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Outdoors

Gibside National Trust Farm Estate

Rowlands Gill
Courtesy of Gibside

SETTING

Outdoors

WHERE

Rowlands Gill

What it’s like

NT estate near Rowlands Gill with gardens, walks and seasonal farm - Soft Play N.

National Trust Gibside near Rowlands Gill mixes estate walks with farm animals in season and wide open space for kids to burn energy. Ticketed NT property - members free.

Cafe and toilets on site. About 25 mins from Newcastle via the A1/Derwent Valley.

Gardens and heritage day out. Soft Play N.

What’s on here

Facilities

Café
Parking
Toilets
Baby change
Picnic area
Dog friendly

Plan your visit

Is there parking?

Yes, there's parking on site.

Can we eat there?

Yes, there's a café, and there's a picnic area if you'd rather bring your own.

Is it OK with a baby or toddler in tow?

Yes, there's baby change.

Can the dog come?

Yes, it's listed as dog friendly. Worth checking any on-lead rules before you set off.

Is it indoors?

No, this one's an outdoor day, so pick your weather.

Areas to explore

  • Café obstacle course

    outdoors

    Obstacle course for children to play on at the café.

  • Column to Liberty

    Historic monument at Gibside.

  • Den building area

    outdoors

    Area along the Explorer Trail where visitors can build dens.

  • Explorer Trail

    outdoors

    Family-friendly trail packed with nature and play areas, including the Red Kite adventure play area and den building.

  • Gibside Chapel

    Palladian-style chapel; visitors can look inside. Closed Monday 21 to Friday 25 September for a chapel conservation project.

  • Gibside Hall ruins

    Historic ruins of Gibside Hall.

  • Off-lead dog area

    outdoors

    Safe off-lead area for dogs.

  • Orangery

    Historic building that visitors can look inside.

  • Play fort

    indoors

    Play fort located in the indoor picnic area at the Stables.

  • Red Kite adventure play area

    outdoors

    Adventure playground found along the family-friendly Explorer Trail.

  • Walking trails

    outdoors

    4 trails through the landscape garden, ranging from more-accessible strolls to longer stretches for seasoned hikers, with 15 miles of paths in total.

  • Walled Garden

    outdoors

    Garden filled with vibrant blooms, seasonal produce and garden games.

Also on site

  • Dog shower

    Handy dog shower for muddy moments, part of dog-friendly facilities.

  • Gibside Pizza Pit

    Restaurant open 11:30am-3pm on weekends and every day during school holidays.

  • Second-hand bookshops

    Two second-hand bookshops on site.

Featured in 3 Huddlepin lists

14HUDDLEPIN LISTFarms & animalsLambs, llamas, penguins and everything you can feed or stroke.18HUDDLEPIN LISTParks & natureCountry parks, woods, lakes and trails for burning off energy.43HUDDLEPIN LISTMuseums & heritageCastles, caves, windmills and museums that don't feel like homework.

See all Gardens & Arboretums in Newcastle · Things to do in Newcastle

Also filed underCastles, Historic Houses & Heritage in Newcastle ›

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