Spring Half Term
Join us 12 – 27 April for Springtime holiday fun.
School’s out! This springtime, dive into a fantastic programme of free activities included within admission, inspired by The Bowes Museum’s wonderful collection, nature in the parkland and exclusive exhibitions.
Enjoy daily self-guided creative activities and artist-led Artist Maker Workshops in the Create Space, explore the beautiful 22 acres of parkland and join the Spotlight Tours for a brief introduction to the collection. Special events include Nature Spotters, Seed Bombs and Bug Club. There’s something for all ages to enjoy, with all activities included with admission.
Don’t forget, under 18’s and full-time students always go free!
What's On
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.
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Artist Makers: Springtime Garland
Get creative this half-term and make a bright and joyful garland with artist Betty Brown, inspired by the arrival of spring. You’ll craft beautiful decorations featuring sweet treats, adorable baby animals and blooming spring flowers. Drop-in activity in the Create Space, recommended for ages 8+.
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Nature Spotters
Gather with us in an outdoor-inspired campsite in the Conversation Gallery. Discover the fascinating world of wildlife in the parkland, delve into the natural wonders that influenced some of the museum’s treasures and play games inspired by the great outdoors. Recommended for under 10s, children must be accompanied by an adult. 15 spaces available, booking
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Seed Bombs
Join this engaging, hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own pollinator-friendly seed bomb using native seeds to take home with you. Discover the vital role wildflowers play in supporting pollinators and boosting local biodiversity, while contributing to a greener, sustainable environment. Drop-in activity, recommended for ages 12+. No prior experience is needed, and all materials
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Bug Club
Join us as we investigate the effects of insects on collection items. We will look at a variety of different materials in the museum and find out what happens when bugs take over! Drop-in activity, recommended for ages 5+. Free for members, day ticket holders, Friends, National Art Pass and Max Card holders.
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Artist Makers: Paper Patchwork Patterns
Join artist Betty Brown to create beautiful patchwork patterns from coloured papers. Using traditional use of geometric designs, you’ll cut, layer and arrange shapes to create stunning compositions as you play with colour and pattern. Drop-in activity in the Create Space, recommended for ages 8+.
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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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Artist Makers: Marking the Moment
Take a moment to slow down, connect with yourself, and embrace the present through mindful abstract mark-making. Using colours drawn from both the natural and urban landscapes, you’ll create your own unique masterpiece, inspired by the world around you, and the work of Joséphine Bowes and abstract impressionist painter, Alma Thomas. Drop-in activity in the
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Artist Makers: Spring Awakening
Celebrate the world’s re-awakening through the creation of giant flowers and birds, inspired by patterns and textures found in The Bowes Museum’s collection and grounds. Drop-in activity in the Create Space. Recommended for ages 8+, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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