For younger visitors this autumn and winter

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

There are many different ways to play at Gibside. Each outdoor activity is spread across a family-friendly walk. It's the perfect place to burn off some energy and let imaginations run wild.

From exploring the nature playscape, to being king or queen of Strawberry Castle play area, there are plenty of ways for kids (and big kids) to play at Gibside.

There's so much for families to do! We’ve got a challenging low ropes course to tackle, instruments made from trees and plenty of open space to run around at Green Close Field.

Visitors in the adventure play area at Gibside, Tyne & Wear — The adventure play area at Gibside

Tackle the West Wood workout, spot woodland wildlife sculptures or engineer a secret hideaway in the Den Building area.

Do a spot of cloud watching at the Stables. Walk a little slower and listen carefully, you may spot Roe deer in the forest, newts at the Lily Pond or Willow Tits at the Bird Hide.

When wellies are wet and tummies are growling, enjoy a treat at Strawberry Castle kiosk or cosy up in the children's section of the second-hand bookshop.

New ways to play

Two teenage boys team up to play Table Tennis

Outdoor table tennis

Fun for all ages and in the perfect location, Gibside café. A chance to compete in a ping pong rally while you fill up on Northern Bloc ice cream. Returning Saturday 16 October.

Family enjoying a game of Frisbee golf in the Dairy Wood at Plas Newydd

Flying disc golf

Head to the West Wood for a game of flying disc golf. Can you meet the par? Make sure you swing by Visitor Reception to pick up your score card and equipment. Launching Saturday 16 October.

October half term

Ghastly Griselda's Halloween Trail

Join Griselda's spooky Halloween trail and help her collect magical items around the forest to conjure a creepy pet in her cauldron. Starting Saturday 23 October.

Halloween pumpkin patch selfie station

Gather your little (and big) monsters to see pumpkins and gourds swelling from the ground at the Halloween selfie station. Starting Saturday 16 October.

Families helping us to rake the leaves in the garden

Learn about nature this Autumn

Hooray for decay! Help the conservation team by raking leaves on the Avenue, hunt for conkers and read about the importance of fungi. Starting Saturday 16 October.

Events this winter

Percy the Park Keeper's winter wander trail

This winter, treat your little ones to a world of adventures at Gibside on the Percy the Park Keeper's winter wander trail. Join in the fun with Percy and his animal friends and give nature a helping hand.

Family running through a tunnel of twinkling lights

Christmas at Gibside

Make the most wonderful time of year more magical, on an evening trail of shimmering lights through Gibside's landscape garden.