The Landmark Trust is opening The Banqueting House in association with Heritage Open Days.
Join us to explore The Banqueting House on Friday 12 - Saturday 13 September 2025. Please note the change of days this year - the building will not be open on the Sunday as in previous years. National Trust free entry also applies on these dates.
The Banqueting House, a Gothic folly, sits on the edge of the National Trust’s Gibside Park. It stands in the highest part of the park in a grassy clearing, looking down on an octagonal pool with views to the Derwent Valley and beyond. The Banqueting house is a smaller building and access has to be managed sensibly to ensure visitor safety.
Whilst booking is not essential we would ask that you register for the event via Eventbrite so that we can provide you with updates regarding the event.
- Please note that your open day ticket allows you access to the building but you are welcome to explore the grounds of Gibside Park (managed by The National Trust) before and after your entry.
- Admission is free, leaflets on the building's history and children's activity sheets will be available on site.
- Take an interactive tour to see what to expect on your visit: The Banqueting House (tomjackson.photography)
Finding us
Open Day entry
Due to the historic nature of our buildings we have a limited capacity for our Open Day events. You may therefore be asked to wait a short time while other visitors finish their visit. Whilst booking is not essential, priority will be given to those who have booked in advance. Thank you for your co-operation.
Accessibility
National Trust information: Gibside | Tyne & Wear | National Trust
Access statement: Microsoft Word - 2023-April-Gibside_property_access_statement_review.doc
Twenty accessible parking spaces. Accessible Tramper is available to book, call 07712 535938 in advance. Shuttle bus available from Visitor Reception. Accessible toilets in Market Place.
We do all we can to enable access wherever possible; for further information or if you have any access concerns that you’d like to discuss before visiting, please contact our Booking Enquiries team on 01628 825925 or [email protected]. The Booking Office is open Mon to Fri - 9am to 5pm.
Making a donation as part of your visit
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to visit a Landmark for free as part of our Open Day programme, and as such we’re pleased to continue to offer free entry at all our Open Days in 2025.
The Landmark Trust is a building conservation charity that relies on donations to support its work. Over the past 60 years, public support has helped us rescue over 200 historic buildings and make them available for all to experience and enjoy. Your support by attending our events, booking a workshop, and making a donation allows us to continue to save buildings at risk and continue to maintain those already in our care. Your donation could help train the craftspeople needed to restore a future Landmark, offer opportunities for young people to experience history first-hand, or provide a charity with free Landmark stay for their service users through our 50 for Free scheme.
Donations can be made when you book your Eventbrite ticket, at the event via contactless donation points, or after your visit via our website under Support.