Fodor's Expert Review Bowes Museum

This vast manor house, inspired by a French château, was built between 1862 and 1875. Highlights include paintings by Canaletto, El Greco, Francisco Goya, and François Boucher, in addition to beautiful collections of ceramics and glass, 18th-century French furniture, and 19th- and 20th-century fashion. Free tours are available daily at 11:30 am. Don't miss the incredible 18th-century mechanical swan, which catches and swallows an articulated silver fish every day at 2 pm.