Enjoy the summer

Visitors walking through the woods

Well, you know what they say, 'make hay while the sun shines', and we couldn't agree more.  

With gorgeous surroundings on offer, plenty of space for some peace and quiet and nature buzzing all around, we reckon we've got summer covered.

Did you know that there's over 600 acres here? It's teeming with wildlife from a range of wonderful birds - which can be spotted at the Bird hide - to deer, butterflies, dragonflies, bats and bees.

In fact, every Wednesday the rangers host 'Moth morning' from 10am, where you can see exactly which species visit Gibside. As the warmer weather creeps in, so do the bigger moths. They're colourful, bright and magnificent to see up close.

An Elephant Hawk moth

Discover nature during a moth morning 

We welcome some gorgeous visitors to Gibside, especially once the warmer weather makes an appearance. Now is the perfect time to survey moths. So, the ranger team are setting up moth motels every Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday mornings at 10am, they have a look to see who has checked in. You can join them by the cafe to hear all about these wonderful creatures.

Another ideal way to see wildlife and nature at work, is to head out on a walk. There are four downloadable walking routes available, each one taking you to a different place within the grounds. Alternatively you can join a guided walk, or simply head off on your own.

Visitor walking towards the chapel at Gibside in autumn

Walking at Gibside 

Fresh, crisp and picture perfect, this is autumn at Gibside. One of the best ways to fully experience this colourful season is during a walk. Walking is great for your physical health, as well as your mental well-being. You can even take a rest and indulge in a massage.

On your travels, it's often hard to miss the vibrant colours popping up, well... everywhere. In the walled garden specifically, there is the new Willow labyrnth. Designed by volunteer Charmian Marshall and created with willow, it's a space that allows you to view this 3.5 acre garden in a somewhat different way.

A split image of the willow orchid - in summer and winter

The Willow Orchid Maze 

Inspired by Gibside's horticultural history, and with the help and creativity of volunteers and local crafts people, this is more than just a structure. Due to its popularity, it does need a rest every now and again, especially during the winter.

Now, there's a reason there's this much land in one place and it's down to two people; George Bowes and his daughter, Mary Eleanor.

They are the main drivers for this special place being what it is and how it is. Their lives during the 17th and 18th century have created quite a story full of scandal, success, tragedy and fascinating characters. It's definitely one worth hearing and every Monday, Friday and Sunday at 11am and 1pm, History tours are hosted by knowledgeable guides. 

A group on a tour

Join a tour at Gibside 

As we celebrate the anniversary of female suffrage, join a tour to hear all about Mary Eleanor Bowes (1749 - 1800): Gibside's custodian, Georgian England's richest heiress and trailblazer. They're on every Friday, Sunday and Monday, 11.30am and 1.30pm.