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WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

Gradings

  • Four Star Quality Assurance
Four Star Quality Assurance
Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA
ariel view of WWT Castle Espie

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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.

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

Saturday, 26th October 2024 - Thursday, 31st October 2024

Two boys looking at fungi in the woods.Super Natural October Half-TermExplore the super natural! This October half term, discover activities that show just how super wetland nature can be. From wildlife spotting and bug hunting, to wand-making and storytelling, the wetlands are bubbling over with magic.
more info

Add WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre to your Itinerary

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Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 9187 4146

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Open New Year

* The Centre is open daily 10:00 - 17:00 except Christmas Eve 24th December & Christmas Day 25th December.
Kingfisher Cafe is open daily 10:00 - 16:00.

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Map & Directions

Road Directions

Directions: Take A2 from Newtownards to Comber. At the second Roundabout, take the Killyleagh/Downpatrick road A21 to the left. Turn first left at Ballydrain road.

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