Educational visits to Gibside
Whether you’re looking to spark creativity, build confidence, encourage problem-solving skills or fill your lungs with fresh air, Gibside has everything you need for a group visit immersed in nature.
Seasonal information
Autumn
Schools often begin booking trips for October and November, so securing a September slot in summer ensures your class a place. An early‑autumn trip helps pupils get back into the rhythm of learning, sparking curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and providing a fresh launchpad for new topic projects.
Christmas
Every year, we host a festive KS1 trail where Santa needs your help! This magical experience invites pupils to search for lost reindeer food bags hidden around Gibside, with singing, seasonal crafts, and plenty of festive cheer along the way. Follow us on Facebook and look out for early-bird booking.
Winter
Winter and early spring (January to April) are ideal times to book a school trip because there's more availability and fewer crowds. Children can step out of the classroom to spot signs of the changing season, like snowdrops and winter catkins. It’s a chance to swap screen time for sunshine and shake off any classroom cobwebs.
Spring and summer
As the weather gets warmer group spaces become limited. We recommend you book your trip by March to secure a place between April to July.
One of our most popular programmes is Wellbeing Week, designed especially for Year 5 and 6 pupils feeling the pressure of SATs or the transition to secondary school. It’s a nature-based experience that helps children learn how to look after themselves using mindfull activities and nature connectedness.
Activities we offer
The team at Gibside has developed a programme where groups of children and young people can explore freely, reconnect with nature, learn new skills and revive their love of learning. You can choose from a variety of self-led and volunteer-led activities or request to use the woodlands for your own activities.
Take a look at our activity offer and price guide.
We welcome all formal groups of young people to Gibside, including schools, universities, Brownies and Scouts. Our activities complement children's learning through different key stages, and for college and university students we offer outdoor space for team building and a place to expand their studies.
How to book
Email gibsideCYP@nationaltrust.org.uk
Booking is essential for all group visits as we have limited coach parking, lunch room facilities and equipment for groups.
Improving nature connectedness with Starling Bank
Starling Bank is working with National Trust to fund nature workshops for school children who otherwise struggle to access outdoor spaces. These workshops will provide opportunities for the children to experience nature first-hand and learn about how we can protect the environment and wildlife for future generations.
We’re passionate about giving children the opportunity to explore nature, by investing in a programme to bring nature to children from inner city schools who otherwise struggle to access it.
Education Group Access Pass
Why not make your school visit more affordable and take advantage of the Education Group Access Pass? Schools or education groups can benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives the whole group free admission and parking at most of the places in our care for a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can we visit?
School visits take place during term-time Monday to Friday during opening hours. We provide half day and full day offers.
Do you provide lunch?
No, we recommend everyone brings a packed lunch for a full day visit.
How many students can we bring?
If your class has over 30 children we recommend splitting into two groups and joining a different activity in the morning, then swapping in the afternoon.
Do teachers need to take part in the activity sessions?
All activities are led by our staff and volunteers who can’t wait to work with your group. Please note, however, that the behaviour of the students remains your responsibility at all times.
You might also be interested in
How we're improving access to nature with Starling
We've partnered with Starling to improve access to nature for more than 1 million people and fund vital peatland conservation projects. Find out all the ways we're working with them through our partnership.
Education Group Access Pass
If you’re planning educational group visits to National Trust places, then you could benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives you free admission for a year.
Children, young people and learning
Explore the full range of packages available for schools, youth groups, universities and more. We offer a host of activities throughout the year to suit all areas of the curriculum from EYFS to Key Stage 4 and into FE and HE, available as self-led or facilitated visits. We also offer career development, work placements, bespoke learning packages and young people volunteering.
History of Gibside
The wealthiest heiress in Georgian times, horseback abductions, divorces and illegitimate children are just a part of Gibside’s incredible story.
Things to see and do at Gibside
Discover nature and historic ruins set in a Georgian landscape garden while you explore miles of peaceful walking trails. Or dive into seasonal events that celebrate history, health, wildlife, and gardening.
Family things to do at Gibside
Gibside is the ultimate outdoor playground for families (from tots to teens). Whether you're climbing, swinging, or exploring, there's adventure at every turn. Wander the Explorer Trail, packed with nature and play areas or join events during school holidays.
