Gibside - Rowlands Gill

P. D.

As usual a National Trust property that is expensive to visit unless you are a member. Not the most interesting, but worth a visit. Large grounds for good walks, lovely chapel. Very good cafe and an area also selling pizza.

Matthew T.

Me and Star had a lovely afternoon walking around Gibside. We got to enjoy the entire day doing some nice exploration over two of the trails. We completed the Liberty Trail and Explorer Trail. It was a really nice dry day with a bit of sun that made our day the most enjoyable. We loved exploring all the different areas, from Star liking a specific type flower to me standing right next to the Liberty Tower. We had a fun filled afternoon.

Stanly W.

Gibside is a nice place to visit and walk. It was owned by Sir George Bowes.  The place is part of National Trust and it has many walks. The hall is mostly in ruins by still can go close to it. The walks are very extensive and some of the very steep. The chapel is still preserved well. I could see many squirrels and various birds. It is on the border of Durham county. I also noticed a sealed entrance to a mine.

Andrew C.

We had a lovely visit to Gibside. My nan used the accessibility bus to go from main entrance to walled gardens to the stables, which was great for her otherwise she wouldn't have opportunity to see most of the area. The guy driving the bus was great! Some of us walked the journey from main area to stables, and it doesn't take long. You pass both the orangery (lovely views out) and the ruins of the old hall - which according to the info was likely turned to ruins on purpose to avoid taxes etc. Whilst we were at Gibside, we also had a quick look in the Chapel and took the kids round to play on the park.

The biggest hills are mainly from car park to entrance and then up to the main area where walled garden is. It was a nice few hours out, we enjoyed it!

Karen W.

Friendly welcome, lovely walks and interesting ruined buildings and landmarks to see. Looked to be very dog friendly. The river walk went through a field with cows and calves, luckily didn't have our dog with us, otherwise would have been a bit wary to go through. Ate in the cafe and the food was lovely but a bit overpriced. Interesting place with some good information boards explaining the buildings.

Cara W.

Beautiful orangery, gardens and ancient woodland here. Does get busy at weekends with families. It’s best to arrive for opening time to get a relatively peaceful walk on a weekend. For early risers like me, it’s a real shame NT locations don’t open any earlier than 10am.
Because it gets busy at weekends, finding a parking space can be tricky. Again, arrive for opening and you’ll be fine.

Tony B.

Great national trust place to visit. Super walks and ruins to explore. Lovely staff and dog friendly. Good cafe and a pizza place on site too. Definitely recommended.
Just had one of the best fruit scones I've ever had at the national Trust, at the carriage house refreshment, and very good tea.

Yorkshire W. &. W.

Gibside’s Summer of Play was brilliant — space hoppers, penalty shootout, volleyball, and even a staffed family sports day including egg and spoon races, bean bag relays and rocket javelin!

The permanent Strawberry Castle playground had zip wires, swings, and toad stool climbing frames - a good size adventure playground for >8 year olds. A Family Ticket cost us £46.80 which is ok but the Summer of Play made is good value as we spent at least 2-3 hours entertained by all the extra activities.

Loved the recycled ping pong tables and smaller playground by the café whilst we had a minute to eat our sandwiches.

The walled garden was gorgeous with apple trees, mint, flowers, and even snuck in some blackberry picking. We played the sensory musical instruments and loved a giant game of giant snakes and ladders too!