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Montalto Estate

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  • Five Star Quality Assurance
Five Star Quality Assurance
Spa Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8PT
Picture of Montalto House, Montalto Lake and Boathouse all within Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch.

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About

Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch aims to reconnect visitors with nature through access to a range of captivating gardens and beautiful walks and trails. For the first time in its history, this mystical and enchanting estate, set in magnificent natural surroundings, is open to visit.

Montalto Estate provides public access to the estate’s beautiful gardens along with unique and surprising garden features; historic walks and trails; and an exciting play area where children can explore, learn and wonder at their natural surroundings. A purpose built centre, designed in keeping with the look and feel of the estate, includes a welcome area featuring interpretation of the estate’s history; a stylish café offering flavoursome and beautifully presented food; and a shop that offers a mix of estate produce, local craft products and many other unique and exceptionally designed items.

The beautiful gardens in Montalto Estate include an Alpine Garden, a Winter Garden, a Cutting Garden, a Walled Garden, a Formal Garden and the Orchard situated within a wildflower meadow. Both the Winter Garden and Alpine Garden will always be accessible whilst the other gardens will be accessible whenever possible as they are working gardens. Four champion trees are located around the lake and the pinetum and over the past three years over 30,000 trees have been planted here.

Active families will enjoy the Woodland Trail and low wood. The impressive purpose built tree house, which was handcrafted onsite, features rope bridges, monkey bars and treetop views kids of all ages will enjoy. Mini explorers can enjoy the smaller tree house and natural play area. Everything within this area has been designed to fuel the imagination through exploration and discovery.

Nestled in the picturesque County Down countryside, Montalto Estate is a privately-owned demesne steeped in history dating back to the 1600s. Montalto Estate is famously the site of ‘The Battle of Ballynahinch’ which took place during the Irish rebellion in 1798. It is also home to an exotic plant collection initially created by ‘The Father of Irish Gardening’, Sir Arthur Rawdon.


For tranquil and picturesque walks you can enjoy the stunning views of The Lake Walk and The Garden Walk at Montalto Estate. Catch a glimpse of some of the wonderful wildlife that calls Montalto Estate their home or simply take in the beautiful seasonal displays and reconnect with nature.

 

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Facilities

Accessibility

  • Guide dogs permitted
  • Toilets for disabled visitors

Attraction Facilities

  • Gift Shop
  • Guided Tours Available
  • Open Sundays

Catering

  • Cater for vegetarians
  • Local Produce
  • Picnic Area
  • Restaurant on Premises
  • Serve breakfast
  • Serve lunch
  • Tea-room/Cafe onsite

Children & Infants

  • Accept children (Minimum age)
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children's Menu Available
  • Children's outdoor play area
  • Children's play area
  • Facilities for children
  • Highchairs Available
  • Suitable for Children

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Accommodation nearby
  • Available for wedding receptions
  • Cash machines
  • Cater for Corporate events
  • Cater for individuals
  • Cater for school groups
  • Conference facilities
  • Event venue
  • Family Fun
  • Fitness level required - low
  • Gift vouchers
  • Groups accepted
  • Groups catered for
  • Licenced for civil marriages
  • Lift/Elevator
  • Lost property
  • Online Booking
  • Pets accepted
  • Self guided walks/cycle rides
  • Shop
  • Toilets
  • Wi-fi available

Leisure Facilities

  • Wifi

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking
  • Coach parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted
  • American Express accepted
  • Maestro accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Visa accepted
  • Visa Debit Accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Dogs accepted by arrangement
  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Film or TV location
  • Forest Location
  • In countryside
  • In Market Town
  • Marketed Towards Families
  • Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest
  • Out of town
  • Outdoor Attraction
  • Unique venue

Specialist Features

  • Marketed as green/environmentally friendly

Travel & Trade

  • Commission/net rates apply
  • Family Discount

Guide Prices

Adult: £8.40 Membership: £42
Child: (Age 5 - 16) £5.60 Membership: £28
Senior Concession: (65+) £7.80 Membership: £39
Family: (2 adults and up to 3 children) £25.20 Membership: £99 (up to 6 children)
Mini family: (1 adult and up to 3 children) £16.80 Membership: £67 (up to 6 children)
Group (telephone/email bookings only) min 15 people £6
Child (Under 5): Free

Events

Monday, 1st April 2024 - Tuesday, 2nd April 2024

Family at Montalto Estate Easter FairEaster Fair at MontaltoCome and join us at Montalto Estate on 1st and 2nd April to enjoy our annual Montalto Easter Fair, an exciting day out for the family.
more info

Friday, 17th May 2024 - Friday, 17th May 2024

Flower PotPots, Petals & Pizza EveningCome and join us in The Café at Montalto for a fun and interactive evening with arguably two of the best combinations - petals and pizzas!
more info

Wednesday, 29th May 2024 - Wednesday, 29th May 2024

Montalto House Montalto House Guided TourYour visit will begin with a warm welcome while you enjoy tea, coffee and homemade shortbread in the beautiful Montalto House. Following this, your guided tour will commence. This will enable you to explore the grandeur of this 18th century Georgian mansion along with its wonderful collection of…
more info

Sunday, 9th June 2024 - Sunday, 9th June 2024

Flowers on Montalto EstateMontalto Estate Garden Tour with Head GardenerThis tour is perfect for those who have an interest in gardens and want to gain an insight into what it takes to be shortlisted for the UK Garden of the Year. Your tour will start with a short talk about the history of the estate by our Head Gardener as you enjoy tea/coffee and scrumptious homemade…
more info

Sunday, 23rd June 2024 - Sunday, 23rd June 2024

car showClassic Cars at MontaltoSpend the day in spectacular scenery surrounded by impressive classic cars to admire.
more info

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating - 213 reviews213 reviews

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Tel+44 (0) 28 9756 6100

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Map & Directions

Opening Times

Open Christmas
Open New Year

* 09:30am - 4pm Every Day of the Week
Last admission to trails and gardens is one hour prior to closing.
Please check website before visiting to confirm times www.montaltoestate.com

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