The Bowes Museum

What a beautiful museum, always something of interest to see, especially like the focus on costume / fashion. You need a whole day as there is so much to see. Portrait galleries are stunning. Cafe is excellent, easy to park. It is quite dear to get in...I think you may be able to visit all year for less than we paid for the day but I wasn't told that when I paid and would have gone for that option as it was cheaper! Also gift aid option is more expensive which I don't understand as they claim it back.

Completely unexpected to find this gem in the middle of the country sideAbsolutely beautiful building and stunning collection of art, furniture, clothing and very querky inventions from over a few centuries agoThe day that we visited was snowing and already decorated for Christmas which made it really special.Would recommend a quick stop at their cafe. Coffee and food were great!Unfortunately, the silver swan is undergoing reparations at the moment.We bought the 1 year membership ( which ironically is cheaper that the day pass) so planning to visit again!

We visited Bowes on the Heritage Day & it certainly attracted hundreds of people as well.I had read up about the museum prior to our visit but even so just blown away by the sheer size of it.We arrived early Saturday afternoon & parked at the front of the museum & went for lunch. The restaurant was very busy but they say its that busy every weekend!After lunch we took the lift (yes there's a lift) to the 3rd floor & the Art gallery. Just blown away by the beautiful landscape pictures on display. Other galleries to look out for are the Ceramic & Furnishings. We also saw the famous automata Swan & a Clothes gallery.Lovely way to spend the afternoon.Staff were very helpful.

There is a fantastic art club on the 1st 2 Saturdays of the month. A wonderful place to visit and a firm family favourite with plenty to do. The grounds are dog friendly too, with lots of parking space

We Did Not Know What To Expect From This Museum As Its Our First Visit, But It Has More Than Exceeded Our Expectations, Very Welcoming When You Step Foot Inside And It's A Real Eye Opener To What's Inside. This Was An Amazing Experience And Reasonably Priced For What You See. The Museum Also Has An On Site Cafe And Gift Shop... A++

Excellent day out. Loads of exhibits to see and arranged well around a beautiful house and gardens. Coffee shop and restaurant on site. There is also a lift for disabled access as the museum/house is set over 2 floors. Recommended.

Lovely museum. Lots of Art, clothes from different ages, mechanical wonders including the silver swan. The cafe was busy but they soon got people seated and service was swift.

Fabulous museum with so much to see you’ll probably need a second visit. The Silver Swan exhibit was particularly wonderful.It’s a stunning building to with a lovely cafe and friendly staff throughout.Loads of car parking spaces and well looked after toilet facilities.