- Play Hard
- 6th Aug 2025
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A French château, fashion icons and silver swans – discover The Bowes Museum this summer
Just off the A66, in the heart of Teesdale, a picturesque market town is home to one of the most beautiful cultural gems in the North East.
Nestled in Barnard Castle, The Bowes Museum stands as a stunning French château-style landmark, brimming with European fine and decorative art.
Built in the late 19th century to house the visionary collection of John and Joséphine Bowes, it now operates as one of the region’s most exciting cultural escapes.
As you step inside, expect three floors of paintings by Goya, El Greco and Canaletto, exquisite porcelain, textiles, tapestries, ceramics, clocks and costumes, as well as one of its most-loved features – the life-size Silver Swan automaton, which performs its mechanical ballet daily in the gallery.
Why visit the Bowes Museum this summer
- A historic museum standing as a gorgeous French château in County Durham, set in 22 acres of serene parkland.
- A treasure trove of over 58,000 art and design objects, including rare ceramics and decorative pieces.
- Daily performances of the Silver Swan automaton, running at 2.00pm (and earlier during the holidays) — a mesmerising historical engineering feat.
- A buzzing events and activities programme, from artist workshops and family sessions to spotlight tours and themed walks.
- A welcoming family-friendly destination, perfect for curious minds and relaxed discovery.
EXCITING EXHIBITIONS THIS SUMMER 2025
Joséphine: A Woman of Taste & Fashion (Until 1 March 2026)
A tribute to museum co-founder Joséphine Bowes, this exhibition showcases her bold art-and-fashion vision. Expect haute couture pieces from Yves Saint Laurent to Elsa Schiaparelli, alongside textiles, lace and rare surviving pieces from her own personal wardrobe items – all reflecting her flair as a trendsetter and collector.
Pippa Hale: Pet Project (Until 1 March 2026)
Art that’s playful, tactile and interactive. Picture towering ceramic “figurines” reimagined as oversized, climbable sculptures that invite visitors to create, decorate and immerse themselves in animal-inspired art. A handson show that’s family-friendly from first glance.
Nathan Coley: You Create What You Will (From June 2025)
For the first time together, The Bowes Museum hosts Nathan Coley’s works, You Create What You Will (2014) and Tate Modern on Fire (2017.) Known for his thought-provoking public works, Coley explores how belief systems shape our cities, institutions and identities. The 5 and half metre illuminated text installation invites viewers to question the profound power of creation and draw parallels between the installation and the museum’s founders’ mission of supporting and uplifting artists. Inside the museum, explore a version of Tate Modern, in which flames emerge from the museum’s boiler house, while from the open back, elements associated with the museum are displayed, such as a cabinet of curiosities.
Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail (From 27 September 2025)
To mark the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, this exhibition marries costume, toys and transport history, including what is thought to be the world’s first toy train set, plus period fashion that captures railway-era culture in Yorkshire and beyond.
SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN AT THE BOWES MUSEUM (19TH JULY – 31 AUGUST 2025)
When school’s out, The Bowes Museum turns into a buzzing creative playground. Perfect for families craving a screen-free summer day out, the Summer Holiday Fun programme is included with admission (and under-18s go free).
Daily highlights for curious minds
Museum makes in the create space: Pick up a craft activity and let creativity lead – from painting peg dolls to designing origami inspired by the collection.
Spotlight Tours at 11am (and 2:30pm on weekends): Bite-size introductions to exhibitions or iconic objects like the Silver Swan. Great for families or first-time visitors.
Weekly lineup of new activities
Please visit the What’s On pages on the website for latest activities and times.
Monday – Arty STEAM – build and play with science & engineering ideas
Tuesday – Bug Hunt – spot insect motifs and nature-inspired artworks
Thursday – Teddy Bear’s Picnic & The Mini Museum – crafts and soft play fun
Friday – Bird Habitats – decorate or build birdhouses from recycled materials
Workshop Saturdays and free play Thursdays
Artist Makers Workshop (Saturdays afternoons): Inspired by the museum’s collections, these drop-in sessions let children try textiles, collage and more under the guidance of regional artists. Ideal for ages 5+.
Stay & Play (Thursdays): A drop-in space for younger visitors (up to age 5) to explore self-led, sensory play in the Conversation Gallery. Fun, imaginative and screen-free.
MAKE A DAY OF IT
Parks, picnics and outdoor art
The museum’s 22-acre parkland is a treasure in itself – ideal for picnics, outdoor trails and spotting large-scale art installations by Martin Smith, Claire A Baker and Nathan Coley. Don’t forget to pick up your Explorer Bag from reception, which includes magnifiers and guides to nature trails through trees and wildflower meadows.
Refreshments and souvenirs
After a morning of exploring, refuel at Café Bowes with seasonal dishes and outdoor seating. Feeling peckish? Grab a snack or hot lunch made with local ingredients. And for thoughtful gifts, the Bowes Museum Shop is filled with artist-made homeware, books and beautiful mementos.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm
Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
Standard day ticket from £19.50. Under-18s, full time students and carers go free.
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