Activities for children and families at Gibside

Two children walking along a gravel path smiling underneath a clear umbrella. — Enjoying a rainy walk in the Walled Garden at Gibside. | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

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.

A magical Christmas with Gibside

From fairies to Father Christmas, we have an enchanting Christmas coming up at Gibside, full of festive magic. Learn more about Christmas 2024.

Follow the stars to Father Christmas’s Stables

Follow the trail of winter stars up to Gibside Stables, where Father Christmas is keeping his reindeer. While the reindeer are out flying for the day, sneak a peek in their stalls and listen to a magical reindeer story.

Find Father Christmas’s sleigh parked up in the Stables courtyard, almost ready for Christmas Eve. Make sure you snap a pic in his most important piece of gear before it’s filled to the brim with presents.

Every day from Saturday 16 November to Sunday 5 January. Free, admission applies.

Join Father Christmas working at the Stables

Embrace time together with loved ones and feel the spirit of Christmas at this interactive Father Christmas experience. Expect cartoonish capers from clumsy elves and discover what Father Christmas is up to in the lead up to the big day.

There are 5 relaxed sessions available, for families who feel more comfortable in a smaller group.

Booking essential. Every weekend from Saturday 23 November to Sunday 22 December, plus Monday 23 December. Child's ticket £25, admission applies. Book here, and for the relaxed sessions book here.

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!

Every day from Saturday 23 November to Monday 6 January. Free, admission applies.

Two children peeking out of a wooden play area. One has green frog dungarees on. — Playing at Strawberry Castle | © National Trust Images/James Beck

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.

Small girl in unicorn ear muffs going along a rope bridge. — Having fun at Strawberry Castle Play area | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

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.