PLAN YOUR VISIT

Outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in a beautiful French-style public museum set in gardens and parkland.

i Aerial view of The Bowes Museum and its grounds located in the town of Barnard Castle, County Durham.

OPENING TIMES

Open Daily 10am – 5pm
Closed 25 – 26 December and 1 January.

The Silver Swan is getting ready to perform again, following a restoration project. Currently, you may be able see her perform in ‘test’ mode as we check everything is working well. We’re doing these tests most days at 2 pm. We’ll keep you updated about when she will be fully back to her old self on here and on our social media platforms.

GETTING HERE

The Museum is in the picturesque market town of Barnard Castle, County Durham in the heart of the Pennines in North East England. The town is just off the A66, 20 minutes by car from Scotch Corner (A1), 40 minutes from Penrith (M6), 30 minutes from Darlington station and 40 minutes from Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Find us on Google Maps

Address Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
Telephone 01833 690606

 

By road

From the A1

Follow the A66 westbound from Scotch Corner. After approximately 11 miles, just after Greta Bridge, brown tourism signs highlight the Museum, take a right turn following them in the direction of Barnard Castle. Stay on this road for around 3 miles, crossing the River Tees via Abbey Bridge, to reach Barnard Castle. As you enter the town, signs will indicate The Bowes Museum on the right hand side of the road.

From the M6

Follow the A66 eastbound from Penrith via Brough and Bowes. At Bowes follow the A67 towards Barnard Castle (about 4 miles), crossing the River Tees via the County Bridge into Barnard Castle. Continue along this road and up the steep bank towards the round stone Market Cross. Turn right at the Cross onto Newgate and the Museum is about 500m along this road on your left, after Birch Road.

Travelling south via the A68

When you reach West Auckland, take the A688 towards Barnard Castle. On arrival in Barnard Castle take the 2nd exit from the mini roundabout near the petrol station and follow this road through the centre of Barnard Castle until you reach the round stone Market Cross. Turn left at the Cross onto Newgate and the Museum is about 500m along this road on your left, after Birch Road.

Travelling from the city of Durham via Bishop Auckland

Take the A688 from Bishop Auckland, going straight ahead at all the roundabouts and follow the signs for Barnard Castle. On arrival in Barnard Castle take the 2nd exit from the mini roundabout near the petrol station and follow this road through the centre of Barnard Castle until you reach the round stone Market Cross. Turn left at the Cross onto Newgate and the Museum is about 500m along this road on your left, after Birch Road.

Travelling from Darlington

Take the A67 via Gainford. On arrival in Barnard Castle take the 1st exit from the mini roundabout near the petrol station and follow this road through the centre of Barnard Castle until you reach the round stone Market Cross. Turn left at the Cross onto Newgate and the Museum is about 500m along this road on your left, after Birch Road.

Public transport

By rail

The Bowes Museum is 17 miles from Darlington station which is on the East coast main line. This is regularly served by high speed trains from London (2 hrs 30 mins), York (30 mins), Newcastle (30 mins) and Edinburgh (2 hrs) and Transpennine services. For information about LNER services see lner.co.uk . For information about Transpennine services see http://tpexpress.co.uk

By bus

Barnard Castle is well served by regular buses provided by Arriva and Weardale Travel 

By air

The Bowes Museum is 40 minutes from Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Parking

There is lots of free parking on site, with dedicated coach and accessible parking bays. Vehicular gates are locked at 5.00pm and open at 8.00am.

Closures

Please note that the Streatlam Galleries are closed due to undergoing refurbishment.

ADMISSION

*Enjoy unlimited entry to The Bowes Museum, temporary exhibitions and events all year round.

*Local Membership

£13.50

*Membership

£15.50

Standard Day Ticket

£18.00

Day Ticket incl. Gift Aid

£19.80

Under 18s, Full Time Students and Carers

Free

FREE ENTRY

National Art Pass (on production of membership card)
Friends of The Bowes Museum

Free entry

GROUPS AND COACHES

Pre-booked groups of 12+ paying visitors
Click here for more information about Groups & Coaches

£12.50

EAT, SHOP AND DISCOVER

We’re more than just a Museum, make a day to remember with fabulous food, gorgeous gifts and a whole world of knowledge at your fingertips.

Explore Teesdale

EXPLORE TEESDALE

Discover the stunning area surrounding the Museum.

Parks and gardens

PARKS & GARDENS

Explore beautiful woodland walks, nature trails, play and picnic areas.

Cafe Bowes

CAFÉ BOWES

Relax and enjoy delicious local seasonal food in gorgeous surroundings.

SMARTIFY

YOUR
VISIT

With wonders at every turn there’s something for everyone.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

MEET &
CELEBRATE

We’ve beautiful spaces for all your entertainment needs.

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US

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