Activities at Gibside

Autumn at Gibside

Wrap up and head to Gibside this autumn to soak up the season in all its glorious colour. Feel crisp leaves crunching underfoot on a refreshing walk, discover woodland play areas waiting to be explored and seasonal events for the whole family.

Bring your dog to Gibside

With 15 miles of paths to explore, trees to sniff and grass to explore, we can guarantee that your four-legged friends will enjoy Gibside as much as you do.

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...

Enhance your wellbeing at Gibside

Blend exercise - whether that's a run, walk, or an activity such as yoga - with the calming surroundings of nature, to help improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Alongside wide open spaces and peaceful woodlands, we have regular classes taking place that will help you to relax and unwind.

Join us for summer nights

Bring the whole family for a day out. We're now open for longer on Friday and Saturday evenings, ideal for during the school holidays. You can join us for a free activity and then stay for tea time. There'll be street food on a Friday and the bar is open until 9pm on Saturdays too. Round off the day with an adventure at Strawberry Castle play area. (Free for National Trust members or normal admission charges apply).

Take the Route to Relaxation trail

Here, within the gardens and woodland you can find space to reflect, to gather your thoughts and sounds to calm you. The Route to Relaxation map can guide you to the best places around the estate.

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 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)