The Winter Market at The Bowes Museum
Friday 11 December – Sunday 13 December 2026
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham(DL12 8NP)
The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, a château-style building in 22 acres of parkland with Teesdale countryside beyond, hosts The Winter Market each December. More than 100 stalls from makers, artists, designers and food traders spread from the grounds into the galleries. You can browse jewellery, ceramics, textiles, candles, skincare and original art, and food traders sell street food and sweet treats, with craft beer and warming drinks. A market ticket includes the galleries and exhibitions, along with workshops led by artists, carolling and festive activities. The museum recommends it for all ages, and parking on site is free.
Get the full visitor guide
When this market goes live, you'll get an interactive map, live schedule with reminders, real-time announcements, stall listings, and offline access — all on your phone, no app download needed.
What to expect
Date & times
Friday 11 December – Sunday 13 December 2026
Getting there
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham (DL12 8NP for sat nav)
Dogs
Information coming soon
Accessibility
Available: Wheelchair accessible, Step-free access, Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking. Not confirmed: Accessible viewing areas.
Stalls
Stall list coming soon
Live schedule
Full timetable available when market goes live
Interactive map
Site map with GPS location available when market goes live
Live announcements
Real-time updates available when market goes live
Accessibility
Confirmed:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Step-free access
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Not confirmed:
- Accessible viewing areas
Notes
The museum says accessible facilities are throughout the museum and grounds, including specialist outdoor matting for the stalls in the grounds, and lift access. All floors have level access, with a lift and stairs to every floor, and accessible toilets are on the ground and first floors. Dedicated accessible parking is directly behind the building, opposite the coach parking. Wheelchairs and portable folding gallery stools can be borrowed free of charge; contact the museum in advance to borrow a wheelchair, as numbers are limited. Under 18s, full-time students and carers go free.
Frequently asked questions
When is The Winter Market at The Bowes Museum 2026?
On Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026, from 10am to 4pm each day.
Where is the market held?
At The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP. The market stalls stretch from the museum grounds into the galleries. The museum's what3words address is legroom.crest.contacts.
How much does it cost to get in?
Tickets for the 2026 market are £7.50 per adult if bought before 7 December and £9 from 7 December. Under 18s, full-time students and carers go free. Your ticket also includes free entry to the museum's galleries and exhibitions, the artist-led workshops, carolling and festive activities.
Do I need to book in advance?
The museum's market page links to a booking page for the event, and the lower adult price applies to tickets bought before 7 December. Museum members must book tickets for this event.
What can I buy and eat at the market?
There are over 100 artists, designers, makers and food stalls. Gifts include jewellery, ceramics, textiles, original art, candles and skincare, alongside street food, sweet treats, craft beers and warming drinks.
Is it suitable for children?
The museum recommends the market for all ages. Children under 14 must be accompanied. Under 18s go free.
How do I get there and where do I park?
There is free on-site parking, first come first served, and additional parking nearby. The museum's car park is behind the building, with accessible bays opposite the coach parking; its vehicle gates open at 8am and lock at 5pm. By car, Barnard Castle is just off the A66, about 20 minutes from Scotch Corner on the A1, and brown tourism signs point to the museum just after Greta Bridge. By rail, the museum is 17 miles from Darlington station, and Barnard Castle has regular buses from Arriva and Weardale Travel.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not covered in the market's information. Guide and assistance dogs are warmly welcomed inside the museum. If you plan to bring any other dog, check with the museum before you travel.
Is the market wheelchair accessible?
The museum says it has accessible facilities throughout the museum and grounds, with specialist outdoor matting for the stalls in the grounds and lift access. All floors have level access, and accessible toilets are on the ground and first floors. Dedicated accessible parking is directly behind the building, and wheelchairs and folding gallery stools can be borrowed free of charge; contact the museum in advance to borrow a wheelchair, as numbers are limited.
Will the Silver Swan be performing?
No. The museum says the Silver Swan will not perform during the annual Winter Market weekend.
Is this your market?
This is a basic listing we've put together so visitors can find The Winter Market at The Bowes Museum. If you're one of its organisers, you can claim it — take control of the page, add your schedule, map and more.
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