Outstanding collections of art, fashion & design housed in a beautiful French-style public museum set in gardens and parkland at the border of Yorkshire and County Durham @CafeBowes & Shop
I loved everything about this place. As a philistine of the art world, I expected a short visit, but stayed for about 7 hours. I'd like to go back to see the gardens. There's plentiful free parking, large enough for those with even the biggest RVs. All on the flat, including disabled parking. The venue is wheelchair accessible. I recommend a visit to the restaurant. The food is good and reasonably priced and the staff are brilliant.
What a beautiful, historic building set in lovely grounds. The artworks are very impressive and there is a good cafe. There's also a small children's play area outside with picnic tables. It's about 10-15 mins walk to the castle if you are planning to visit there too.
What an interesting place to visit. I feel this place is part of my history too. I last visited around 1980 when I was little, with my grandparents and today I visited as a grandparent with my grandchild. It's a great place to get lost for several hours, we had lunch in the cafe and went around the gardens prior to leaving. I think you have to be aged a little to appreciate the history. There are some beautiful things to see here. We spent around 5 hours including lunch.
Absolutely stunning place, lovely cafe and shop too. Lots of things to see, lots of art, there was an exhibition of Vivienne Westwood and there was a gallery of Lowry and Norman Cornish. Well worth a visit to this stunning building and grounds.
What a wonderful place. Stopped here on a drive further south, and it was the best decision. The building is extrremely grand with lovely gardens and there are so many interesting items in the collection. The Silver Swan was the highlight of course (even more amazing than it looks on TV) but there are many beautiful things; furniture, ceramics, art and a wonderful textile and costume exhibition. Topping it off there is Parking right outside and an award winning cafe. Most importantly, the staff were so welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I arrived at 10am on Sunday and almost had the place to myself. Every staff member took the time to engage with me which I really appreciated. There are so many interesting stories associated with both the objects and the Bowes who collected them. I ended up staying way longer than I expected and would recommend this to anyone.
Interesting stop off on our way home. Lovely cafe for a ploughman's and a beef sandwich. Really hoping the gardens and the external bits get some attention, would be wonderful to have more places to explore post renovations.
On-site services
Live performances
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Restaurant
Toilets
Good for kids
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I loved everything about this place. As a philistine of the art world, I expected a short visit, but stayed for about 7 hours. I'd like to go back to see the gardens. There's plentiful free parking, large enough for those with even the biggest RVs. All on the flat, including disabled parking. The venue is wheelchair accessible. I recommend a visit to the restaurant. The food is good and reasonably priced and the staff are brilliant.
What a beautiful, historic building set in lovely grounds. The artworks are very impressive and there is a good cafe. There's also a small children's play area outside with picnic tables. It's about 10-15 mins walk to the castle if you are planning to visit there too.
What an interesting place to visit. I feel this place is part of my history too. I last visited around 1980 when I was little, with my grandparents and today I visited as a grandparent with my grandchild. It's a great place to get lost for several hours, we had lunch in the cafe and went around the gardens prior to leaving. I think you have to be aged a little to appreciate the history. There are some beautiful things to see here. We spent around 5 hours including lunch.
Absolutely stunning place, lovely cafe and shop too. Lots of things to see, lots of art, there was an exhibition of Vivienne Westwood and there was a gallery of Lowry and Norman Cornish. Well worth a visit to this stunning building and grounds.
What a wonderful place. Stopped here on a drive further south, and it was the best decision. The building is extrremely grand with lovely gardens and there are so many interesting items in the collection. The Silver Swan was the highlight of course (even more amazing than it looks on TV) but there are many beautiful things; furniture, ceramics, art and a wonderful textile and costume exhibition. Topping it off there is Parking right outside and an award winning cafe. Most importantly, the staff were so welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I arrived at 10am on Sunday and almost had the place to myself. Every staff member took the time to engage with me which I really appreciated. There are so many interesting stories associated with both the objects and the Bowes who collected them. I ended up staying way longer than I expected and would recommend this to anyone.
Interesting stop off on our way home. Lovely cafe for a ploughman's and a beef sandwich. Really hoping the gardens and the external bits get some attention, would be wonderful to have more places to explore post renovations.
