Visiting The Bowes Museum | Things to do in Durham with kids

After a morning exploring the very impressive medieval Raby Castle we took a short 15 minute drive to The Bowes Museum, a hidden treasure in the heart of beautiful Teesdale.  One minute we were driving through the bustling market town of Barnard Castle and next we were turning into the rather grand driveway of the Bowes Museum facing this view…

I’m not sure what I had expected the museum to look like but I know I certainly wasn’t expecting this huge French style magnificent building with beautifully manicured gardens!  The museum is home to the collections amassed by John and Joséphine Bowes who built the museum to fill with international treasures and decorative arts in the 19th Century. Their large collection covers all three floors of the building including paintings by Canaletto and Goya, porcelain produced at Sèvres and a Fashion & Textiles Gallery which is particularly well-regarded as it uses high-tech conservation methods for the many costumes on display.

Don’t miss attractions at The Bowes Museum

The reason we rushed away from Raby Castle to get to the museum before 2pm was to watch the dance of the Silver Show.  The 240 year-old Silver Swan is a very loved object in the museum drawing huge crowds for her once daily performance.  As our guide recommended to us don’t blink if you go to watch her perform because it only lasts 32 seconds!   The Silver Swan is an English silver automaton, a unique attraction that was bought by the Bowes in 1872.

If you are limited by time at the very least check out the 25 Outstanding Treasures recommended by the experts at the museum.

Exploring The Bowes Museum with kids

My boys really enjoyed the Streatlam Galleries old toy exhibit, especially the old teddies on display and the penny farthing push bike.

We visited over the Easter weekend whilst there were Easter arts and crafts taking place in the Learning Vaults and Picture Galleries.  I seriously think this has to be the most elaborate setting for a kids arts and crafts session!  Crafts take place regularly and always over the school holidays so it’s a place to keep in mind, particularly for a rainy day.

It’s not a reason to visit the museum BUT whilst you are there it would be rather rude not to try the afternoon tea in the Bowes Cafe.  We thought £14.95 for six dainty sandwiches, two scones and three tasty cake slices with a pot of tea was rather good value for money.  We shared it between the four of us with a couple of extra sandwiches.  My boys still talk about it now, they loved it!

Length of time needed at The Bowes Museum with kids

We only had a couple of hours to spend at the museum, (as we had visited Raby Castle in the morning and then went on to walk up to High Force Waterfall after). If you intend to follow the kids trail around the museum, walk through the gardens, visit the outdoor play area and have lunch you need a half day (5 hours) here. There are lots of things to keep your kids entertained outside as well as in including a woodland walk, nature trail and dressing up.  Also look out for the activity drawers around the museum and ask to borrow a family explorer backpack full of things to do in the galleries.

What age is The Bowes Museum best for?

Obviously older children who appreciate art and history will get more value out of visiting this attraction but there are lots of interesting things for kids from 3+ too.

The Bowes Museum Prices

The entry price provides visitors with unlimited entry to the The Bowes Museum and temporary exhibitions all year around.  National Art Pass holders, students, supporters of the charity and under fives go free.  Look out for deals on voucher sites (Living Social, Groupon) as discounted entry tickets have popped up on there in the past.

Our Reviews of other Attractions in Durham

Raby Castle, Beamish Museum, High Force Waterfalls and Hotel Indigo Durham. 

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Disclaimer – We visited The Bowes Museum as part of our Easter break press trip organised by the Durham tourist board, This Is Durham.  All thoughts and words are, as always, my own.