Gibside

Whether you're heading off on a walk, are a budding photographer or enjoy watching the wildlife, the winter season can offer a number of reasons to visit. You won't be disappointed.

The sight of snowdrops can bring a lot of joy as well as ring the bell for the start of spring. They've recently been spotted coming to life in Ice House Dene woods and usually make an appearance by the orangery too. Keep popping back to see them flourish, and if this isn't enough snowdrop-spotting for you, there are more places to visit within the North.

If like us you're ready to shake off the party season and are looking for places to start, join us for a weekly parkrun on Saturdays at 9am, or the Great Run Local on Sundays at 9.15am. It's the perfect time for some morning reflection and the frosty mornings offer some fantastic surroundings.

If you're looking for a new and fun challenge in 2019, volunteering at Gibside could be what you're looking for. We have a range of volunteering opportunities to browse and hope to hear from you soon.

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.

The new winter menu is available and includes lots of delicious lunch options, alongside sandwiches and soups. Scones are made fresh every day or tuck into a homemade dessert. We also have luxury hot chocolates.

While the shop is on the small side there is still a large range of products to choose from. We have lots of gifts ideal for loved ones as well as woollen accessories to plants, rugs and plants.

The avenue is closed for the winter. You can help us to care for it by using the path during the winter. This way, we can help the ground to rest before re-opening it in 2019.

Whether you're a wildlife expert or someone with a keen interest in natural history and would like to know more, come along to the Gibside wildlife group. We'll meet monthly at Gibside cafe from 7pm, where you can hear from a range of enthusiasts about a specific subject and take part in a range of outdoor activities. For the next date, read on.

Thanks to Steve Wootten and Phil Coyne, it's easy to find out what the conservation team are up to. They write a regular blog about the work they do on the estate as well as sharing beautiful pictures.

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.