Overview

Bowes Museum is a delight . It is steeped in history and has connections with the Bowes Lyon family. The displays are well displayed and easily accessed by wheelchair users. Lift to all floors and a lovely cafe. Staff are very helpful and could not be faulted when I went for a day out. There is disabled parking at the rear of the premises and the accessible entrance is close by. You have to ring the bell at the accessible entrance to have the door opened for you but it worked fine. Bowes Museum also houses special events which are advertised on its website and advertising in local papers.

Transport & Parking

Disabled parking is at the rear of the premises. Local taxis serve the area but there is no railway station at Barnard Castle, the nearest main line station is Darlington 20 miles away. I do not know any details of any bus service to the Museum but buses do go to Barnard Castle from Darlington. and one could get a taxi to the Museum from the town centre. I drove from Darlington which was an easy journey of about 20 miles.

Access

Disabled access is first class. The parking area is well marked, but be aware that although the roads are fairly well maintained there are occasional areas where care is needed on parts of gravel. If you wish you can tour the grounds but the Museum is situated at the top of a long road and a fairly steep hill. Considering this building is Grade 2 listed every effort has been made to make it as accessible as possible. Signage is excellent and well placed . You also get a map of the museum from reception.! There are stairs to all floors, they are wide but could be a little steep in places. Wheelchair users have no problems as lifts access all floors. Displays are well presented, each floor clearly marked with descriptions of the exhibits. There were a few seats for taking a rest.

Toilets

Brilliant Toilets on Ground and upper floor. Easy access and roomy, but most important spotlessly clean! They were well fitted with Grab rails and there was space for a carer.

Staff

All staff were extremely polite and helpful. I paid a Concessionary entrance rate and my carer went in free of charge. The entrance ticket is valid for a full year.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The cafe is well placed for wheelchair users and you wait to be seated which works well. It is not a very large cafe , a varied menu , but can be a bit pricey, so be aware of that. However food is beautifully prepared and well presented. I Certainly will be visiting Bowes Museum again.