The Bowes Museum — Attraction in England

Amazing place, amazing story, fantastically helpful staff (and a very nice cafe too!

My wife and I visited early June. I have recently started using a wheelchair. I can walk - but I get overtired in about 15-30 mins so this year I bought and used a wheelchair for the first time. The Bowes Museum is the first place we visited with me using the chair.

I was amazed at the care and attention we got - they went the extra mile to make sure that we fully enjoyed our visit, and the other visits as we came back two days later.

The place is very accessible - with lifts to all floors and accessible toilets on two of the floors. The gift shop and (more importantly) cafe are easily accessed with a wheelchair too, so I didn't feel forgotten about anywhere in the building. Top marks for accessibility - both physically and also training of staff and the staff's general attitude. They are currently doing work on the driveway and accessible entrance which is currently very bumpy - but still perfectly usable. They say this will further improve the accessibility for the museum.

As for the museum itself - It was thrilling to see all this history - and the story behind it all and the effort put in by the husband and wife team who set it upon themselves to make a museum for the public - and did not even live to see it open.

The range of exhibits ensures that there is something for everyone and speaking personally it was great to be able to use the chair everywhere and see so much as opposed to giving up after 20 mins as I am too tired. The fact that this place is so accessible meant I could do this.

Well worth the membership price - and membership is definately better than a "one off" ticket as its cheaper AND lasts all year. We returned a couple times in the two weeks we were there.

All in all 11 out of 10. Definately plan to go back if we are in the area again as we STILL didn't...

The Bowes Museum is an art gallery in the town of Barnard Castle, in County Durham in northern England. It was built to designs by Jules Pellechet and John Edward Watson to house the art collection of John Bowes and his wife Joséphine Benoîte Coffin-Chevallier, and opened in 1892.

It contains paintings by El Greco, Francisco Goya, Canaletto, Jean-Honoré Fragonard and François Boucher, together with several collections of decorative art, especially porcelain, textiles, tapestries, clocks and costumes, and objects of local historical interest. Some early works of Émile Gallé were commissioned by Coffin-Chevallier. A popular showpiece near the entrance is a life-size eighteenth-century Silver Swan automaton, which periodically preens itself, looks round and appears to catch and swallow a fish.

There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum. With more than 50,000 items in this Museum of artists, designers and makers, there are treasures at every turn.

Be inspired by the magnificent French style public Museum which was created by the philanthropists Joséphine and John Bowes. Enjoy some of the UK’s best examples of European fine and decorative arts with galleries spread across three floors dedicated to paintings, furniture, fashion and textiles, ceramics, silver and metals, sculpture and more.

With a fascinating story, newly opened interactive galleries, an acclaimed exhibition and events programme; celebrating its founder’s 200th year with a contemporary continuation of the collection in From Joséphine Bowes: Trendsetters and Trailblazers and Pippa Hale’s Pet Project, which is sure to be a hit with families and ceramic lovers alike. Not forgetting the mesmerising daily performance of the Silver Swan, family activities, an award winning locally sourced-seasonal menu in Café Bowes and 22 acres of parkland to explore, a visit to The Bowes Museum makes a day out...

The Bowes Museum in County Durham is a real hidden gem and an absolute treat for anyone interested in art, history, or just beautiful buildings! Walking up to it, you can’t help but be wowed by its grand, French château-style architecture – it feels like you’re stepping back in time or about to enter a fairytale castle. The stonework is stunning, and those huge windows make the building look both majestic and inviting. It’s a place that knows how to make an impression!

Inside, the charm only continues. The grand staircase is something straight out of a period drama, with its detailed iron railings and a massive tapestry hanging on the wall above. You can just imagine the stories that staircase could tell if it could talk. It’s the kind of place where every corner holds a little piece of history, and you’ll find yourself slowing down just to take it all in.

There are also some quirky and fun touches that make the Bowes feel unique, like the stone gargoyle statue outside. It’s got this medieval vibe that brings a bit of character to the museum – a perfect photo op! And if you’re an art lover or just feeling a bit creative, you’ll love that the museum encourages sketching. There’s even an easel set up for visitors to try their hand at drawing. It’s so nice to see a museum that doesn’t just display art but invites you to get involved and be a part of the creative spirit.

All in all, the Bowes Museum is such a fantastic place to spend a day. Whether you’re there to soak up the art, admire the architecture, or just explore somewhere new, it’s got a warm, welcoming vibe that makes you want to stick around. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the area – you’ll leave with a phone full of photos and a head full...