We’re open and looking forward to welcoming you back but please note that everyone needs to book their visit in advance. We’ve made other changes too and restricted or closed some of our experience. Visit the bookings page for details.
XWhat to expect when you visit
During this period while we emerge from lockdown please note that we’ve had to restrict and even completely close some experiences at Castle Espie to help everyone stay safe. We haven’t updated the whole website because the situation changes frequently, so this page is likely to be inaccurate. We hope this doesn’t affect your enjoyment of your day.
FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK YOUR VISITMeet our wildlife superstars
Go nose-to-beak with some of nature's most exciting animals
Beautiful ducks and gorgeous geese
We’ve hundreds of ducks and geese keen to say ‘hello’, including red-breasted geese and white-faced whistling ducks. Then there are our friendly Nenes who love nothing more than feeding from your hand. Winter birds also fly in to see you – among them, the world's largest population of Light-Bellied Brent Geese.
Ducklings, gosling and cygnets
Our duckery is a very special place, where our cutest and fluffiest residents live. Creep in quietly to see our latest arrivals. In the winter, many young birds come here to stay safe from the cold. In summer, you can delight at our newborns, all hand-reared by us. You can even go behind the scenes with our special Duckery tours.
Swooping bats and wonderful waders
Our magical location on the shores of Strangford Lough means we’re a kingdom for wildlife. Bats swoop over reed beds, whilst in the tidal lagoons there are over a 100 exotic and native water birds to spot. Plus, be on the lookout for kingfishers, which regularly visit our Saline Lagoon, dragonflies and an abundance of songbirds, too.
Wonder, explore, play
Exciting hands-on discovery for all ages
Brent play barn
Arctic-themed slides, a hide and seek fox’s den, a giant Brent nest, Arctic animal rockers – it’s all happening in our Arctic-themed soft play barn, created especially to fire the imaginations of young explorers under 115cm tall. And when the playing is over, refill hungry tums in the Kingfisher Kitchen.
Wildwood adventure and Secret Swamp
Run, jump and fly through our all-natural Wildwood adventure area - burrow in the badger’s sett, take on the obstacle course, build a den, and soar on the rope swing. Then discover the Secret Swamp! Follow the signs past the wishing tree and deep into the woods where our fabulous treehouse, zip wire and dazzling green swamp awaits.
Sensory Garden and Courtyard
Amongst the heavenly herb-scented garden you can enjoy listening to the birds playing overhead and the splashes of the rill pond and don't forget to check out our big, old redwood tree and its spongy bark.
Wetland Centre Map
Our annotated map is a great way to explore Castle Espie Wetland Centre and help plan your visit.
DOWNLOAD
Explore more
Find out more about all the activities you can enjoy during your visit
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram