Gateshead Garden Festival

Gibside

Gibside is now in the care of the National Trust, and a beloved green space in the Gateshead countryside. Its rich history is intertwined with the Bowes family, including Mary Eleanor Bowes, one of the 18th century’s most sought-after heiresses.

Crowley's Iron Works

Once home to Crowley’s Ironworks and Derwenthaugh Coke Works, Derwenthaugh Country Park has been reclaimed for nature. Today, as you pass Derwenthaugh Fish Pass and the Land of Oak and Iron, you can still spot traces of key industrial sites reclaimed for nature in the 1980s.

Metrocentre

Europe’s first American-style shopping mall, built on the former Dunston Power Station site. It was the vision of Sir John Hall and opened in 1986, and was once home to the iconic Metroland.

Gateshead Garden Festival

From May to October 1990, Gateshead Garden Festival welcomed over 3 million visitors to Gateshead for public art, events and celebrations on post-industrial land.

St Mary's Heritage Centre

Formerly St Mary’s Church, this building has survived multiple fires and seen Gateshead change since it was built in the 13th century. When the gates are open, check out the graveyard - the oldest headstone dates back to 1651. Inside you can discover the impact of the Great Fire of Gateshead and the redesign of the building by the local architect John Dobson.