A Georgian landscape garden forged in an industrial past
Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops, countryside locations and many houses are open. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel.
Gibside is one of a few surviving 18th-century designed landscapes and was fashioned with two things in mind: spectacular vista views and ‘wow’ moments. The estate, commissioned by coal baron George Bowes, offers a glimpse into the past and the compelling story of heiress Mary Eleanor Bowes.
Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life within 243 hectares (600 acres) of Georgian landscape garden. Highlights include valley views, woodland, Palladian chapel, stable block, grand ruin and Column to Liberty towering above it all.
Discover fine Derwent Valley views, winding paths and refreshing open spaces. Escape along the Avenue and around the garden for miles of tranquil walks, wildlife spotting and picnic spots. Wildlife and horticulture rich, Gibside is home to Roe deer, Red Kites, amphibian filled ponds, and a fruitful Walled Garden.
Enjoy family fun on the Explorer Trail and compete in a game of frisbee golf, zoom across the zip line at Strawberry Castle play area, build dens and take on the low ropes challenge.
For those looking to unwind, curl up at the café and second-hand bookshop or admire artistic exhibits at The Stables.
If you require assistance of any kind please get in touch by ringing 01207 541820.
We welcome all dogs to Gibside and know that it's a great place for them to enjoy as much as their humans do. We do ask that they are kept on leads and that you clean up after them. They are also welcome to join you at the outdoor seating areas of the cafes. Visit here for more information on visiting with your dogs.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £14.30 | £13.00 |
| Child | £7.20 | £6.50 |
| Family | £35.80 | £32.50 |
| Family (1 adult) | £21.50 | £19.50 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Under 5s are free.
Non-member family tickets include entry for up to 3 children.
Car parking is free for everyone.
Free entry for National Trust members, please bring all membership cards. Join as a National Trust member | National Trust Adults from £6 per month.
Last entry into Gibside 4:30pm. Gibside Stables open 10am - 5pm. The second-hand bookshop opens 10am - 5pm. Carriages café opens 11am - 4pm. Strawberry Castle refreshment kiosk opens at weekends and during school holidays 11am - 4pm.
