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Bowes Museum

National Museum & Exhibition · County Durham, England

Bowes Museum is a national museum & exhibition in County Durham, England. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceAdult £20 · Child £0 · Family £40
Checked on the official page: standard day ticket £20 (£22 with Gift Aid). Under-18s are free, as are full-time students and carers. No family ticket listed, so the family figure is 2 adults with free under-18s.
Opening timesDaily 10am-5pm; November to February 10:30am-4pm. Closed 25-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Silver Swan performs daily at 2pm (plus 11.45am on bank holidays and school holidays). A few dates close earlier (for example 14 Jan 2027, museum closes 4pm).
Best time to goWeekday mornings in term time.
School holiday tipEarly July is the sweet spot for Scottish families: English/Welsh schools stay in until about 20-23 July. Late August is the English/Welsh peak, so choose Tue-Thu and arrive at opening. Indoor venue: wet half-term days cause surges; check the forecast.
Best agesBest for 6+; Silver Swan show at 2pm
All ages.
If it rainsIndoors
ParkingFree parking behind the museum, with accessible bays opposite the coach parking. EV charging 46p per kWh. The gate opens at 8am and is locked at 5pm. Total spaces not stated. (Free)
FoodCafe Bowes serves local seasonal food. Menu, prices and picnic policy not stated on the page we checked.
Money saverUnder-18s free
Top tipsSee the Silver Swan first; children are free with a paying adult.
What to packLight layers

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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