’s guitar greats. This an extremely rare chance to pick up tips on playing and techniques in a friendly masterclass led by Juan Martín. Bring your guitar and learn from one

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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 autumn, discover a packed programme of family-friendly activities inspired by the museum’s collection, exhibitions and beautiful parkland. Enjoy daily trails and creative activities, explore 22 acres of outdoor space, and join special Tuesday and Wednesday events including Gallery Takeover: Map Makers and Parkland Explorers: Hedgehog Habitats.

Young people can get creative at The Wonder Workshop: Cloud Collage every Tuesday Wednesday, while younger children can enjoy Stay and Play, Bowes Babies and Artist Makers sessions throughout the holidays. Daily creative activities are also available in the Create Space.

Alongside family fun, adults can enjoy talks, tours, workshops and live music, while everyone can explore Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa Le Havre and The Bowes Museum and Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks, both exclusive to The Bowes Museum. All activities are included with admission or Membership, and 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 autumn, discover a packed programme of family-friendly activities inspired by the museum’s collection, exhibitions and beautiful parkland. Enjoy daily trails and creative activities, explore 22 acres of outdoor space, and join special Tuesday and Wednesday events including Gallery Takeover: Map Makers and Parkland Explorers: Hedgehog Habitats.

Young people can get creative at The Wonder Workshop: Cloud Collage every Tuesday Wednesday, while younger children can enjoy Stay and Play, Bowes Babies and Artist Makers sessions throughout the holidays. Daily creative activities are also available in the Create Space.

Alongside family fun, adults can enjoy talks, tours, workshops and live music, while everyone can explore Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa Le Havre and The Bowes Museum and Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks, both exclusive to The Bowes Museum. All activities are included with admission or Membership, and 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 autumn, discover a packed programme of family-friendly activities inspired by the museum’s collection, exhibitions and beautiful parkland. Enjoy daily trails and creative activities, explore 22 acres of outdoor space, and join special Tuesday and Wednesday events including Gallery Takeover: Map Makers and Parkland Explorers: Hedgehog Habitats.

Young people can get creative at The Wonder Workshop: Cloud Collage every Tuesday Wednesday, while younger children can enjoy Stay and Play, Bowes Babies and Artist Makers sessions throughout the holidays. Daily creative activities are also available in the Create Space.

Alongside family fun, adults can enjoy talks, tours, workshops and live music, while everyone can explore Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa Le Havre and The Bowes Museum and Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks, both exclusive to The Bowes Museum. All activities are included with admission or Membership, and under 18s and full-time students always go free.

LEARN MORE

YOUR
VISIT

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