Christmas is fast approaching and part of the magic comes from seeking out festive family activities to enjoy in the run-up, such as the delightful Christmas trail at the National Trust's Gibside estate, near Gateshead.
Visitors will be able to spend time together and create everlasting memories exploring the enchanting illuminations - featuring more than a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds filling the air with festive fun - all choreographed to a soundtrack of Christmas classics.
Glistening trees wrapped in a thousand sparkles, sparkling tunnels of lights, giant baubles, flickering flames in the fire garden, and the gentle snowflake walk are just some of the curated light installations that will wow visitors of all ages.
The family-friendly trail has returned to the Georgian garden between Friday, December 2, 2022, and Sunday, January 1, 2023, and promises to be a delightful addition to your Christmas calendar.
Entry to the light trail is limited to availability. Visitors are encouraged to book now to secure their desired date and time slot. Book your tickets here .
Independent street food vendors will be bringing a delicious twist to the experience with tasty treats on offer. Locals can complete their walk under the stars with a spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate shared with friends and family.
Everyone loves toasting a marshmallow over an open fire and the artisan marshmallow stall will give visitors the chance to warm their hands and enjoy this sweet outdoor tradition. Food and drink will be an additional cost to the entry fee.
Matthew Findlay, head of UK trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We were thrilled with the fantastic response from visitors who enjoyed the trail last Christmas and our planning and preparations are already well underway for this year. Look out for new surprises and you’ll see the gardens in a completely new light!”
Christmas at Gibside provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The trail is designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Christmas at Gibside has been organised by Sony Music in partnership with the National Trust. The trail is created by Culture Creative.
About Gibside
Set on the edge of Newcastle, the Georgian landscape garden of Gibside was built with 'wow' moments in mind. Nature rich, the setting is home to Roe deer, Red Kites, amphibian-filled ponds, and a fruitful walled garden.
Families can build woodland dens and zoom across the zip line at the Strawberry Castle play area. Towering above, the Column to Liberty gives a glimpse into the stormy history of Mary Eleanor Bowes.
Different walking trails lead through acres of countryside, past the ruin of the old hall, a columned Palladian chapel, man-made terraces, and impressive vista views. Gibside is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, with plenty of sweet treats from the café and a relaxing second-hand bookshop.
Information about the National Trust
Gibside is part of the National Trust conservation charity. Founded in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley, the trust was established to preserve the nation's heritage and open spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The challenges of the coronavirus pandemic have shown this to be more important than ever. From finding fresh air and open skies to tracking a bee's flight to a flower; from finding beauty in an exquisite painting or discovering the hidden history of a country house nearby – the places the Trust cares for enrich people's lives.
Entirely independent of Government, the trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 780 miles of coastline and 500 historic properties, gardens, and nature reserves. The organisation has been established for everyone's benefit for spaces across the country.
National Trust Heritage sites in the UK requiring an entry charge receive an average of more than 26.9 million visits each year, and an estimated 100 million visits to the outdoor places that are free of charge. Paying visitors, together with the trust's 5.6 million members and more than 53,000 volunteers, support its work to care for nature, beauty, and history together.
For more information and to book tickets to Christmas at Gibside, click here.
