Gibside

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. While you're enjoying the great outdoors, why not pick up a '50 things before you're 11 3/4' booklet and see how many activities you can tick off?

We're looking forward to the final open-air theatre performance of 2017 in the walled garden. On Wednesday 23 August, we'll join Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad for an escapade in the classic The Wind in the Willows, performed by Chapterhouse Theatre. Picnics at the ready.

Join the ranger team on Saturday 12 August, collect your fishing nets, underwater cameras and anything else you need, then go on an adventure to see what lurks beneath the water. It's a little bonus '50 things to do before you're 11 3/4' activity because you can complete both number 30: Hold a scary beast, and 35: Discover what's in a pond. Good luck!

Breathe. Take some 'me' time and awaken your senses. 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. Listen for wildlife and look out for nature as you go.

During her time living at Gibside, Georgian's richest heiress Mary Eleanor Bowes, developed Gibside's gardens to include a range of horticultural specimens. Today you can see a variety of colour, greenery and shrubberies. Visit Mary Eleanor's greenhouse, the Orangery, and see the meadows in full bloom.

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. It's a piece of history that we're conserving to ensure we keep these stories alive. If you'd like to hear why, perhaps a tour is for you?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here at Gibside, we love our food. We also love that it's fresh, made right here and some dishes even use ingredients from the walled garden. There is the main cafe and a smaller one at the stables, plus if you're round at Strawberry Castle play area at the weekends, the kiosk is open too.

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(s) too. Throughout the month there's a Showcase night, Beer and a bite night and even a Board games night.

The sun is starting to shine which can make venturing outdoors even more appealing. To help you on your journey whether it's to go hunting for insects, bird watching in the Walled Garden, even dining in the garden or perhaps looking for a gift for someone, we can help.