Gibside
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  • Sybilbee23
    Durham, United Kingdom66 contributions
    Absolutely Magical!
    We have never been to the 'Christmas at Gibside' light experience before but we will definitely go again. We chose a very early slot on the 8th December and the sleet was stair rods! We were quite apprehensive about slipping however they had rubber mats in areas that required them and concrete pathways everywhere else. ( Would not like to push a Wheelchair round but Pushchairs were managing quite well!) My mobility is not brilliant but once we slowly walked around the displays you quite forgot everything else. I was transported into a magical world. The tasteful displays and music were brilliant and Father Christmas looked so splendid I wanted to cry. There were toilets and eateries in three places around the site and a lovely food / Helter Skelter hub at the end. Well worth every penny if you need cheering up. It took us about an hour to slowly walk around. I would like to point out that there is a steep bank to negotiate when you first enter but there are rails and we just took it easy.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 11, 2022
  • Gary S
    Gateshead, United Kingdom2 contributions
    Christmas
    We went yesterday with 2 grandchildren aged 13 and 7 for Christmas at Gibside. We all enjoyed it thought it was great the displays along the trail were great. Good facilities along the way toilets etc all clean. We enjoyed the food at the end of trail and some good rides for smaller children. The only negative was when we got our food there was plenty of seating, but it could of done with a few outside heaters especially as we had kids and it was really cold. We were well wrapped up for the elements but the kids felt the cold when we stopped for food. Otherwise it was a great experience and we will definitely go back..
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written December 18, 2022
  • J Easton
    Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom52 contributions
    A great offer for all
    Visit with my daughter in law and grand child 3rd Jan, nice friendly greeting on a cold damp day, provided best route for the pram. Nice walk good offer for children and walkers. Toilets warm and clean. Cafe very friendly and warm love the calories on the product shame nothing light, pleased to walk off the scone. Well done.
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 3, 2023
  • kir2
    174 contributions
    Lovely afternoon out
    Lovely afternoon out with the dog. Fab little coffee shop at the stables which dogs are allowed in ..then at the side is the off lead enclosure. Rosie the retriever thoroughly enjoyed this. Will return soon.
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 5, 2023
  • Allan T
    1 contribution
    Dog walking plus culture in a gorgeous setting.
    Always a great place for walking the dog, beautiful In any weather. Really enjoyed visiting the art studios at the stableblock and chatting to the artists. What a fantastic way to use the spaces up there and a great addition to Gibside.
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 6, 2023
  • Kate K
    49 contributions
    Nice walk
    Nice walk but playground too small and not enough in it. Even some kind of trim trail would increase capacity. Was so busy had to wait a while for a swing then felt like rushing the children off it again and the castle was a bit dangerous as too many children on it as was little else to do.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 23, 2023
  • TyneAndWearColumbus
    1,499 contributions
    Could be so much more than it is
    I've just been to Gibside for the first time and had a good visit, but it could have been so much better. At reception we were given a rushed conversation which didn't really give much information. We started with a hot drink in the cafe nearest to reception and it was lovely in there. The Staff were really pleasant and helpful and it was immaculately clean. We sat outside and it was very pleasant. We decided to do the purple walk, which was the shortest. We passed some lovely gardens and apple trees, and an impressive ruined building which was described as a garden room. Views were stunning from there. We then followed the route to the Stables, another really impressive building with a cafe. The trail was uphill for a lot of the way and could be difficult for anyone with walking difficulties. I felt some of the trail could have done with more clear signage , as we took a few wrong turns because of a lack of trail signs. We ended up back at a very imposing church and the architecture inside was beautiful. This National trust property feels like it could be so much more than it is. It's set in a fantastic location but there's hardly any information about the place. We walked past a huge column, a bit like Greys monument in Newcastle. There was no sign or explanation to tell you what it was or anything about it. I came away thinking I'd need to google Gibside to find out anything about it. It would have been nice to see some enthusiastic Staff there, telling you about the property. The only enthusiastic pleasant staff were in the cafe
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written September 14, 2023
  • Michael B
    Stanley, United Kingdom3 contributions
    Better than expected, didn't get round the whole lot so will be returning soon.
