Winter at The Bowes Museum

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.

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

Pet Pottery Painting

Feeling inspired by Pippa Hale: Pet Project? Join Mud & More Pottery to paint your own bisque pottery cat or dog, cast from 18th and 19th century objects in The Bowes Museum’s collection. Each piece will be fired off-site in Mud and More’s kiln, and you’ll have three weeks to return and collect your unique

Pet Explorers

Bring along your favourite toy animal to meet new fluffy friends in this relaxed play session. We’ll introduce you to play based around sense and discovery, and together we will share what we love about our toy animals. This session supports early development and curiosity through sensory play, guided by EYFS principles, while also encouraging

Winter Market 2025

Discover a seasonal wonderland with over 100 artists, designers, makers and food stalls. Browse unique gifts including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, original art, candles and skincare, alongside delicious street food, sweet treats, craft beers and warming drinks. Enjoy free entry to the museum’s galleries and exhibitions, plus a lively programme of artist-led workshops, carolling and festive

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

Winter Lino Printing

This winter, try your hand at creating homemade printed gifts in our lino printing workshop. In this guided session with artist Anna McIntyre,  you’ll learn the techniques to carve a reusable stamp and print your own small design onto A5 cards and mounted bookmarks and then create an experimental artwork on thick card. Take inspiration from the museum’s collection or design

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.

Pippa Hale: Pet Project

Joséphine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion

Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail

Nathan Coley: You Create What You Will and Tate Modern on Fire

Martin Smith: Kinetic Arboretum

Claire A Baker: In Progress and Process