Heritage Open Days

Celebrate Heritage Open Days with two free days of history, creativity and discovery at The Bowes Museum on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September. As part of England’s largest festival of history and culture, this year’s theme, Everyday Histories, explores the stories of the people and communities who shaped the past.

Enjoy guided tours of the museum and parkland, exclusive Vault Tours, two performances of the iconic Silver Swan and a family-friendly Everyday Histories Trail created by the museum’s Young Volunteers. Visitors can also get hands-on with Artist Maker workshops and an Object Handling Table, offering the chance to explore fascinating objects from the collection.

Don’t miss Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks, celebrating one of County Durham’s best-loved artists and his powerful depictions of everyday life in the North East. You can even take inspiration from his work at the Cornish Sketchbook Station and create a sketch of your own.

Heritage Open Days are free for everyone to enjoy, with no booking required. Simply come along and discover the stories waiting to be uncovered.