Things to see and do at Gibside

People walking in the distance along a long grassy path towards a Chapel with columns. — Visitors walking on the Avenue in spring at Gibside | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Set amid the backdrop of the Derwent Valley, close to Newcastle, Gibside boasts both historic ruins and space for roaming.

Reconnect with nature

Walking

Whether you enjoy a relaxing stroll or a longer hike over varied terrain, walking at Gibside offers opportunities to see the architecture or venture into the wider estate.

Its peaceful surroundings have rest spots aplenty, perfect for pausing to watch wildlife and to enjoy views across the landscape, within the garden and over the Derwent Valley.

There are four marked walks to choose from, with each taking you on a different route around the 18th-century landscape garden.

Cycling

While visitors cannot cycle at Gibside itself, lots of people do enjoy cycling to Gibside. You’ll find spaces to lock up your bike beside the café. Please bring your own lock.

Wildlife spotting

Home to roe deer, red kites, badgers, bats and otters, you can spend a whole day observing the wildlife at Gibside. Head towards Snipes Dene and you'll find a bird hide tucked away along a path near the banqueting house. Visitors here include siskins, sparrowhawks, green woodpeckers and greenfinches as well as the more common chaffinch, nuthatch and treecreeper.

Discover the Garden

Visit with each changing season to witness the Walled Garden, from apples and pumpkins in autumn to blossom throughout spring, and wild flower meadows in summer. Find out what's growing this month. Venture further to discover the Shrubbery by the Orangery and gaze at the red oaks and European larch that outline areas of the landscape garden.

Explore Gibside’s landmarks

Gibside Hall

Built over 100years before Bowes reimagined the landscape in the 1730s. The core of the imposing mansion is Jacobean, dating from the 1620s, and may have been built on an even older building, as some of the oak floor timbers suggest they date to the 1470s. The Hall ceased being a family home in the 1870s and provided accommodation to Land Army girls during the First World War. In the 1920s the interiors were extensively stripped out, and the roof tiles were removed in the 1950s. In 2002 the trust undertook major stabilisation work, and it’s our hope to raise enough money to make the hall accessible once again, this may take time but with every visit, we get closer to our goal.

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Join a tour

Enjoy a morning 30 minute taster talk with different themes, to give you an introduction to the history of Gibside, or join an afternoon 60-90 minute expert guided tour along the Avenue. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am and 1pm. Check tour dates before visiting.

Travel through history and hear the compelling story of Gibside’s rise and fall. Packed with tragedy, romance, scandal and triumph, you'll be immersed in the narrative of some of Gibside’s extraordinary characters. It’s a tale of intrigue, strife, deception, and courage woven into the landscape, industry, and history of the region. See the Chapel, Orangery, Gibside Hall and the Stables come alive through the tales of people that once lived here.
Learn about the early expression of the natural movement and why landscape garden design was fashionable. Find tour dates on select Thursdays.

In the eighteenth century it was a popular pastime for the wealthy to tour around Britain on holiday, visiting stately homes and gardens. Gibside was a popular destination and George Bowes wanted to astound his guests with a fashionable garden. Nowadays you can visualise the grandeur of Gibside by walking in the footsteps of George Bowes.

Enjoy garden tours? After your visit to Gibside, discover Crook Hall Gardens on a garden tour Fridays at 11am.
Here, we host a Health Walk every Wednesday at 11am.

It’s been proven that getting outdoors and breathing the fresh air can improve your mental and physical health. Phase 1 is a gentle walk on flat ground, covering 1–2 miles, starting at Shepherd's Hut and leading up the Avenue. Up to three group leaders will support you along the route.

Advance booking is essential. Please head to visitor reception when you arrive; the meeting spot is at the Shepherd’s Hut in Market Place. You must complete a registration form before your first walk so please arrive early to allow time to do this.

Activities for families

Along the Explorer Trail, families can build dens, tackle the Low Ropes course and visit Strawberry Castle play area. Join us every school holiday for free family events and new ways to play.

Rest and relax at Gibside

Sometimes there’s nothing better than losing yourself in a literary adventure at the second-hand bookshop or enjoying homemade treats at Gibside café to keep you refreshed on your journey.

You can also enjoy a variety of massage treatments and energy work in the cosy woodland bothy from Kate Cullen's Holistic Therapies (booking essential, call +44 7925 299953 for more information).