Bowes Museum

This French chateau in the north of England created in the late 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes houses internationally renowned collections of European fine and decorative arts spanning five centuries. The permanent collections comprise works by artists such as Canaletto, El Greco, Courbet and Turner, and contain one of Britain's most extensive collections of ceramics, including Italian maiolica and Sévres Porcelain. Its iconic Silver Swan, an 18th century musical automaton, plays every day at 2.00pm. There is also an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary exhibitions.