    We went not realising it was a Heritage open day, which was brilliant because it meant free entry and lots of people on hand to give us directions etc. Despite living nearby, I've never been to Gibside, so this was a nice bonus and given we only intended spending an hour or so there it was ideal for us. We didn't take the dog, but dogs are welcome on a lead, and I think my dog would have enjoyed just going for the walk. Lots of drinking stations for them spread around. We arrived just after opening time, there was plenty of parking. My niece and nephews are under 6 so we didn't really get to do much exploring of the buildings (I will go back), so I can really only comment on the play area, low ropes, rubbing stencils, walks and of course the cafe! On arrival and once through the ticket office we were given a map and pointed in the direction of the cafe and start of the walks. At the cafe area we were greeted by a lovely lady who gave us sheets and pencils for orienteering, a tick sheet for spot the creatures and a more specific map of the walks. She was also keen to give the kids puzzles etc in the form of a castle, but I asked her to keep hold of them to save them getting wet while we went on our walk. We started off quite well with the orienteering, but once we made it to the park we pretty much ended up forgetting about it. Bearing in mind it was a pretty drizzly day, but we arrived well prepared in wellies and boots etc. The kids had a laugh, there's a good few swings, zip line, climbing logs, and a raised castle. There is a water feature (I note others have mentioned the hand pump wasn't working, but this was probably a good thing for us - it wet enough). We pretty much had the place to ourselves so it was great. There are clean toilets and picnic tables. After a while at the park, we wandered the path to find the low ropes. On the way to the low ropes there are rubbing stencils and even with damp sheets of paper we still enjoyed having a go! Again because the weather wasn't great there was only one other family at the low ropes, the kids all loved it and got pretty muddy on the way round. With all that fresh air, we were desperate for some drinks and a bite to eat. The cafe was lovely and clean, plenty of staff on hand. I had a really nice balti turnover with my coffee, and the kids had sandwiches, scones, crisps and an apple. (By the time we walked back through the park, the ice-cream stall was open and I noticed they did hot drinks too which is good to know). I think this is a great attraction which should offer something for everyone. Thanks to the staff / volunteers for making a fuss of the kids and making sure they were entertained.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 18, 2023
  • Lynn F
    1 contribution
    Les the Legend
    We visited yesterday with my mam who is 87 and needed a wheelchair As we entered the reception to explain this immediately Les ( Les the legend as we later named him ) offered us a lift up the hill in his mobility bus. The laughter we had getting mam in a mini bus was hilarious for me and my sister. We decided to walk up to the stables oblivious of the strep hill involved, however like a man in shinning armour legend Les appeared with his magic bus to take us to the top. Again after we had looked around and decided to go back to the market place the lady in the cafe contacted our Legend via radio to come and retrieve us and take us back down. Les is a volunteer here but his passion and willingness to help with such love is incredible a massive Thankyou to this wonderful gentlemen you made our day so special x
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 19, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
819 reviews
Excellent
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Hilary R
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
I would love to say I had the same experience as the reviewer on 21.07.20 but it was not so. The reason? We managed to to get the 3.30 to 4pm slot and duly turned up at 3.25pm to be told that they were closing at 5pm and not the summer usual time of 6pm. This meant that we had to forgo the cafe as there was a queue which closed at 4pm. So loss of income there. We managed to walk down to the river and up to the turning to the Statue of Liberty then back to the car with 9 minutes to spare. We are members but if we were not a members then at £16 we have been treated most unfairly to those who managed to get in earlier. Sorry Gibside but you have lost the plot with unfairness of the staggered times, organisation of the route to the cafe and the taking away seating. I compare you to a wonderful experience at Newby Hall. Their playground was closed when we went in the 12.30 to 3pm slot, greeted by one person in the reception area, indoors not under a flimsy gazebo, one person at the takeaway kiosk and one person in the shop who allowed one person in at a time. Really hoping that you take notice of this review.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sma19
Morpeth10 contributions
Dec 2020
Given that this event was 'advertised' on Look North we thought a nice thing to do on Boxing Day evening to get out from watching more Netflix. With tickets at £15 each we were expecting so much more. It was nice in parts particularly for young children and you really can't go wrong with lights and flames outdoors on a cold dark winter's night. However the trail was very short and completed in less than 20 minutes with nothing spectacular to behold. What particularly irked us were the marshals telling everyone to move on, walk quicker and not stop. Cynically it was for the organisers to push more people through the doors and see the money rolling in. We didn't even stop to look at the prices of the drinks and food on offer at the end of the trail when we waited 15 minutes for a bus back to the car park. I would not go to another such event again even though I am a supporter of the National Trust and understand their financial challenges this year.
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ecomentalist
Durham, UK82 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Gibside is our local National Trust property so we have been visiting here regularly for about 4 years. However, as NT members we have also visited other similar properties all over the country and on balance Gibside is something of a let down on usual standards. For starters it feels underinvested. The ruins of the main house are largely completely inaccessible and surrounded by a horrible building site style temporary fence. There is not much interactive things to do and signage and general infrastructure is poor throughout the site. The cafe is a joke, the prices only ever go up and quality goes down. You now have to pay extra for salad with a jacket potato and the tea is eyewateringly expensive without even getting a hot watet refill! My advice is drive a little further and visit Fountains Abbey.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travelling man
Durham, UK12 contributions
Dec 2020
Visited the ignite display on Saturday 26 December.
