Gibside
About Gibside
Gibside - Stunning 18th Century forest, landscape garden, and nature reserve.
Discover fine Derwent Valley views, winding paths and refreshing open spaces while exploring our elegant buildings, follies and ruins.
Gibside is a Georgian 'grand design' on a spectacular scale; the vision of coal baron George Bowes, the Palladian chapel is an architectural masterpiece, the stable block is a vibrant learning and discovery centre, and the once grand hall is now a dramatic shell. Gibside is also a haven for wildlife with red kites often circling in the skies above.
After centuries of decline, the National Trust are now restoring Gibside for people and nature. Come for events every weekend, escape along the avenue for miles of tranquil walks and picnic spots or enjoy family adventures at the woodland playscape and challenge trail.
Food also runs through Gibside's veins, whether in the bustling walled garden, tea-rooms, local farm shop or monthly farmers' market.
Facilities and Access
General
- Hot and cold drinks, snacks and second hand books in Renwick's stables coffee shop
- Garden tea-room and tea garden renowned for homemade scones and soups
- Gibside larder local food farm shop
- Free parking
- Dogs welcome on leads
Family & Children
- Baby-changing facilities
- All-terrain baby buggies for loan
- Children's menu in garden tea-room
- Family discovery room and indoor play area
- Nature playscape woodland adventure area
- Low ropes challenge
Access
- Designated mobility parking
- Mobility toilets
- Grass and loose gravel paths, steep slopes, some steps
- Mobility tramper and wheelchairs available
- Stair climber gives access to chapel for wheelchair users
Gibside Highlights
- Walk in the 182-hectare (450-acre) landscape garden
- Escape along the avenue for miles of tranquil walks and picnic spots
- Discover hidden views and vistas
- Visit the Palladian chapel - an architectural masterpiece
- See the once grand hall - now a dramatic shell
- Watch the skies for red kites
- Hot and cold drinks, snacks and second hand books in Renwick's stables coffee shop
- Homemade lunches and cakes in our garden tea-room and tea garden - renowned for homemade scones and soups
Children's menu in garden tea-room
- Gibside larder local food farm shop
- Nature playscape woodland adventure area
- Low ropes challenge
- Family discovery room and indoor play area
- Free guided tours every weekend (admission still applies)
- Monthly farmers' market and weekend events
How to get to Gibside
By Train
Blaydon (5 miles from Gibside)
For information on Blaydon Station, visit National Rail Enquiries
Metrocentre (5 miles from Gibside)
For information on Metrocentre Railway Station, visit National Rail Enquiries
Newcastle (7 miles from Gibside)
For information on Newcastle Central Station, visit National Rail Enquiries
By Road
6 miles south west of Newcastle and Gateshead, 20 miles north west of Durham; entrance on B6314 between Burnopfield and Rowlands Gill; from A1 take exit north of Metrocentre and follow brown signs.
On Foot
½ mile from Rowlands Gill and Derwent Walk Country Park; footpath/cycle track linking Gibside to Swalwell in Gateshead and Consett
By Bus
Regular 'Red Kite' buses from Newcastle Haymarket bus station to Consett (passing Newcastle and Metrocentre), alight Rowlands Gill, ½ mile walk
For bus timetable and information, visit:
Go North East
By Cycle
½ mile from NCN14 Derwent Walk cycle track; easy cycle access from Newcastle, Gateshead and Consett
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