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.
Wander along the woodland fairy trail
The gardeners at Gibside keep losing tools and misplacing plant pots. That can only mean one thing - the mischievous fairies are back!
Ends Sunday 2 February. Free, admission applies.
Things to do this February half term
Join us Saturday 22 February to Sunday 2 March to celebrate the early signs of spring. Get your hands mucky by modelling clay snails and planting snowdrop bulbs, then join a treasure trail in the garden where you’ll step through time to learn about Gibside’s famous heir and her love of gardening.
Free activities, entry applies. Booking not needed.
Hunt for history
Uncover history on a treasure trail where you'll learn about Gibside's famous resident, Mary Eleanor Bowes, and her love of gardening. Find watering cans, spades and rakes marked with nature-themed missions, complete tasks to discover letters then unjumble them together to find the secret location of the hidden treasure.
Every day during February half term. Learn more.
Plant a snowdrop
Leave a family memory at Gibside by helping the team sprinkle flowers across the winter garden. Dig a hole and plant your bulb. Then see your white snowdrop popping up year after year.
Select dates and times during February half term. See details here.
Clay Crafts
Look closely at the flowerbeds and you’ll see our slimy shell-backed friends – snails! Take a closer look at them because it’s time to get creative with clay and make snail sculptures. Shape a spiral shell, mould long tentacles and etch a pattern into its foot, then take your snail art home to display on your windowsill.
Select dates and times during February half term. Find out more.
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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