Gibside

Gibside is a 720 acre Georgian landscape garden offering fantastic views of the estate and surrounding Derwent Valley.

The site is managed by the National Trust and highlights include the chapel, the ruined Gibside Hall and the orangery. It is very easy to spend a full day here exploring the grounds, however there are some steep hills around the site, so that's worth bearing in mind.

The estate attracts lots of wildlife, in particular Red Kites, which are often seen soaring over Gibside Hall, so look out for those. There is also a bird hide on the site which attracts many birds including Woodpeckers, Goldcrests and lots more.

There is a rich history around Gibside, as in the 1720s it was acquired by the famous Bowes family. Mary Eleanor Bowes played an integral part in the history, as she had a passion for botany and is the reason for Gibside's beautiful gardens today. There is something of interest all year round in the gardens and they look beautiful any time of the year.

For a longer visit to Gibside, the Banqueting House on site has been converted into an apartment for visitors to stay in. The Gothic folly was built in 1746 and sits on the highest part of the park, looking over the Derwent Valley. You can book a stay here through The Landmark Trust website.

There are always loads of activities and events happening at Gibside including the following.

For families
Low Ropes challenge
Strawberry Castle play area
Nature playscape
Den building area
Rope swing
Boules
Cloud spotters and constellations
Frisbee golf
Geocaching
Mud kitchen
Orienteering
Table tennis
Willow maze
Café play area
Westwood workout

Guided walks
Health walks
History walks: Every Friday, Sunday and Monday. A short theme-based talk at 11:30 and then a guided walk around the estate at 13:00.
Talk themes are: George Bowes, Mary Eleanor Bowes, Gibside and Coal, The Gibside Story, The Bowes family and Racing, The Chapel

Other
Bird hide
Chapel (open at weekends during the winter)
Stables (& Gibside Art Project)