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Gibside
A Georgian landscape garden forged in an industrial past.
near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 6BG
Important notice
The shuttle bus is temporarily out of use while it is being repaired. Please ask a member of the team if you need assistance.
We will be closed for an essential staff meeting Wednesday 6 December 10am to 12pm. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Opening times for 2 December 2023
Asset Opening time Landscape garden and woodlands 10:00 - 16:00 Café 10:00 - 15:30 No booking requirement (excluding some events). Last entry into Gibside 1-hour before closing. Visitors must vacate the car park at closing time. Strawberry Castle refreshment kiosk and Carriage House coffee shop operate at reduced hours. Gibside Chapel only open weekends excluding Christmas time, Saturday 25 November to Sunday 7 January.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £15.40 £14.00 Child £7.70 £7.00 Family £38.50 £35.00 Family one adult £23.10 £21.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Book shop
Electric vehicle charging point
Cafe
Guided tour
Car park
Kiosk
Coffee shop
Toilet
Dogs
Twenty accessible parking spaces. Accessible Tramper is available to book, call 07712 535938 in advance. Shuttle bus available from visitor reception. Accessible toilets in Market Place.
Accessible route and/or map
Ask at reception for more details.
Ramped access/slopes
Accessible toilet
Seating available
Designated parking
Stairclimber
Drop-off point
Steps/uneven terrain
Level access to food outlet
Transfer available
Level access/terrain
Wheelchairs available
Powered mobility vehicle available
Accessible tramper hire is available. Please call 07712 535938 to book prior to your visit.
By road
Entrance on B6314 between Burnopfield and Rowlands Gill; follow brown signs from A1 , taking exit on to A694 at north end of Metrocentre
Find out about exploring car-free with Good Journey Travel greener, present your bus or train ticket, or show us your walking or cycle route to claim 10% discount in the café
Parking: Free parking. Electric car charging point available.
On foot
½ mile from Rowlands Gill. From Station Rd. join Burnopfield Rd. Cross the river Derwent and turn left into Gibside or choose the Derwent Walk Railway Path from Swalwell or Consett for a scenic route.
By train
Travel by train to the Metrocentre (5 miles from Gibside) or Newcastle (8 miles from Gibside) and choose bus, taxi, cycle or foot to complete your journey.
By bus
Frequent services from Newcastle or Gateshead. The X45 takes 30 mins from Eldon Square and Central Station, 25 mins from Gateshead Interchange and 10 mins from Metrocentre. It also takes 30 mins from Consett in the opposite direction. Alight on Station Road, Rowlands Gill. It’s then a 15-minute stroll to Gibside. Buses also from Stanley (15mins).
By bicycle
National cycling route (NCN14), starting along the River Tyne in South Shields. Find Gibside ½ mile from Burnopfield Rd. in Rowland's Gill.
From Newcastle quayside, hire a bike to travel 10 miles on mostly traffic-free routes to Gibside.
Planning your visit
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Visiting Gibside with your dog
Gibside is a three pawprint rated place. There are 15 miles of paths for you and your dog to explore, lots of facilities and they’re even welcome inside the coffee shop.
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Choose car-free travel to Gibside for 10% discount in the café
To encourage travelling by sustainable transport, we're offering visitors who choose car-free travel to Gibside, 10% discount in the café.
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Educational visits to Gibside
Gibside is the perfect place to bring a group of young people from schools, universities, Brownies and Scouts. Spark their creativity, build confidence, develop problem solving skills and enjoy nature.
PDF
PDF
Gibside map
Featuring 4 walking trails, places to visit, comfort facilities, access notes and dog litter bins
Highlights
Landscape garden
Georgian landscape with valley views, woodland, Walled Garden, Palladian chapel, stable block, grand ruin and Column to Liberty towering above it all.
Outdoor play
Be king or queen of Strawberry Castle play area, build a den and challenge your family at the Low Ropes course. There's plenty of ways for kids (and big kids) to play at Gibside.
Eating
Hot and cold drinks and light snacks available to take away. Dog friendly café.
Walking
Four trails for differing abilities feature vista views across the Derwent valley and river. Walking routes stretch over acres of landscape garden, with orienteering and geocaching opportunities.
Seasonal events
For families and adults, join outdoor events to get you closer to nature throughout the week and during school holidays.
Second-hand bookshop
Small bookshop by the café, selling a wide variety of pre-loved books.
Things to see and do
Activity
Things to see and do at Gibside
Discover a much-celebrated Palladian church at Gibside, take a history tour, explore the estate and enjoy outdoor play for families.
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Activities for children and families at Gibside
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 stay entertained all day at Gibside.
