Discover more at Gibside
Find out when Gibside is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Activities for children and families at Gibside
From seasonal events 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.
Planning your family visit – in a nutshell
Here's some information about the facilities at Gibside, to make the most of your family day out:
- Outdoor adventure play area, low ropes course and den building area.
- Seasonal family events.
- Children’s meals available to purchase or outdoor picnic areas for packed lunches.
- Baby-changing facilities.
- Gibside is an outdoor property. You’ll find covered areas along pushchair-friendly walking trails.
- Visit before 11am or after 2pm for a quieter experience.
May half term
Grab your detective hat and set off on a scavenger hunt at Gibside! Uncover hidden facts, crack clever clues, and put your maths and history skills to the test. Can you count all the angels watching from the chapel ceiling? Or spot every golden pineapple tucked away in the garden? Race around, solve puzzles, and unlock Gibside’s best-kept secrets. It’s a fun-filled quest for adventurers of all ages—so get moving, stay sharp, and see how many mysteries you can unravel.
Saturday 24 May - Sunday 1 June
Every way to play at Gibside
Play at Gibside is intergenerational - the entire family can have fun on an outdoor adventure. Activities at Gibside are spread across a family-friendly walk called the Explorer Trail. Discover adventure play areas, green open space and a 600-acre woodland. The trail covers 2.2 miles on varying terrain, with toilet and eating facilities on the route.
Strawberry Castle adventure play area
Hide in the mushroom playhouse, crawl through the otter holt or make your own music on the giant guiros. There's so many ways to play at Stawberry Castle.
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Into the West Wood
Fun starts in the forest, find activities for every age:
Birthdays at Gibside
Celebrate your child's birthday with a party hosted by B Outdoors. Packed full of discovery and adventure, Gibside is the perfect venue for a nature filled day.
A guided expert will teach the children exciting new skills, to make their special day a little different. Try archery, bush craft, axe throwing, orienteering and more. Contact Andy at info@boutdoors.co.uk for more information.
Kindergarten
Stomping Grounds kindergarten, a fully outdoor play-based learning environment for children aged 2-7 years. Phone 0191 540 2680 or email admin@stomping-grounds.org to find out more.
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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.