Everyday Histories come to life across two free days, with guided tours, hands-on workshops, Silver Swan performances and more.
Visitors are invited to step inside The Bowes Museum for free on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, as the museum joins Heritage Open Days — England’s largest festival of history and culture — with a packed weekend of themed activities and experiences for all ages.
This year’s national theme, Everyday Histories, invites visitors to explore the museum’s galleries, collections and remarkable history through a new lens: the everyday lives and work of the people and communities who shaped the past. Discover the secrets of the Collection A series of guided tours across the galleries and parkland will uncover fascinating stories of working life through the ages and the jobs and trades of times gone by.
For an exclusive look behind the scenes, visitors can explore the Vault Tours to hear the hidden histories behind some of the museum’s most intriguing pieces. Families can pick up the new Everyday Histories Trail from the entrance hall — created by the museum’s own Young Volunteers, the trail draws playful connections between their favourite objects and the everyday histories they tell, making for a fun shared journey through the museum.
And with three performances of the celebrated Silver Swan each day, there’s plenty of opportunity to catch this mesmerising 18th-century automaton in action. Hands-on Activities for All Ages Visitors wanting a more hands-on experience can drop in to one of two Artist Maker Workshops, where museum artists will guide participants in creating their own piece of art to take home. At the Object Handling Table, budding historians can get up close to the collection, holding and investigating remarkable objects from across the centuries.
Step into the World of Norman Cornish Heritage Open Days are the perfect opportunity to discover Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks, a celebrated exhibition dedicated to the artist who devoted his life to capturing the everyday lives and labour of Durham’s coalfield communities. The exhibition offers a poignant window into recent history, its people, places and communities. Alongside the exhibition, a Cornish Sketchbook Station invites budding artists to pick up a pencil and try their own hand at sketching, fully equipped with materials and guidance.
Relax at Café Bowes and Browse the Museum Shop After a morning of exploring, visitors can enjoy a bite to eat and a well-earned break at Café Bowes. The Museum Shop offers a wide range of books, gifts and souvenirs — including a Silver Swan soft toy, the perfect memento of this iconic automaton. No booking is required for the event or activities — simply head to the entrance hall to enjoy the full programme of creative and cultural activities, suitable for all ages.
Special Offers This Weekend • 25% off museum membership, giving visitors unlimited admission for 12 months. To claim the discount, visitors must present a Heritage Open Days brochure from The Bowes Museum at reception and purchase their membership by 30 November 2026 • Early bird Winter Market tickets available for £7.50 (before 7 December; £9.00 thereafter) • Under 18s, full-time students and carers always go free.
Find out more about Heritage Open Days at The Bowes Museum here: thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/heritage-open-days Event details: • Dates: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September • Admission: Free, no booking required • Location: The Bowes Museum, Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