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The wildlife and garden at Gibside
From peaceful strolls through the Walled Garden, where fragrant plants and seasonal vegetables grow, to adventures around the furthest reaches of the estate to spot ancient trees, vista views and wildlife going about their day.
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A magical Christmas with Gibside
Feel the spirit of Christmas, with a traditional feast of festive celebrations. From Saturday 25 November to Monday 8 January.
Spotlight events
A magical Christmas with Gibside
Wish your way to Gibside and feel the spirit of Christmas, with a traditional feast of festive celebrations that will warm any Scrooge’s heart.
Top trails
Trail
Explorer family-friendly trail at Gibside
Enjoy a circular walk in Gibside's 600-acre woodland that's fun for the whole family, getting active in natural play areas and exploring the best of the estate.
Trail
Valley Views trail at Gibside
A challenging 4.4-mile walk through the estate at Gibside that takes in far-reaching views of the Derwent Valley.
Trail
The Liberty trail at Gibside
This route meanders around the landscape garden created by George Bowes and now in our care. You'll see grand historic features that play a huge part in Gibside's story and garden design.
Trail
Wonders of Nature trail at Gibside
Explore woodlands, meadows, wetlands and along the riverside, with estate highlights. You'll see nature at work and, if you are lucky, spot some wildlife at play.
Eating
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Eating at Gibside
There’s something for everyone at Gibside’s cafés, including freshly made sandwiches, tasty jacket potatoes, kids' lunchboxes and, of course, really good coffee.
Places to stay
Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage 2
A cliff-top cottage perching in the shadows of the iconic red and white Souter Lighthouse.
Laundry Cottage
The perfect location for long days exploring the outdoors as well as rest and relaxation amongst nature.
Bolt Cottage
A cosy stone cottage in the beautiful grounds of the Wallington estate, perfect for walkers, cyclists and wildlife lovers.
Rothley Lakehouse
A luxury lakefront cottage that’s steeped in history and surrounded by stunning views.
Upcoming events
Event
Wander along the woodland fairy trail at Gibside this Christmas
Can you find out about the lives of the woodland fairies at Gibside?
Event
Story Chair at Gibside
Visit the 'Story Chair' at Gibside, a creative collaboration with Northumbria University and women involved in the criminal justice system.
Event
See Gibside Chapel decorated with yuletide charm this Christmas
Gibside's Chapel will be sparkling with festive light, garlands and more.
Event
Father Christmas at Gibside Stables SOLD OUT
Follow the North star to Gibside Stables for an enchanting encounter with Father Christmas and his pointy-eared friend in this immersive theatre experience.
Event
History talk - an introduction to the history of Gibside
Taste the history of Gibside with a Guided Walk volunteer.
Event
Live Christmas music at Gibside Chapel
Soak up the atmosphere and seasonal spirit with traditional Yuletide tunes in the Chapel.
Event
History walk - the story of Gibside
Dive into the history of Gibside and take a walk with a Guided Walk volunteer around the 18th century pleasure garden.
Event
Father Christmas at Gibside Stables - relaxed sessions SOLD OUT
Follow the North star to Gibside Stables for an enchanting encounter with Father Christmas and his pointy-eared friend in a specially created smaller, quieter version of this immersive theatre experience.
About Gibside
Gibside is one of a few surviving 18th-century designed landscapes and was fashioned with two things in mind: spectacular vista views and ‘wow’ moments. The estate, commissioned by coal baron George Bowes, offers a glimpse into the past and the compelling story of heiress Mary Eleanor Bowes.
Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life within 243 hectares (600 acres) of Georgian landscape garden. Highlights include valley views, woodland, Palladian chapel, stable block, grand ruin and Column to Liberty towering above it all.
Discover fine Derwent Valley views, winding paths and refreshing open spaces. Escape along the Avenue and around the garden for miles of tranquil walks, wildlife spotting and picnic spots. Wildlife and horticulture rich, Gibside is home to Roe deer, Red Kites, amphibian filled ponds, and a fruitful Walled Garden.
Enjoy family fun on the Explorer Trail and clamber across the nature playscape, zoom across the zip line at the adventure play area, build dens and take on the low ropes challenge.
For those looking to unwind, curl up at our café and second-hand bookshop.
If you require assistance of any kind please get in touch by calling 01207 541820.
We welcome all dogs to Gibside and know that it's a great place for them to enjoy. We do ask that they are kept on leads and that you clean up after them. Visit here for more information on visiting with your dogs.
History
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History of Gibside
The wealthiest heiress in Georgian times, horseback abductions, divorces and illegitimate children are just a part of Gibside’s incredible story.
Support us
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Volunteering at Gibside
Interested in volunteering at Gibside? Here's all you need to know about helping us care for this special place, and how to apply if you'd like to get involved.