Activities at Gibside

Enjoy the weekends

As autumn creeps in it's the ideal time to capture the last of the longer evenings. Explore Gibside until 9pm every Friday and Saturday; indulge in a picnic, embark on a walk or play in the walled garden. (Normal admission charges apply.)

Sports at Gibside

If you're looking for a place where you can let off some steam, there's miles of paths here as well as woodland. Plus, every weekend we host a parkrun and Great Run Local

Dogs at Gibside

All dogs are very welcome at Gibside. With plenty of paths and woodlands to explore, we're pretty sure they'll have a great time. We do ask that they are kept on leads at all times and that you clean up after them.

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 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)

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)

Walking at Gibside

Discover Strawberry Castle, spot the animal sculptures hidden in the West Woods and walk the ‘grand design’ of an 18th-century coal baron as you follow the self-led walks of our special place.

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.