Celebrating blossom at Gibside
It’s a time for us to connect with nature and each other. Join the Festival of Blossom with Gibside and experience the power of blossom.
The Festival of Blossom
Every year at springtime trees burst into bloom, offering a sense of hope and renewal. For centuries blossom has been celebrated in literature, art and music all around the world.
During the celebrations there will be deck chairs and a blanket bank in the Walled Garden, encouraging you to take a moment in nature and appreciate the signs of spring. Blossom at Gibside will also feature a variety of exciting events including:
Blossom trail Take a blossom map and explore signs of spring at Gibside. Saturday 5 April to Sunday 1 June, 10am to 4pm. Free, no booking required.
Meet the beekeepers Meet our resident beekeepers at their pop-up stall to learn about the role of honeybees as pollinators. Tuesday 22 April, Wednesday 23 April, Thursday 24 April, Saturday 3 May. 11.30am to 2.30pm. Free, no booking required. Find out more.
Join a pollinator survey Join Gibside rangers to take part in a real wildlife survey, spotting bees, beetles, butterflies, hoverflies and more. Tuesday 6 May, 12pm - 2.30pm. Free, booking required as capacity is limited. Book your place.
Meet the beekeepers
Learn something new with a hands on demonstration about beekeeping.
North East in Blossom 2025
Gibside is part of a region-wide programme of activity celebrating blossom and providing opportunities to connect to nature and each other. Events and activities will be taking place at Crook Hall Gardens, Washington Old Hall, Seaton Delaval Hall and Ormesby Hall, as well as urban Gateshead, Newcastle, Durham and Middlesbrough.
Ideas to inspire you
You don’t need to be the next David Attenborough to appreciate nature, everyone can get involved. Here are some ideas to enjoy blossom season here at Gibside or at home:
- Wander the trails – take the route to relaxation and stroll around looking for buds in March, then return in April and May to witness the changing flora.
- Express your artistic side - bring along your pencils, paints and sketch pads to create a blossom study in the Walled Garden.
- Write it down - try nature journalling, describe your sensory experiences, write a poem or a story inspired by the season.
- Capture a moment – snap a colourful pic or create a timelapse using a camera.
- Needle and thread – you can enjoy nature even if the April showers come. Sew, knit or crochet blossom, observing the blooms from a window.
- Take time for yourself – bathe under the blossom, stretch out on a yoga mat, have a moment of reflection or enjoy a family picnic.
Follow Gibside on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas to try, and share your blossom experiences with us by using #BlossomWatch. Don’t forget to make your post public, to inspire a community of blossom lovers.
Discover blossom at Gibside
As early as January, spring blossom can be seen at Gibside - from the tiny hazel catkin flower appearing at the end of winter, to the abundant apple blossoms that start appearing in late April. By May, the apple blossom is a spectrum of delicate pinks to vivid fuchsia, turning the orchard into a photo-worthy floral canopy and peaceful escape.
In the wider estate look closely for the crisp white buds of blackthorn around March and hawthorn in later spring, or admire the golden hues of the Norway maples by the Orangery in April.
In the Walled Garden, roam around the edges of the wall to see blossoming peach, nectarine, pear, plum and cherry trees throughout spring. An apricot tree climbs the east wall, blossoming early in February and March. A helping hand is needed for pollination, as there aren’t many bees around that early in the year. You may notice the gardeners using a clean paint brush to tickle each blossom, spreading pollen from one flower to the other.
You might also be interested in
The wildlife and garden at Gibside
From peaceful strolls through the Walled Garden, where fragrant plants and seasonal vegetables grow, to adventures around the furthest reaches of the estate to spot wildlife, ancient trees and vista views.
Best places to see blossom
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to blackthorn scattered across the countryside, discover some of the best places to see blossom in our care.
Wildlife conservation at Gibside
Learn about how we keep Gibside thriving and discover how we’re working to make a happy and healthy environment for wildlife, people and plants.
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.