Top 5 things to do this Christmas at WWT Castle Espie
Christmas is right around the corner and it’s truly a magical time to visit Castle Espie.
Whether you’re making precious family memories with a visit to Santa Claus, or swapping the hustle and bustle for a calm and cosy bird hide, we have something for the whole family to enjoy.
Castle Espie is open everyday over the holidays except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So, wrap up warm and take a trip to our winter-wonder wetlands this December. Here’s our top 5 things to do to get you started:
1. Tuck in to a Breakfast with Santa
Santa is coming to town and we are SNOW excited! Mr Claus will be full of festive fun and stories to keep you entertained while you dive in to your delicious breakfast.
Afterwards, take a trip out to the Aviary where you’ll help Santa feed the ducks and geese that live at Castle Espie. Then, Santa needs you to track down his ‘reindeer’ that are hiding across the reserve. Can you find them all?
Tickets for Breakfast with Santa are still available to book now.
2. Shop our Christmas Craft Market
Find thoughtful, locally-made gifts for your loved ones at our Christmas market on Sunday 8 December. With over 30 makers from North Down Craft Collective, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Think ceramics, textiles, jewellery, watercolours and more! Plus we’ll have live music and delicious food and drink from our café to make your day extra festive.
Entry to the market is free, normal admission applies beyond the Visitor Centre.
3. Jump in to a Wild Welly Walk
Ready for a challenge? Wild Welly Walks are back, making sure you have an awesome wetland adventure this winter. Check off all the activities in your booklet to win a special sticker!
Free for WWT members or included in admission.
4. Handfeed the ducks and geese
Get up close to our birds from around the world in the World Wetland Aviary. Meet Red-Breasted and Ross’s geese, as well as ducks like Barrow’s goldeneye and Puna teal. Join in with handfeeding at 3pm everyday by buying a ticket from reception for £1.50.
Missed the 3pm feed? Our NEW Wild Bird Feeding area is open and the local mallards are loving it! All day, every day you can pick up a bag of seed for £1.50 and handfeed the ducks in this special zone.
5. Watch epic winter wildlife
The wild reserve comes alive as migratory birds settle in for the winter. No matter the weather, our hides offer a comfy, front-row seat to all the action. See whooper swans soaring through the sky or large flocks of teal ducks springing into the air. And of course, look out for lots of festive red-breasted robins bobbing around!
Check out our recent sightings to see who's visited lately.
