Things to see and do at Gibside

Family visitors on a winter walk at Gibside — Visitors exploring in winter | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Set in 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 historic ruins 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 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.

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 in spring, and wild flower meadows in summer. Find out what's growing this month. Venture further to discover the Orangery and gaze at the red oaks and European larch that outline areas of the landscape garden.

Explore Gibside’s landmarks

Gibside Hall

Built over 100 years before Bowes reimagined the landscape in the 1730s. The core of the imposing mansion is Jacobean, dating from the 1620s, and may have been built on an even older building, as some of the oak floor timbers suggest they date to the 1470s. The Hall ceased being a family home in the 1870s and provided accommodation to Land Army girls during the First World War. In the 1920s the interiors were extensively stripped out, and the roof tiles were removed in the 1950s. In 2002 the Trust undertook major stabilisation work, and it’s our hope to raise enough money to make the hall accessible once again.

Architectural details on the Chapel at Gibside | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Gibside Chapel

The Chapel at Gibside is recognised for the superb craftsmanship of the stonework and its symmetry, placing it in the company of some of the most celebrated Palladian churches in the country. It’s built with the same locally sourced creamy sandstone found in buildings elsewhere at Gibside. While the outside of the Chapel was completed in 1769, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that final touches to the interior were finished. Though not immediately obvious, the Chapel’s layout is a Greek cross within a square, with an unusual three-tiered pulpit and centrally positioned altar. Look out for the carving within the columned portico, on the swags on the dome, and the row of funeral urns surmounting the balustrade.

Two people walking out of a large stone archway. — Gibside Stables is a great place to stop off for a warming drink. | © National Trust Images/James Beck

The Stables

The Palladian facade of the Stables gives the appearance of a building of great prestige - more a villa than working building. Why are they so grand? The Stables would have been one of the first buildings guests saw along the coach drive from the original entrance, it's a place George Bowes may have wanted to show off his prized racehorses.

The Column to Liberty

The 43m-high Column to Liberty was erected by George Bowes as a symbol of his own importance. Spot the female figure at the top, which was once gilded. On it, Liberty holds the Staff of Maintenance and Cap of Liberty – it was a proclamation of George Bowes’ political support of the Whig Party. The Column to Liberty undergoes inspections every five years to ensure that 'Liberty' remains stable and safe, watching over us all.

Gibside mine entrance | © National Trust Images/Tony Blackett

Hidden secrets of the past

Clues of Gibside's history can be found across the estate. Discover the old ice house, bath house ruins, drift mine entrance and Lady's Well. Aptly named Ice House Dene, an old ice house snuggly sits off the trail. Easily missed if you don't look closely, this large mound once was used as a refrigerator, storing meats and other produce. Further down this dene are the ruins of the bath house, which were fed by the water culverts. The bath house was a real den of debauchery, with gambling, alcohol and, it is suggested, visits by ‘ladies of the night’. Coal mining on the estate goes back to at least the early 17th century. Located near the wildlife hide, the mine now houses hibernating bats. Find a small stone basin behind the hall near the ruins of the service entrance, this is Lady's Well. Not far from the well is the old netty, the remains of an 18th or 19th century loo. It was originally quite an elaborate two-storey building.

1 of 8

Join a tour

Enjoy a morning 30 minute taster talk with different themes, to give you an introduction to the history of Gibside, or join an afternoon 60-90 minute expert guided tour along the Avenue. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am and 1pm. Check tour dates before visiting.

Travel through history and hear the compelling story of Gibside’s rise and fall. Packed with tragedy, romance, scandal and triumph, you'll be immersed in the narrative of some of Gibside’s extraordinary characters. It’s a tale of intrigue, strife, deception, and courage woven into the landscape, industry, and history of the region. See the Chapel, Orangery, Gibside Hall and the Stables come alive through the tales of people that once lived here.
Learn about the early expression of the natural movement and why landscape garden design was fashionable. Find tour dates on select Thursdays.

In the eighteenth century it was a popular pastime for the wealthy to tour around Britain on holiday, visiting stately homes and gardens. Gibside was a popular destination and George Bowes wanted to astound his guests with a fashionable garden. Visualise the grandeur of Gibside by walking in the footsteps of George Bowes on a Landscape garden tour.

Enjoy garden tours? After your visit to Gibside, discover Crook Hall Gardens on a garden tour Fridays at 11am.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday we host Health Walks at Gibside.

Tuesday Health Walk

It’s been proven that getting outdoors and breathing the fresh air can improve your mental and physical health. Take a gentle stroll along Gibside Avenue at a very relaxed pace. This walk is approximately 1 mile long. Every Tuesday, 11am. Free, no need to book.

Wednesday Health Walk

The Wednesday Health Walk is a sociable saunter to get outdoors, enjoy the views and spot wildlife along the way. This walk is adapted to group ability and could be up to 5 miles long. Every Wednesday, 11am. Free, no need to book.

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

Lose yourself in a literary adventure at the second-hand bookshop or enjoy homemade treats from one of Gibside cafés.

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).