Gibside

Historic Site in Gateshead

Gibside is an 18th-century landscaped estate spread across 243 hectares of woodland and parkland in the Derwent Valley, created by George Bowes, one of the richest men in Georgian England. Once a pleasure ground for elite society, it is now a National Trust property open to everyone, offering sweeping vistas, long avenues and framed views across the valley that still have the power to impress. The shell of Gibside Hall hints at the scale of the original house, but the estate is now best known for its striking chapel, walled garden and miles of nature-rich paths. It feels like one of the best places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne if you want to swap city streets for trees and birdsong.

From the ornate Column to Liberty and restored Banqueting House to the stables, riverside walks and family-friendly play areas, there is plenty to explore over the course of a day. Well-marked routes wind through woodland and along the River Derwent, giving you a chance to appreciate both the designed landscape and the wilder edges of the estate. Gibside is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Gateshead and the Derwent Valley, especially if you enjoy combining history, landscape design and easygoing outdoor adventures.

History and Significance of Gibside
Things to See and Do in Gibside
How to Get to Gibside
Practical Tips on Visiting Gibside
Where to Stay close to Gibside
Is Gibside Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Gibside
Nearby Attractions to Gibside

History and Significance of Gibside

Gibside’s story is rooted in the ambitions and wealth of George Bowes, a powerful coal owner and politician who reshaped the estate in the 18th century. Using the natural drama of the Derwent Valley as a backdrop, Bowes created a designed landscape that reflected Georgian tastes for long vistas, carefully placed buildings and managed woodland. Broad rides, avenues and viewpoints were laid out to frame specific scenes, turning the estate into a kind of living theatre for guests who came to walk, ride and socialise.

The now-ruined Gibside Hall was once the centrepiece of this world, a grand country house that signalled the family's status. Over time, however, the fortunes of the estate shifted, and the hall fell into decline, leaving only a shell of its former self. In contrast, the estate chapel survived in far better condition, emerging as Gibside's most iconic building. Its classical façade, tall tower and prominent position along an avenue make it the focal point of many views, and a reminder of how architecture and landscape were designed to work together.

Today, Gibside is cared for by the National Trust, which has focused on conserving both its built heritage and its natural habitats. The stables, walled garden, Column to Liberty and Banqueting House remain intact, each adding another layer to the story of how the estate functioned in its heyday. As you walk the grounds, you are following in the footsteps of Georgian guests and later generations, but with the added benefit of modern paths, waymarked routes and interpretation that explain how the estate evolved from private playground to public green space.

Things to See and Do in Gibside

One of the pleasures of Gibside is how quickly you can feel immersed in nature. From the main entrance, a network of waymarked trails leads you through mature woodland, open parkland and along the banks of the River Derwent, with regular viewpoints and benches inviting you to stop and take in the landscapes Bowes commissioned. Some routes are gentle and suitable for families, while others offer slightly longer or hillier loops for those wanting a more energetic walk.

The architectural highlights add structure to any visit. Gibside Chapel is a must-see, with its striking exterior and commanding position at the end of a grand avenue. The Column to Liberty rises above the treeline, visible from various points on the estate, and makes a dramatic landmark as you follow the paths. The shell of Gibside Hall hints at the lost grandeur of the main house, while the stables and restored walled garden show how the working heart of the estate once functioned, from housing horses and carriages to growing fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Families will find plenty to keep children engaged, from natural play areas and open spaces for running around to seasonal events and activities. Wildlife is another draw: listen for birds in the woods, watch for deer and spot butterflies and wildflowers in clearings and meadow-like stretches. Whether you come for a focused heritage visit, a long walk or a picnic with views, Gibside offers one of the things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead that feels like a proper countryside escape without a long journey.

How to Get to Gibside

If you are travelling from further afield, Newcastle International Airport is the main gateway to the region, with regular domestic and European flights and public transport links into Newcastle and Gateshead. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Newcastle upon Tyne on Booking.com. From the airport you can reach the city centre by Metro and continue towards Gibside by bus, taxi or car.

By train, the nearest major station is Newcastle Central Station on the East Coast Main Line, served by frequent services from cities such as London, Edinburgh and York.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From Central Station you can connect to local buses heading towards Rowlands Gill or the Derwent Valley area, or take a taxi directly to the estate entrance.

If you prefer to drive, Gibside lies a short distance south-west of Gateshead and Newcastle, with access from major routes such as the A1 before following local roads signed for Rowlands Gill and Gibside. There is on-site parking for visitors, though it can be busy on sunny weekends and during school holidays, so arriving earlier in the day often makes things easier.

