Apple afternoons - taste the produce
9–10 Oct, 16–17 Oct…
At Gibside’s Walled Garden, gardeners demonstrate pressing apples and talk about the heritage varieties grown there. Visitors can also taste freshly pressed apple juice.
Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear is a metropolitan county in North East England, renowned for its riverside cities, industrial heritage, cultural landmarks, and scenic coastlines.
Near Gibside
Gibside is a historic Georgian country estate in Tyne and Wear featuring landscaped parkland, architectural ruins, and restored buildings such as the Palladian chapel and Banqueting House. Visitors can explore both outdoor grounds and significant indoor heritage structures.
Lighthouse Keeper Trail
7 Oct, 10–14 Oct…
Visitors follow a self-guided trail at the lighthouse, taking on lighthouse keepers’ daily tasks and exploring the building and grounds. The activities include climbing the lighthouse stairs and identifying plants outside.
Near Souter Lighthouse and The Leas
Souter Lighthouse is the UK's first electric lighthouse, offering indoor historical exhibits and outdoor coastal walks including The Leas and Whitburn Coastal Park. Visitors can enjoy a café, bookshop, rockpooling, wildlife watching, and family events in a scenic coastal setting.
Hidden Gibside, a history walk for those seeking a challenge
10 Oct, 15 Nov
A historian leads a challenging six-mile walk around Gibside, exploring its industrial past, the Bowes family and historic remains hidden across the estate.
Wednesday health walk
7 Oct, 14 Oct…
A sociable guided health walk around Gibside, with opportunities to enjoy the views and spot wildlife. The route is adapted to the group and may cover up to five miles.
Live music in the hall
7 Sep, 5 Oct
Local musicians perform live traditional music from England and Western Europe in Washington Old Hall, bringing the historic hall to life. Performances by duo Julie and William occur on the first Monday of the month, featuring music from the medieval period to the 20th century. No booking is needed, but venue admission charges apply.
The autumn almanac
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
The autumn almanac is a season-long programme at Gibside featuring autumn décor, exhibitions, floristry workshops, a poetry walk, a Head Gardener’s talk, apple tastings, forest bathing and heritage pottery glazing.
Near Birkheads Secret Gardens
Birkheads Secret Gardens is a biodiverse hillside garden near Newcastle upon Tyne, featuring formal and cottage gardens, woodland areas, wildflower meadows, an orchard, and specialty themed gardens. Visitors can enjoy plant sales and refreshments during free access times for RHS members.
Wednesday health walk
7 Oct, 28 Oct…
A sociable guided coastal walk led by Trevor and John, with opportunities to enjoy the views and spot wildlife. The walk returns to the Lighthouse Café.
2 miles from Souter Lighthouse
Souter Lighthouse, managed by the National Trust, is a historic lighthouse showcasing pioneering electric lighting technology and maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the lighthouse tower, engine room, and keepers' quarters as well as outdoor areas including a play area for children and enjoy special demonstrations of the lamps and foghorn.
The art of noticing: a photography exhibition
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
A photography exhibition showcasing the work of National Trust volunteer photographer Tony Blackett, exploring the details and perspectives found around us.
Near Gibside
Gibside is a Grade I-listed Georgian landscape garden near Rowlands Gill featuring historic ruins, extensive walking trails, and family-friendly outdoor activities including adventure play areas and den building. The venue includes a café, bookshop, and hosts seasonal events and guided tours, welcoming visitors and dogs alike.
Coffee afternoon by the sea with Age Concern Tyneside South
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
A dementia-friendly coffee afternoon hosted by Age Concern Tyneside South at Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre. Attendees can chat with others or take part in activities such as games, knitting, arts and crafts.
Living Literature: a poetry walk with Gateshead Libraries
8 Oct
Join the Gateshead Libraries team for a guided walk through Gibside’s gardens, hearing poetry and prose from different periods that reflect the autumn season. Attendees are welcome to bring a favourite poem to share.
3 miles from Derwentcote Steel Furnace
Derwentcote Steel Furnace is an early 18th-century cementation furnace near Newcastle upon Tyne, preserved as a Grade I listed industrial monument and scheduled site, showcasing historic steel production methods.