I can't seem to manage to rat. is anyone else having this problem? x
I can't seem to manage to rat. is anyone else having this problem? x
Member since:14.10.2005
Reviews:596
Members who trust:288
Another National Trust property and one which I visit quite often because this is really close to my house...about 5 minutes in the car.
WHAT TO SEE...
There's plenty to see and do if you enjoy country estates. There is a chapel which was built in the mid 1700s as a mausoleum for George Bowes, and this was apparantly in the Palladium style. If this means lots of pillars and something quite out of character based on where it is, and the other buildings round it, then I'll go with that.
Leading from the chapel is a long wide grassy area, great for children to run about on , and this, not surprisingly is the Long walk which passes the walled Garden Green House, Gibside Hall and The Stables (these stables incorporate meeting rooms, anm can accommodate school visits). Continue along
the walk and you arrive at the Column to Liberty which is a long column, and quite an unexpected "find". One of the things I like is that you can take a football to Gibside, and have a kick around without being told to get off the grass.
If you follow all the walks, there is a large pond, lily ponds, and a Banqueting House, all found along the walks through the woods. there is lots of wildlife and children enjoy the bird area, where there are feeding areas for the birds, and lots of information. As an aside, Gibside is part of the Northern Kites project, trying to introduce the birds back to Britain, so there are lots of people at hand ready to talk to you about birds!
ENTRANCE PRICES AND OPENING HOURS
Times vary depending on the time of the year; these are the summer times... Grounds 10am-6pm, Chapel 11am-4.30pm, Tea room and shop 11am-5pm, Stables 11am-4.30pm. It's probably worth checking out opening times and time of last admission if visiting.
The prices are adult, £5, child £3, and £15 for a family ticket (2 adults, 4 children)
SPECIAL EVENTS
There are lots of special events at Gibside, and we have enjoyed (on dry evenings) plays and concerts. One of the good things about it is that it's not "precious" about itself, and so you are able to take a picnic along, and just sit on one of the walks and get out your trestle tables and enjoy the music and the scenery as well as eating and drinking.
There are also lots of events aimed at children, such as seasonal crafts and children's trails; all at nominal fees. There is also a little booklet which children can collect (free) explaining all about the chapel and grounds, and suggesting things they can see and do.
OTHER INFORMATION
Toilets are near the main entrance so make sure you go on arrival or head for the bushes. There is a basic baby changing facility in the toilets as well as toilets for disabled visitors, and they are usually clean
The cafe sells a selection of drinks and food at the usual inflated prices, and the small shop sells a selection of the usual kind of gifts you get at these places.
Dogs are welcome on a lead, and there are disposal bins for any mess!
In the chapel, there is information about the area in Braille, and this is actually something little miss is interested in when she visits; just learning to read herself, she is fascinated by the fact that people can read with their fingers. For disabled people also, there are wheel chairs which can be borrowed but these have to be booked in advance.
WHAT I THOUGHT
as I said, we live very close to the chapel, and being a member of the National trust, it's one of those places we visit often, even if it's just for an hour to play in the play area.
There is plenty to see and do, and we go to lots of the activities, which are always well organised and if it's a craft session, children come away happy, having made something they can keep.
the countryside is beautiful, and just to walk around on a sunny day is really good, as there is lots of wildlife, and usually staff on hand to expolain things.
As a pleasant afternoon out, away from lots of people, this is great...tranquil and lots of things to see. Having spoken to people about the place, it also apparantl;y has quite a fascinating histroy, so instead of just going for the afternoon when the sun is shining, it's perhaps something I should do- read up about it.
For inforon transport links and events, the telephone number is 01207 541820
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