We started off at Blaydon Rugby club on the park and ride.Throughout the evening the event was well organised and the staff were excellent and friendly.
As for the event itself it lacked creativity, flow and imagination and even though on a slow amble it only took 20/25 minute to pass the various displays.
At the end there was mulled wine and bratwurst stalls selling at normal event prices
( Not cheap )
On investigation Gibside have employed a high profile events company from outside the area to set up the event so Gibside have absolutely not got value for money or they have underfunded the event.
The event is crying out for lasers , lights , costumed characters and some form of stage show /narrator to enhance the experience and extend the time.
At £20 per person this was grossly overpriced and Gibside should offer some form of recompense like a free or discounted event throughout 2021 to make up for this disaster .
Lastly they should look to some local event company who would give value for money and take some pride in staging this event.
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nicki W
Cottingham, UK21 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
Not much of the site is actually open so this was basically an expensive woodland walk unless you’re a paid up NT member.
There was no mention of the chapel being closed on the website nor that, with the stables being closed, toilet facilities were also limited.
We felt that more could be done with the ‘grand’ ruin. The main information plaque on the upper path was missing and the ruin was cordoned off with ugly metal barriers/screening. Whilst visitor safety etc is obviously important surely something better could be installed.
The cafe was operating limited service which is understandable at the current time, but that doesn’t excuse a cup of milky tea. Tea needs to brewed before milk is added so maybe a move back to individual uht milk for those that would rather add their own. (Thankfully we were given extra tea bags when we mentioned our dislike of milky weak tea)
As visitors of many non NT historical sites/grounds this year, I can honestly say this is at the very bottom of the list both for enjoyment and value. Wish we’d read some reviews as we may well not have bothered.
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

delabart
4 contributions
Dec 2020
absolute disappointment... exactly 20min travel to park and ride, 7 mins on bus. It took us exactly 25 mins to walk the 'light show' and at each time told to hurry up! terrible light show, repetition. 20min 7mins on bus and 20min travel home for 25 mins of absolute waste of money. we've been to Durham light show (amazing) and Saltwell Park (amazing) I could have done better doing this in my front garden with fairy lights and soft toys. sorry if this is harsh, but we paid for family of 4 then to my horror my wife invited my brother and family...then to have almost half of the walk given over to F & B , crumbs. if it had been any good i would have spent an extra £40 on food and hot drinks, couldn't wait to escape. more like 'escape the room and pay for it'. if you're good at willow making, do it at home. waste of an Xbox game for Christmas... I understand times are harsh but I feel this is just another kick in the teeth.
Written December 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ClaireC00ps
Stokesley, UK25 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We were very unsure of whether to visit, having read reviewers’ thoughts about safety and enjoyment. We had already paid, so gave it a go, but had low expectations. Like another reviewer we decided to politely take our time, despite a few marshalls that were loud, intrusive and detracted from the experience! Other marshalls had it just right- discrete but cautious. We felt quite safe wearing masks and were able to stay 2 m from others. We stopped to take frequent photos to allow us plenty of time at each installation. The quality of these was excellent but it’s a shame there were not a few more. The trail took us 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.
We didn’t stop at the German market area as people were gathering more and not wearing masks. We planned ahead and took our own flasks and found a bench after the trail on which to enjoy these! Overall a nice evening out and I’m glad we went.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

evatkins
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK2 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We are non NT members and paid for the 2-230pm entry with website saying car park closes at 4pm. However when arrived told will need to leave car park by 330pm ready for Ignite. We would have loved a bit more time but felt under pressure to leave! However we enjoyed the hour or so we were there but expensive!
Written December 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SanDra_B
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK24 contributions
Aug 2021
We decided to continue our burst of visits around the north east in the last week of the school holidays by going to Gibside to make some use of our National Trust cards. It's a huge area with long walks, with a lovely garden, a ruined mansion (which is off limits) and a folly. These provide some nice photo opportunities, but there is very little else to do, expecially for young children who apparently find it boring! There are play areas, but they seemed run down, and the bigger one was hard to find as the signage is poor. The cafe is overpriced too for the type of food on offer, and the sandwiches were dry - maybe the NT is trying to save money on butter! Word of warning - the way up to the grounds is via a steep wooden walkway, which may challenge some. I can imagine it would be hard for wheelchair users.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Christine H
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Couples
I was really looking forward to this, but although it was really pretty, it was all over very soon, and felt like poor value for money. However, this was not my main issue. Although the queueing for the park and ride bus was socially distanced, once on the bus we were expected to sit on the next seat to others. There would have been barely 2 feet between us, never mind 2 metres. I was extremely anxious. All in all, a poor experience.
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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