The Bowes Museum is a stunning piece of French-inspired architecture containing one of the country‘s most remarkable collections of fine and decorative arts. Founded by John and Joséphine Bowes, the museum is fully designated as being of international importance. Highlights include works by Goya, El Greco, Van Dyck and Turner, and the iconic Silver Swan automaton. The Museum offers an ambitious exhibition programme showcasing contemporary art, fashion and fine art.
The Witham is a Community and Cultural Art Gallery, Music Venue, Theatre, Cinema and Cafe Bar in Barnard Castle. The centre provides an exciting and eclectic programme of cinema, live theatre, comedy, dance, classic music and folk music, complemented by screenings of national theatre and dance performances. It has a gallery with a rolling programme of exhibitions, usually featuring regional artists and a shop and cafe.
The Barnard Castle Meet is an annual carnival held on the second bank holiday weekend in May. The Meet, as it is known locally, has grown from the North East Cyclists' Meet dating back to 1885, and since the early 1900s the town has staged a carnival and grand procession through the town centre on the bank holiday Monday. The weekend is now probably the largest event in the Barnard Castle and Teesdale calendar with around twenty separate events over the weekend.
Middleton in Teesdale carnival takes place on the first Saturday of August each year. A scarecrow competition and shop window display competition run in the week preceding the main carnival day when participants don fancy dress for the traditional procession through the town towards the school field where the rest of the day’s festivities, including rides, games and performances take place.
The Museum’s Christmas Market offers quality produce from some of the finest suppliers in the area, including cheese, breads, cakes, preserves, local beers, chocolaterie and real coffee. Those looking for gifts will discover craft stalls, locally made jewellery, upcycled furniture, wreaths, hand-painted clothing, ceramic and glass art, toys and leather goods. The market takes place each year in mid-December set in the French parterre garden with the Museum as a spectacular backdrop.