Play at Gibside

a girl plays on a swing at gibside — Swing by Gibside's many play areas

Not only are there plenty of open spaces to run wild at Gibside, we’ve got a fortress playground to conquer, a woodland ropes course to tackle and a West Wood workout with a difference. With so many different ways to play, and all linked by a family-friendly walk, Gibside is the perfect place to burn off some energy and let their imagination run wild.

Strawberry Castle Play Area

Inspired by the lost Strawberry Castle garden feature, this wooden fortress welcomes many knights, kings, queens, princesses and more, every day. Swoosh down the slide, go wild on the swings, zoom down the zip wire and scramble in the water and sand.

A boy ziplining ay Gibside — Zoom down the zip wire at Strawberry Castle play area

Nature Playscape

A woodland playscape created from materials found on the Gibside estate, is the perfect place to crawl through tunnels, balance across log bridges, clamber over tree trunks and build your own woodland retreat. The woodland canopy keeps the rain at bay when the inevitable autumn showers arrive!

Children climb over logs — Enjoy the freedom of natural play

Low Ropes Challenge

Put your balance and strength to the test and make your way from one tree to another using the different rope challenges, if you dare…

Children playing on a rope bridge at Gibside — Tackle the Low Ropes Course

The West Wood Workout

Can you pull yourself up on the bar? How about balancing on log bridges and tiptoeing across tightropes? Tackle the West Wood Workout and see if you can defeat the ultimate outdoor challenge.

Head to the stables

Take five in Renick's book shop where there's a range of second hand books. Here, you can take a seat and enjoy reading then and there or take one away with you, a small donation is always appreciated. You can also meet Daisy the cow, she's there and you can even help out by milking her.