Summer Holiday

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.

Memory of a Journey

Decorate a wooden peg doll inspired by your own memorable journey or story. Your creation will become part of a unique collection of miniature characters from around the region, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.  Self-led activity in the Create Space, suitable for all ages. Children under 16 must be supervised

Pippa Hale: Pet Project

JOSÉPHINE: A Woman of Taste and Fashion

Arty STEAM

Explore the exciting world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) through The Bowes Museum’s fascinating collections, featuring wonders like the Silver Swan, intricate clocks and the weaving loom. Design and build your own creation using paper and other materials while discovering the basics of mechanics and engineering.  Please contact Alia Cruz, Learning Manager

Bug Hunt

Embark on playful bug hunt to spot artworks around the museum that feature insects, vibrant colours and striking patterns. This interactive session invites curious explorers to engage their senses and uncover how nature has inspired artist and makers for centuries.   Please contact Alia Cruz, Learning Manager at  learn@thebowesmusuem.org.uk if you have access requirements, so the

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.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Bring your favourite soft toys along to The Bowes Museum for a picnic filled with games, stories and creative activities, inspired by Pet Project. We’ll round off the session with some relaxing quiet time where you can feel connected to the outdoors and enjoy a bite to eat.   The session will take place in the

The Mini Museum

Experience what it’s like to work with museum collections in this two-hour workshop, bound to spark your imagination and curiosity.   You’ll tell stories through artworks and objects instead of words, and each session explores different themes, from decoding hidden meanings in artworks, to the journey of objects from creation to display.   Please contact Alia Cruz,

Bird Habitats

Join us this summer as we support local wildlife in the museum’s parkland by building your own birdhouse from recycled materials or decorating a ready-made one. Place your creation in the museum grounds for feathered friends or take it home with you to welcome wildlife into your own garden.    Please contact Alia Cruz, Learning Manager

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

Artist Makers: Seaside Bunting

Create your own vibrant seaside bunting using colourful collage and templates, for you to take and hang up at home. Find inspiration in classic seaside adventures, think seashells, ice creams, sandcastles and more. Drop-in activity in the Create Space, recommended for ages 8+. Children under 16 must be accompanied. 

The Curator Series: Joséphine Bowes as a Collector of Ceramics

Explore Joséphine Bowes’ journey as a collector, focusing on her passion for ceramics in this insightful talk by Curator of Fine Art and Design, Dr. Howard Coutts. Discover how her tastes evolved from traditional fine porcelain through to the popular commemorative pottery of the 18th century, and the early development of Art Nouveau through her

LGBTQIA+ Tour

Explore the Bowes’ collection in a captivating new tour for 2025, highlighting a selection of objects and artworks with LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) stories spanning from Ancient Greece to the 20th century, including iconic pieces and hidden gems alike. The LGBTQIA+ Tours take place every last Friday of the month.

The Curator Series: Redressing the Balance

A thought-provoking talk exploring feminist and queer perspectives, social justice and radical ecology. Eleanor Thirlway, Co-Production Curator will discuss why it’s crucial to rethink the stories we tell in museums, challenging dominant narratives and highlighting overlooked voices. Discover new interpretations of pieces in the collection and explore how reimagining these stories can reshape our understanding

The Curator Series: The Bowes Museum in the 20th Century

Discover how The Bowes Museum’s collection has changed over time with the influence of 20th century curators, and the wider impact these individuals have had on museums as we know them today.   Booking essential, however, spaces may be available on the day. Ask Reception for details.

A Woman of Taste and Fashion Spotlight Tour

Join Rachel Whitworth, Curator of Fashion & Textiles for an insightful introduction to the new Joséphine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion exhibition, opening 22 March. This engaging 30-minute talk will uncover the timeless elegance, craftsmanship and innovation of Joséphine Bowes’ textile collection and interest in fashion. Highlights include rare surviving pieces from Joséphine’s personal