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About
WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday, reconnect with nature, and experience the wonder of wetlands on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough.
Visit Castle Espie all year round and discover new trails, activities and wildlife highlights every time!
Get up close to Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic birds, ducks and geese in our World Wetland Aviary. Join our keepers for daily Diving Duck Talks and Handfeeding Sessions too.
Explore the nature reserve with walking paths through both the wetlands and woodlands. With bird hides and viewpoints throughout the trails, be sure to pause and look out for our seasonal wildlife highlights. Don’t miss willow warblers, terns, and butterflies in summer, and huge numbers of Brent geese, wigeon, and shelduck in winter.
Add to that our magical sensory garden, Graffan Gallery, gift shop and Kingfisher Cafe and you’re left with an unforgettable day out for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed family adventure or a relaxing day immersed in nature, there’s a world of wetland wildlife waiting to be discovered by you at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre.
WWT is the charity for wetlands and wildlife. We’re on a mission to restore wetlands because they are a wondrous solution to the problems our world faces. Together we will unlock their power – and help nature burst back to life. Because when wetlands flourish, all life will flourish.
Your visit to WWT Castle Espie supports our vital conservation work around Strangford Lough, across the UK, and around the world.
Book Tickets
Facilities
Accessibility
- Guide dogs permitted
- Toilets for disabled visitors
Attraction Facilities
- Gift Shop
- Open Evenings
- Open Mondays
- Open Sundays
Catering
- Cater for vegetarians
- Local Produce
- Picnic Area
- Serve breakfast
- Serve lunch
- Tea-room/Cafe onsite
Children & Infants
- Accept children (Minimum age)
- Baby changing facilities
- Child seat available
- Children's Menu Available
- Children's outdoor play area
- Children's Parties
- Children's play area
- Facilities for children
- Highchairs Available
Establishment Features
- Accept coach parties
- Accommodation nearby
- Cater for Corporate events
- Cater for individuals
- Cater for school groups
- Conference facilities
- Event venue
- Family Fun
- Fitness level required - low
- Groups catered for
- Online Booking
- Route maps available
- Shop
- Talks
- Toilets
- Wi-fi available
Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- Parking (free)
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Payment Methods
- All major credit/debit cards accepted
Provider Preferences
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals
- In countryside
- Of historic, literary or architectural interest
- Outdoor Attraction
- Unique venue
- Waterfront
Specialist Features
- Marketed as green/environmentally friendly
Guide Prices
See website for up to date prices
Events
Friday, 28th June 2024 - Sunday, 1st September 2024
WWT Castle Espie: Summer Postcard TrailCan you find the lost postcards, discover who wrote them, and work out where the world's animals are spending their summer holidays?- more info
Monday, 15th July 2024 - Sunday, 28th July 2024
Monday, 12th August 2024 - Friday, 16th August 2024
Teddy Bear's PicnicBring along your favourite teddy bear, a picnic blanket, and your favourite treats and enjoy an afternoon of nature-themed adventures.- more info
Sunday, 28th July 2024 - Sunday, 28th July 2024
Sunday, 4th August 2024 - Sunday, 4th August 2024
Acoustic AfternoonsUnwind after a walk at the wetlands and enjoy live acoustic music from local musicians.- more info
Wednesday, 31st July 2024 - Wednesday, 31st July 2024
Wednesday, 28th August 2024 - Wednesday, 28th August 2024
Birdwatch MorningJoin our experts as they take a closer look at the wonderful variety of birds across our wetland reserve.- more info
Monday, 12th August 2024 - Friday, 16th August 2024
Monday, 19th August 2024 - Friday, 23rd August 2024
Great Uncle Arthur's Astonishing AdventuresAdventure into the hidden world of wildlife with the help of Uncle Arthur's mysterious journal and unusual inventions. And get ready to experience nature in a whole new way!- more info
Friday, 23rd August 2024 - Friday, 23rd August 2024
Monday, 26th August 2024 - Monday, 26th August 2024
Wee Birds Art WorkshopFamilies will be welcomed by Marianne from Boom Studios, based in Bangor, who will lead a "Wee Birds" art session. This is a mixed media session using collage to create birds inspired by the Castle Espie wildlife and landscape. This creative experience will allow little ones to use nature as their…- more info
Wednesday, 30th October 2024 - Wednesday, 30th October 2024
Mrs Maker's Spooky Masquerade Art WorkshopJoin local artist Kerrie, aka Mrs Maker, and get into the Halloween spirit by creating masks of your favourite animals or your crazy imaginary creatures!- more info
