Things to see and do at Gibside
![Visitors exploring the orangery ruin](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/north-east/places/gibside/library/summer/1422868.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
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
Join a tour
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).
![Gibside second-hand bookshop](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/north-east/places/gibside/library/2e0a6117-gibside-national-trust-second-hand-book-shop-the-market-place-18th-june-2021.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
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![Children running in front of giant letters that read 'Gibside'.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/north-east/places/gibside/library/summer/1762178.crop.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Activities for children and families at Gibside
From exploring the nature playscape, 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.
![Young girl smiling holding a small fluffy dog.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/north-east/places/gibside/library/summer/1589231.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Visiting Gibside with your dog
Gibside is a three pawprint rated place. There are 15 miles of paths for you and your dog to explore, lots of facilities and they’re even welcome inside the coffee shop.
![Close up of two young boys eating ice creams.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/north-east/places/gibside/library/summer/1422703.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Eating at Gibside
There’s something for everyone at Gibside’s cafés, including freshly made sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, kids' lunchboxes and, of course, really good coffee.
![A walker has just crossed a wooden footbridge over a stream, amid dense woodland, at Dibden Bottom on Ibsley Common, New Forest Northern Commons, Hampshire](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/hampshire/places/new-forest-northern-commons/library/summer/walker-new-forest-northern-commons-hampshire-1411223.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Countryside and woodland
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
![A group of hikers exploring a hilly landscape on a sunny winter's day.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/peak-district-derbyshire/places/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak/library/1620830-muslim-hikers---ramadan-hike-at-ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak-derbyshire.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
![The exterior of Washington Old Hall against clear blue sky. Carved stone eagles top the walls either side of a set of stone steps. Trees in leaf are visible and a pink dog rose is close up in the foreground.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/north-east/places/washington-old-hall/library/spring/washington-old-hall-gardens-in-may-north-east.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Houses and buildings in the North East
From medieval manor houses to classic Georgian mansions to lighthouses, the North East's story is brought to life through its characterful historic buildings.
![Three visitors walking at Gibside](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/north-east/library/summer/visitors-at-gibside-1422795.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Countryside in the North East
Explore the North East's wide open spaces on foot or by bicycle. There are nature reserves, vast estates and huge swathes of undulating countryside to discover, as well as plenty of wildlife to spot.