Gibside

View over the Lily Pond towards the Column to Liberty at Gibside, Tyne and Wear

Stunning 18th-century landscape garden and haven for nature

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Gibside

Things to see and do

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  • A girl swinging high on a swing

    Family activities at Gibside this summer 

    Every day of the summer holidays we've got a free activity on. From the self-led Summer bingo to sports, den building and gardening, there's a whole lot of fun to be had.

  • Flowers in the Walled Garden

    Meander through gorgeous gardens 

    During her time living at Gibside, Georgian's richest heiress, Mary Eleanor Bowes, devoted her time to the gardens; commissioning plant expeditions, incorporating exotic plants and even growing some here.

  • Family enjoying a picnic outside

    Weekend plans 

    Every Friday and Saturday evening, the whole estate is open for longer. So whether it's for a late summer sun stroll, more fun at Strawberry Castle Play Area, or downing your picnic blanket on the avenue, you are most welcome here.

  • A woman sitting looking at the views

    Take the Route to Relaxation trail 

    It may be the school holidays, however we've created a route to make sure you can still enjoy some peace and quiet. The Route to Relaxation will take you away from the crowds and on the path to some possibly needed TLC.

  • Visitors walking through the woods

    Take a stroll this summer  

    Sometimes it's exactly what you need, a good old walk. And quite often it's about just heading off on your own adventure. If you would prefer a trail to follow, great - there's four to download, each with something a little different on offer.

  • Runner at a National Trust site

    Sports at Gibside 

    For the first time we're hosting an obstacle fun run. It's taking place on Friday 15 September and we ask you, are you up for the Gibside Challenge? If you need to get some practice in, we host a weekly parkrun and Great Run Local.

  • A group infront of Gibside Hall

    Join a tour at Gibside 

    Gibside was developed by coal Baron George Bowes who revolutionised the business world in Georgian England. His daughter and heir also has quite a scandalous tale. With your support, we're caring for this 18th century landscape garden. If you'd like to hear why, perhaps a tour is for you?

Disabled visitor riding a 'tramper' at Gibside

Getting around: Mobility vehicle service 

Over time, constant traffic through this 18th century landscape garden has had a negative effect on the land as well as those enjoying this special place. So we've introduced a new mobility vehicle service that is on offer for those who require assistance getting around Gibside.

Upcoming events

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Great Run Local

Sun 20 Aug 2017
09:15-10:15
Gibside is delighted to host Great Run Local who organise free weekly 2km and 5km timed runs that are open to everyone and are safe and easy to take part in. The runs will take place at Gibside each Sunday throughout the year.

Route to Relaxation

Sun 20 Aug 2017
10:00-16:00
Tucked away within Gibside estate you can discover nature and calm surroundings on the Route to Relaxation trail.

Intrigue and Strife at Gibside: Guided Tour

Sun 20 Aug 2017
13:00-14:00
Discover the rise and fall of Gibside.

Tots plots

Tue 22 Aug 2017
11:00-12:00
If your little one just loves to be outdoors and getting their hands dirty, or perhaps needs a little time to grow the love for the mud, this could be for them.

Moth Morning

Wed 23 Aug 2017
10:00-11:00
Learn more about the beautiful moths that call Gibside their home.

Open Air Theatre: The Wind in the Willows

Wed 23 Aug 2017
18:00-20:00
Set in Gibside's Georgian walled garden, take join Chapterhouse Theatre Company with Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad for a perfect summer of adventure.
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Gibside

Eating and shopping

Eating at Gibside

A visitor eating a sandwich at a National Trust café

Eating at Gibside 

The Cafe in Market Place is the main eatery within Gibside offering sandwiches, salads, scones and cakes. At the Stables, there is a wonderful little coffee shop where you can indulge in some treats too, and during the school holidays and weekends there is a kiosk open at Strawberry Castle play area. Perfect for ice cream.

Visitors in the pub beer garden at Gibside

Gibside Pub 

Order your favourite tipple and enjoy a home-made pie or pizza, all in an 18th Century estate. Gibside Pub is open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings with some nights offering entertainment too.

A man pouring beer

Gibside Market and Beer and a bite night 

Every first and third Saturday of every month we host Gibside Market. As an added bonus, on the third Saturday we also host Beer and a bite night. The day starts from 10am and there's plenty to keep you entertained until 9pm. Think lots of indulgence, fun and food.

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Gibside

Get involved

Get closer to nature

An Elephant Hawk moth

Discover nature during a moth morning 

We welcome some gorgeous visitors to Gibside, especially once the warmer weather makes an appearance. Now is the perfect time to survey moths. So, the ranger team are setting up moth motels every Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday mornings at 10am, they have a look to see who has checked in. You can join them by the cafe to hear all about these wonderful creatures.

A carpet of bluebells in the woodland

Conservation blog 

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.

Walkers heading past the orangery

GAP Project 

As part of a national initiative, Green Academies at Gibside is aimed at helping young people become passionate about the environment, helping them prepare for work or education, and taking their new skills back to their local green spaces.

Volunteers clearing scrubland

Volunteer at Gibside 

We're very lucky to be caring for such a special place, and to ensure we keep it safe for future generations we rely on a huge team of volunteers here at Gibside. If you'd like to join the team and help us to manage this 600 acre landscaped garden, we've recently added some new roles that might be right up your street....

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Gibside

Venue hire

Hire Gibside

A child playing

Celebrate your birthday at Gibside 

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 four themes on offer, with each one lasting for two hours. Which one will you choose?

Internal shot of the dormitory

Accommodation at Gibside 

If you're looking for somewhere to sleep over and would like it to be really special, how about in a grand stable block nestled within a Georgian estate?

An internal shot of the Bowes Room

Hire Gibside 

Have you been tasked with booking the next staff or group trip? If you're looking for room hire with a difference, we can offer you a variety of rooms all within a historic estate. There are different room sizes to choose from and you can also order catering too.

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Gibside

Groups

Learn wild survival skills such as den building

Learning at Gibside 

Reconnect with nature and history with an inspirational residential stay or motivational day visit at Gibside.

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Gibside

Art and collections

Our collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Gibside on the National Trust Collections website

Search the collections
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