Parks & Gardens

Relax and unwind as you explore the parkland. Enjoy woodland walks, picnics and the play area or simply settle down on a bench and soak up the lovely views.

Step into our founders shoes as you explore the gardens they created, from the formal parterre to the woodland walks, picnic and play area or simply enjoy the stunning views.

Wildflower Meadow

Three years on from its creation, The Bowes Museum’s summer meadow is flourishing into a rich habitat for wildlife. Supported by volunteers from North Pennines National Landscapes, who spread seed-rich green hay from the neighbouring Demesnes meadow and planted wildflower plugs, it is now home to species including yellow rattle, red clover, bird’s-foot trefoil, field gentian and creeping buttercup. These wildflowers provide an important source of food for pollinators such as red-tailed bumblebees and common carder bees, while the developing grassland supports small mammals including voles and hedgehogs. Visitors may also spot dragonflies around the fountain, frogs and tadpoles, and a wide variety of birdlife, from great spotted woodpeckers and nuthatches to goldfinches, chiffchaffs and even peregrine falcons. During the summer months, paths are maintained through the meadow so visitors can enjoy the landscape while allowing the wildflowers to flourish and set seed before the annual late summer cut. 

Third  Party Activities in the Museum Grounds 

All third party activities taking place within our grounds, eg fitness clubs etc, events, commercial activities in any form, require permission and a licence from the museum. If you are hoping to use the museum grounds for any such activity, please contact our Estate and Operation Manager, Dean Barnett on 01833 690606 to find out more.