Gibside

Are you brave enough to take part in the pumpkin trail? From Saturday 20 October to Sunday 4 November, 11am to 3pm, you can help us to break the spell and banish the haunted huts. But beware, legend has it that an evil wizard lurks nearby.

The iconic avenue is framed by a blend of of oaks, sycamores and limes, making it extremely picturesque, especially in autumn. While the fallen leaves offer lots of fun, if left and walked into the ground it can cause a lot of damage. So this year, there'll be rakes, barrows and gloves so that you can get involved with our conservation work too. And have some fun of course.

Powerful and influential women feature prominently in Gibside’s story and Gibside Sewing Group have created a range of beautifully handmade textiles that highlight these women. 'Determination, passion and triumph: Gibside’s women' is on display in Gibside Chapel through to 31 October.

On Saturday the 24th of November 2018, 700 runners will set off up the hills of Gibside wearing head torches and smeared in glow paint. You can run, walk or crawl the 5 kilometre route, everyone is a winner during the Moon Run. You can also join the weekly parkrun on Saturdays at 9am, or the Great Run Local on Sundays at 9.15am. If you're looking for a more of a challenge. we host a range of challenging events throughout the year.

Gibside is the ideal place to celebrate your special day, in the great outdoors; packed full of adventure, discovery and lots of fun. We have two fantastic themes on offer, that include toasting a marshmallow and indulging in a warming hot chocolate. Which one will you choose? Find out more here and how to book.

Calling all school classrooms. We need your help to find the magic food sacks for Father Christmas' reindeer so that they can fly his sleigh. You can book your school onto the Christmas trail and enjoy a range of festive activities, such as singing Christmas songs and toasting a marshmallow. We can even arrange a special meeting with Father Christmas himself.

The new winter menu is available. We've got a new range of sandwiches, plus soups. For homemade delights, every day we have freshly made scones, and how about an apple and cinnamon scone with apples from the walled garden or pineapple upside down cake, with or without custard. For Halloween there'll also be a special pumpkin spiced latte available.

If like us, you enjoy celebrating Halloween as much as Christmas, we've got some treats coming your way. From folding paper pumpkins and orange and chocolate chip marshmallows to hanging autumn leaves. Step inside...

Do you enjoy working outdoors and love blending nature and science? Be Gibside's next Heritage Gardener Volunteer to develop your horticultural knowledge and practical skills in a historic listed garden. During this one year (full time) post there's lots of opportunities, such as a range of training courses and lots more. Find out more here.

If you're aged 11-16 and would like to get your hands dirty in the great outdoors, join the youth rangers. Starting from Saturday 29 September there are a number of free sessions to join, that include tree planting and creating wildlife habitats, learning new skills and meeting new people. All you'll need is to wear sensible outdoor clothing, and to bring drinks and snacks. To book your place call 01207 541824 / e-mail gibside@nationaltrust.org.uk

Did you know you can stay overnight at Gibside? The contemporary stable conversion, set in over 600 acres of gardens, woodland and countryside is brilliant for large groups of friends or family. It's a Grade II listed stable block with everything you need inside (and two dogs allowed as well) and outside - explore the enormous estate and its sweeping Derwent valley views.

If like us, you're never quite ready for the adventure to end, tucked away within Gibside is Cut Thorn Farm where you'll find a yurt village. Here, you can stay in a Mongolian yurt or The Shepherds Hut. They're cosy, offer cooking facilities and allow you to enjoy the great outdoors for longer.

Whether it's in the wild countryside at Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland or tucked away at Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire, you can choose from over 400 holiday cottages, bunkhouses and campsites around the UK. Think cabins by the sea, manor houses and even a lighthouse. When you opt to stay with us, you're helping to look after these special places too. Go on, stay somewhere extraordinary.