A North East attraction has been dubbed one of the top places in the country to see blossoms burst into colour this spring.
Gibside is the only spot in the region named by the National Trust as among the best places across the UK to see the beautiful floral display. Situated between Rowlands Gill and Burnopfield just a few miles outside of Newcastle, the estate is one of the few surviving 18th-century designed landscapes and is a favourite for local families wanting to explore the great outdoors.
The Walled Garden at Gibside is full of fruit trees including cherry, apple and plum, which blossom in colours from delicate pink to vivid fuschia from March until late May. What's more, the venue is hosting a Festival of Blossom to celebrate the beautiful spring colours from April 24 until April 30 which will see the garden draped in bunting, ribbon and nature tapestries.
The eye-catching display will also include an archway of flowers created by Gibside's community sewing group. Beekeepers will be on hand to chat to visitors about the importance of blossom and there will be lawn games and willow tepees to enjoy outdoors too, as well as blossom bakes on offer in the café.
The National Trust suggest making the most of nature at Gibside by wandering along its 15 miles of trails, and even bringing along a journal or sketchpad to create a lasting memory of the beautiful spring landscape. Whether you're out for a long hike or relaxed stroll at Gibside, there are plenty of spots along the way ideal for enjoying a family picnic, stretching out on a yoga mat, or simply spending a quiet moment of reflection among nature.
There are plenty more events to look forward to at Gibside over the coming months, with landscape garden tours, history talks and guided walks running from this weekend until the end of the year. Throughout the rest of spring and into summer there's also a Botanical Monoprinting workshop, renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Secret Garden theatre shows, and plenty of family fun - you can read more about the upcoming events on the National Trust website.
Admission to Gibside costs £14 for adults and £7 for children for non-National Trust members. Under-fives get in for free, while families can get a ticket for up to two adults and three children for £35 - you can see opening times and book tickets on the National Trust website.
READ NEXT:
First ever public bus route from Newcastle to Northumberland beauty spot launches this Easter
56 free things to do with kids in Newcastle and the North East
The world of the Roman gladiator is recalled in a new exhibition at Segedunum, Wallsend
Two new children's play areas coming to County Durham adventure park at Easter
Construction underway at Beamish Museum on 1950s cinema, toy shop and electrical store
