Activities at Gibside

Embrace winter at 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.

Visiting Gibside with your dog(s)

Your dog will enjoy roaming Gibside just as much as you. Explore gardens and woodlands with lots of wonderful smells and places to wander. We do ask that you help us to look after the wildlife living here by keeping your dogs on leads (an extendable one is fine) throughout the whole estate. Thank you.

Sports at Gibside

On Saturday the 24th of November 2018, 700 runners will set off up the hills of Gibside wearing head torches and smeared in glow paint. You can run, walk or crawl the 5 kilometre route, everyone is a winner during the Moon Run. You can also join the weekly parkrun on Saturdays at 9am, or the Great Run Local on Sundays at 9.15am. If you're looking for a more of a challenge. we host a range of challenging events throughout the year.

Make the most of summer nights

Explore Gibside until 9pm every Friday and Saturday until 15 September; indulge in a picnic, embark on a walk or play in the walled garden or simply relax on a deckchair. Once summer nights draws to a close, the cafe / pub will close on weekend evenings until May 2019, except for special events (free for National Trust members or normal admission charges apply).

Gibside liberty trail

Created by George Bowes, inherited by Mary Eleanor and nearly destroyed by 'Stoney', see the grand historic features that play a huge part in Gibside's story and garden design.

• Easy
• 1 hour
• 2.4 miles (3.85km)

Discover nature during autumn

Gorgeous colours, leaves on the floor and nature all around. It's a fantastic time of year to get outdoors and do some exploring. Don't forget your camera, who knows what you might see...

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.

Enjoy the summer

With sprawling grounds ideal for walks, relaxing and wildlife spotting, Gibside is perfect for a relaxing day out with family and friends. We've even got deckchairs in the walled garden awaiting your arrival and there are some scheduled events that might take your fancy too.

Visiting for a day?

If you're looking for somewhere to take your group, Gibside could be just the place.

Gibside explorer trail

Enjoy an adventure in Gibside's 600 acre woodland. Along the way you can crawl along log bridges and clamber over tree trunks in the magical nature playscape, test your nerve on the low ropes course and let your imagination run wild in the Strawberry Castle fort.

• Easy
• 1 hour
• 2.2 miles (3.5km)

Gibside Wonders of Nature Trail

Explore woodlands, meadows, wetlands and along the riverside. You'll see nature at work and, if you are lucky, spot some wildlife at play.

• Challenging
• 2 hours 10 mins
• 5.5 miles (8.85km)

Gibside valley views trail

Enjoy far reaching views across the Derwent Valley and historically designed vistas through Gibside, many created as part of the historic garden design.

• Challenging
• 2 hours
• 4.4 miles (7.05km)

Run at Gibside, Tyne & Wear

Run through the winding paths and open spaces of Gibside. And if you need a bit of encouragement, join one of our free friendly runs to get you started.