Planning a Group Visit
Opening Hours
The Bowes Museum is open daily, closing only on 25 & 26 December and 1 January.
Galleries & Exhibitions opening times are 10.00 – 5.00, Café Bowes & Shop 10.00 – 4.30
Group Benefits
When booked in advance groups receive a number of benefits:
• Discounted admission for a group of 12 or more
• Free literature for your group on request
• Free admission for the Group Organiser
• Free Friends Guided Tour
• Free Guide Book for the Group Organiser
• Free Familiarisation visit for two people
• Free admission & refreshment voucher for Coach Driver
• Free-flow visit or bespoke visit to suit
• Free coach parking on hardstanding
• Entrance to temporary exhibitions included
Access
The Bowes Museum has access to most areas including all Exhibitions and Fine and Decorative Art Galleries, Shop and Café Bowes. Services include accessible entrance, ground floor toilets, visitor lift, large print floor plans, portable induction loop at Reception, short audio visual with sub-titles and audio guide to specific galleries. Wheelchairs are available on request. Assistance dogs welcome. If you have any access requirements please let us know in advance.
Tours and Lectures
The Curatorial team at the Museum can provide specialist lectures, and the Friends of The Bowes Museum offer free introductory tours. Please see the Tours and Lectures page for further details.
Refreshments
A range of refreshments is prepared on the premises by Café Bowes to suit your group’s requirements. Local produce is used as often as possible. Relax in Café Bowes and choose from the daily menu or enjoy the luxurious surroundings of The Jubilee Room, with refreshments from the set menu ordered in advance.
Please see the Refreshments pages for further details.
Gift Shop
Complete your group visit by browsing through our recently extended Shop to find that perfect souvenir or to choose a special gift including books, toys, crafts, cards and confectionary.
Payment, Cancellation & Deposit
One payment for the whole group is to be made by the Group Organiser at Reception on arrival. Payment is accepted by cash, debit and credit card, or cheque made payable to The Bowes Museum. Cancellation or amendment of visitor numbers 1-3 days prior to visit will be charged 50% of refreshment costs, if applicable. Cancellation or amendment of visitor numbers on day of visit will be charged full refreshment costs, if applicable. Admission will be charged for actual number of visitors on the day of visit. For groups of 20 or more requiring refreshments, we would ask for a 10% non-refundable deposit to secure your booking.
Further Information
The friendly staff at The Bowes Museum strive to provide the ultimate experience for all visitors and understand that each group has its individual needs. Please contact the please contact the Group Bookings Officer on 01833 694615 or groups@thebowesmuseum.org.uk to discuss your requirements.
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