Take a walk through the magnificent tree-lined avenue
Looking out from the Chapel which leads to the Column of Liberty
Find peace, freedom and wild flowers in the meadows surrounding the estate
Smell the scents and enjoy the sights of herbs growing in the Walled Garden
Tranquility at the Octagon Pond, reflecting its surroundings
Georgian 'forest' landscape garden
Fiery-tempered coal baron George Bowes created a 'forest' landscape garden on an impressive scale in the wooded depths of the Derwent Valley.
Brought back from the brink of dereliction, the garden is home to the natural beauty of plants and wildlife as well as impressive man-made features. Straight, formal avenues such as the Long Walk combine with naturally irregular and meandering paths and streams to epitomise the Georgian English landscape garden.
The vast landscape is dotted with unusual and decorative buildings, which boast a richness of architectural styles. A 62 metre-high Column to Liberty rises dramatically above the treetops. The Palladian Chapel and Mausoleum are preserved in all their meticulous detail, including wonderfully elegant ionic columns and elaborate carvings, thanks to weather-resistant Streatlam stone.
Miles of pathways wind through the woods, into wildflower meadows and along twisting riverbanks. Catch a flash of auburn majesty in the air, as resident red kites circle the skies. Or see a lightning-quick flash of blue as a kingfisher dives into the river for his next meal. Keep an eye out for other rare animals and plants that call Gibside their home - they‘re all here thanks to a variety of projects that protect declining species at Gibside.