We were kindly invited along to try some of what Gibside is offering for families during the Summer holidays with Let's Play. We love Gibside and there's always lots to do, whether you have a few hours to kill or a full day.
We have been NT members for many years and visit Gibside regularly, so we were excited to see what had been added for the Summer holidays.
Honestly, there is loads to do here, you can download a planner with themed weeks from the NT Website, but everything is running everyday. Read on to find out what has been added.
In the walled garden you will find sections of activities such as
Garden games - This includes connect 4, Jenga, hula hoops, quiots and some handy mats with cushions and deck chairs for relaxing
Inflatable blind football - blindfold yourself, chase a ball with a bell in it and try and get it in the goal
Mouse House Village - Play in the wooden play houses. More deckchairs to use too
In the walled garden there's also lots of lovely flowers to look at and plenty of butterflies and bugs to find
On the large field you will find a huge array of sports to get involved in such as
Basketball
Hockey
Badminton
Javelin
Football
Volleyball
Rebound Catch Net
Further round, just before the entrance to the Low Rope Trail, you will find flying disk Golf, which is lots of fun and the pavilion of play which is fantastic for younger kids who love nature
Other things you can do at Gibside
Low Ropes Trail - The boys love this and go on it every time we visit, I can't believe not many people know about it. It is better for older kids. There are also a few picnic benches
Den Building - Again another one of the boys favourites, they can spend hours in here building dens and have even built a bridge before.
Explore The Play Trail - A lovely hidden trail through the trees with some log bridges and wooden steps
Strawberry Castle Play area - This is always super busy when we go, but it is massive and has lots for kids to enjoy. I would say it is better for under 12s and has slides, swings, zip wire, water play, climbing frames etc There's also a nice little ice cream stall and toilets here.
Bug Hunt - So many opportunities to do a bug/nature hunt. Create your own and have a bit of fun
Bird Spotting - With all of the trees around you there's quite a few birds to spot and today we were inches away from a decapitated mouse
Picnic in the walled garden is always a great option
You can also find 5 walking trails which are all different and created to suit a range of abilities. The only thing I will say is, when it has been raining the pathway can be very slippery, so I would advise wearing a good pair of walking boots.
Good To Know
Dogs are welcome, there's also outdoor seating at the Cafes with water bowls available
Good sturdy footwear is a must
Some of the walks are quite hilly, there is a bus that can pick you up and take you so far along if you can't manage.
Plenty of parking including 2 free to use EV chargers.
2 Cafes on site serving a range of light bites, hot and cold drinks and cakes
Second Hand Book Store located just outside the walled garden
Little stall selling fruit and veg grown in the garden on a pay as you feel basis
Toilets in the main area near the walled garden
Plenty of benches to sit and relax or have a picnic
Not many bins around once you are out of the main area so please take your rubbish home
In the stables you will find a lovely exhibition, workshop, toilets and a nature area although this is being renovated
Open daily from 10am - 6pm
National Trust members are free to visit
Prices include Gift Aid
Adult £14.30
Child £7.20
Family £35.80
Family (1 Adult) £22.50
Let us know if you have visited this Summer
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