Gibside

For some spook-tacular family fun, join us at Gruesome Gibside during October half-term. There'll be trails, activities, lots of creativity, hallowe'en horrors and a special foodie night.

Ho, ho, ho. Father Christmas has confirmed his dates and is now taking bookings for when he's at Gibside. You can meet him in his garden grotto, have a little chat and perhaps receive an early Christmas gift.

Not only is there Strawberry Castle Play Area to play at! Now with a sand and water area, plus, new swings. You can also head to the low ropes course or maybe the nature playscape?

Venture outdoors and explore Gibside by opting for a downloadable walk. Walking is the ideal way to discover different elements of the estate while going at your own pace. The routes vary from roughly 2 miles to 5 miles so there's something for everyone.

From walking to running and even bootcamp sessions, there's a weekly sports programme at Gibside that you can join in as well as regular running events too. However, do feel free to explore on your own too, this is a gym with many views on offer.

A Night Run is a really fun way to experience this grand estate when it's dark (and very quiet). There's two routes to choose from: the 2km Explorer route ideal for walkers and young family members, or for a longer challenge, the Adventurer is a 6km route. It’s a chance to see Gibside in a different light.

Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin has taken on the challenge to come up with a contemporary garden design for Gibside's Walled Garden. Join him in the Chapel on Friday 30 September to hear about Gibside's story, his inspiration for the concept so far and a small chance for some Q&As.

On Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October, 11am - 3pm, we're celebrating all things apples. Oh yes, there's nothing quite like the tangy taste of an apple straight from the tree. Across the weekend there'll also be family games, fun competitions and apple bobbing.

Join the Intrigue and Strife tour to discover the rise and fall of Gibside's families, including Mary Eleanor Bowes, one of the 18th century's richest heiresses, whose torturous marriage was a cause celebre of the Georgian era and the subject of bestselling book, Wedlock.

With the crisp autumn air, it's only right that we match the season. So the new Autumn menu is now available. Just to whet your appetite, there's new choices such as a Northumberland cheese tart, spiced-toffee apple cake (the recipe is shared from Cragside), a Chinese pork option and, wait for it... an apple and cinnamon bun.

Open during opening hours and late on Fridays and Saturdays, there's plenty on offer at Gibside Pub. Come along with friends and family (including the dog too), relax with something refreshing and opt for a fresh made-to-order pizza. There's also monthly feature nights every month that are well worth checking-out.

Every first and third Saturday from 10am until 4pm there are a range of local food and craft producers that set-up shop in Market Place. They're a talented bunch and have special handmade products on offer - some made with materials from Gibside estate. C'mon on down!

Today, you can visit Gibside Hall, now a ruin it was once a grand estate home. George Bowes ensured that when his guests visited the estate they were nothing but impressed. In later years, the rotten “Stoney” Bowes locked his prisoner Mary Eleanor in various places within the Hall.

Designed by renowned Palladian architect James Paine, construction work began in 1760, a few months before George Bowes died. His second wife completed the exterior in 1769, however, it was not finished until the early 19th Century.

This green house shell – built around 1773 – once housed Mary Eleanor’s magnificent collection of exotic plants, which she amassed in the late 18th century. Although Mary Eleanor was rarely able to enjoy them, we hope that you do, as well as the views.

With wide open spaces, nature all around you and plenty to be explored, Gibside is the ideal place for a day of learning about the outdoors, about yourself and some new skills.

Imagine a sleepover in an 18th Century estate?! Your group can enjoy a comfy stay at Gibside, and even take part in some more adventurous activities such as a Night Walk.

These are Mongolian yurts, and this is glamping in style. Just a short stroll through Gibside estate and you'll arrive at Cut Thorn Farm where there are six yurts available within this grand Georgian estate.

Standing tall and peering over the Octagon pond, the Banqueting House is an 18th Century Gothic Folly within Gibside estate. It offers the ideal spot for exploring the grounds as soon as you open the door.