Activities at Gibside

Make the most of summer nights

We're now open for longer on Friday and Saturday evenings. Explore the gardens, stay for a pint with the pooch and catch up with friends until 9pm. All of the grounds are open, except the chapel and stables which close at 6pm, so perhaps it's round to Strawberry Castle play area for an adventure? Then back to the cafe for a relaxing drink or two. (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.

Sports at Gibside

If like us you're ready to shake off the party season and are looking for places to start, join us for a weekly parkrun on Saturdays at 9am, or the Great Run Local on Sundays at 9.15am. It's the perfect time for some morning reflection and the frosty mornings offer some fantastic surroundings.

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)