Christmas At Gibside Review

Reviewed by Elizabeth Towey

The opening night of the Christmas light show at Gibside. We were gifted with a mild, dry night. Gibside is a beautiful National Trust property in the leafy Derwent Valley, about 10 miles south west of Newcastle upon Tyne.

A week before the event I was sent a reminder of my booking which included helpful information regarding parking, the postcode to use for sat nav and an illustrated map of the light trail. This made it very easy to find the venue and gave me an idea of what to expect.

Arriving at Gibside you were guided by helpful stewards to the parking spaces. Lights then guide you on the short 5 minute walk from the carpark to the entrance to the trail. Here your tickets are checked and then you’re ready to set off on the trail.

There are toilets at the start of the trail, part way round, and then again at the end. The trail is well signposted so there is no fear you’ll end up lost in the trees!

As you enter the trail, music plays in the background, and many of the trees are uplit creating an enchanted, wonderland feel. In the Laser Garden, lights dance on the ground and in the trees like fireflies. One of my favourite exhibits was installed at the Orangery. Tall cylinders of fire blazed in front of the stone arches, while the lights cast a brilliant orange glow upon the whole structure.

There were plenty of good photo opportunities along the trail. A popular spot was the illuminated Heart Arch, with several families stopping to snap the perfect photo. (An excellent photo to use for family Christmas cards!). As the trail snaked around a large central lawn area, lights danced back and forth across the grass from one side to the other.

Moving along the trail you’re brought into the walled garden of the grounds, and here is where you’ll find Santa, jolly and chatty as families pass by. Just beyond Santa there’s an opportunity to toast marshmallows over a firepit. Popular with both adults and children alike, and a good excuse to help you warm up on a winters eve.

As you approach the end of the trail, through a beautiful arched tunnel of fairy lights, you are treated to the sight of Gibside chapel illuminated with a moving light display.

You’ve now come full circle and have the opportunity to purchase food and drinks, to be consumed outside under the stars, or inside under cover. At several points along the trail there are food and drink stalls, from crepes to hog roast to gyros, there is a wide range. Prices start from £4 for a hot chocolate, £6 for a prosecco, and £6 for crepes, to give you an idea of cost.

I would say be aware that as this is parkland, the trail at times is on a slight incline and uneven under foot. Rubber matting has been laid at several points to even out the ground.

Christmas at Gibside is a lovely start to your seasonal festivities and suitable for all ages. I can reccomend this as a sure fire way to get you into the Christmas mood!

The trail takes around 60 minutes and as everyone is staggered at 15 minute time slots, it prevents it from becoming over crowded. There were several stewards along the trail and so plenty of opportunity to ask for help and advice if needed. Everyone we encountered was helpful and friendly.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets £27.50 (adult), £14 (up to 16yrs) or £72 for a family of 4. Price includes parking for one vehicle

Tickets can be booked at Christmas at Gibside │ Gateshead | National Trust

Gibside, Rowlands Gill, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 6BG