Practical Tips on Visiting Gibside

Suggested tips: Wear sturdy shoes suitable for uneven paths and bring layers, as the weather can change quickly and shaded woodland can feel cooler than open areas.
Best time to visit: Gibside is appealing year-round, but spring and autumn are especially good for blossom and foliage, while summer brings longer days and more family activities.
Entrance fee: Adult £17.00
Opening hours: Winter: 10:00 - 16:00
Summer: 10:00 - 17:00
Official website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
How long to spend: Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the main walks and key features; a full day is ideal if you want to follow longer trails, linger over views and visit the play areas or café.
Accessibility: Some paths are relatively level and suitable for robust buggies and mobility aids, but other routes include slopes, uneven surfaces and woodland tracks; check access maps for the most suitable options.
Facilities: On site you will usually find toilets, a café or kiosk, picnic areas and information boards, along with waymarked routes and maps to help you plan your walk.
Photography tip: Aim to capture long vistas that include the chapel, Column to Liberty or avenues of trees, and return in different seasons if you can to see how light and colour transform the landscape.
Guided tours: Look out for ranger walks, history talks or themed events that dive deeper into George Bowes, the estate’s design and its wildlife; these can add useful context to what you see.
Nearby food options: In addition to on-site refreshments, nearby villages such as Rowlands Gill and the wider Gateshead area offer pubs and cafés where you can refuel before or after your visit.

Where to Stay close to Gibside

Staying near Gibside lets you enjoy the estate at a relaxed pace and still reach Newcastle and Gateshead easily. In nearby Whickham, The Gibside Hotel offers a convenient base with straightforward road access to the estate and views across the Tyne valley. For a more tucked-away feel in leafy surroundings, Eslington Villa combines characterful rooms with gardens and a peaceful atmosphere, while still being within driving distance of Gibside. If you would rather base yourself in the heart of Newcastle and make a day trip to the estate, Maldron Hotel Newcastle gives you a central location close to rail and bus connections for exploring the wider region.

Is Gibside Worth Visiting

If you enjoy historic landscapes, gentle walking and the combination of grand ruins with living woodland, Gibside is very much worth visiting. It offers a different experience from a traditional stately home tour: the focus here is on the designed outdoors rather than fully furnished interiors, and on the way Georgian ambition has blended over time with recovering nature. The chapel, Column to Liberty and long avenues give plenty of visual drama, while the miles of paths and riverside stretches make it easy to stretch your legs and decompress. For many visitors, Gibside quickly becomes one of the must-see places in Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead, especially on a clear, calm day.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (4,063)

Gibside, Rowlands Gill NE16 6BG, is a scenic estate centred on an 18th-century house and chapel with landscaped gardens, riverside trails and varied outdoor attractions; visitors praise its extensive walking routes (four clearly marked trails), informative wildlife and building interpretation boards, ruined buildings to explore, a bird hide and plenty of open space for kids and dogs, plus friendly, helpful staff. On-site refreshment options include a well-stocked tearoom, a pizza parlour and an ice cream stand, and volunteers have compiled informative history folders available in the café; there are also small shops selling books and local produce.

ha ah warwick-soden

3 months ago

"Lovely huge site great for hiking around. Not too much to visit 'indoors' , it's more of an outdoors with ruin buildings to look at type of park. Wevisited yesterday on their heritage open day. Lovely cafe pizza parlour and also 2 bookshops and local produce stand. Came home with 8 books and a massive courgette 😂 highly recommend for a dose of fresh air and exercise! Also points for a good selection of dairy free ice cream 👍😬..."

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Rob Armstrong

a week ago

"Great day out. Kids loved the park, and the trails and the bird hide. All of the staff were extremely friendly and helpful, especially the two ladiesin the Stables Coffee Shop..."

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Karen Wright

6 months ago

"Friendly welcome, lovely walks and interesting ruined buildings and landmarks to see. Looked to be very dog friendly. The river walk went through afield 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...."

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FAQs for Visiting Gibside

No, non-members are welcome and can pay an admission fee on the day or book tickets in advance, while National Trust members usually enjoy free entry on presentation of a valid membership card.

You can enjoy a short loop in an hour or less, but to follow longer woodland or riverside trails, visit the key landmarks and stop for breaks, most people find that three to five hours passes easily.

Yes, Gibside is very family-friendly, with open spaces, natural play areas, buggy-friendly routes and seasonal activities that make it a good choice for a day out with children.

Dogs are generally welcome on leads on many of the estate’s paths, though some areas may have restrictions to protect wildlife or livestock, so always check current dog-walking guidelines before you set off.

A car is convenient, but it is also possible to reach Gibside using a combination of train to Newcastle and local buses or taxis to the Derwent Valley; plan your route in advance to match your schedule.

Nearby Attractions to Gibside

Derwent Walk Country Park: A network of former railway paths and riverside trails offering gentle walking and cycling routes through the Derwent Valley.
Tanfield Railway: A heritage railway claiming the world’s oldest railway line, with steam trains running through scenic countryside and over historic bridges.
Beamish Museum: An open-air museum of North East life, with recreated towns, trams and farms that bring the region's 19th- and 20th-century history to life.
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art: A converted flour mill on the Gateshead Quays, now a major contemporary art centre with rotating exhibitions and Tyne views.
Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside: A lively riverfront area with iconic bridges, restaurants and bars, ideal for rounding off a day that begins with walks at Gibside.

The Gibside appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Newcastle upon Tyne!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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