Have a splashing time at Castle Espie this summer!
With summer in full swing, a visit to Castle Espie can make other days out seem a little......dry! Spending time near or in water is an essential summer experience and makes for unforgettable family memories – you can play with it, adventure on it, gaze at it and marvel at the myriad forms of wildlife that cluster round it – water is never boring!
Wetland Centres are easy, safe places to enjoy the wonders of wetland wildlife where adults and children can have nose-to-beak encounters with some of the world’s most dramatic and rare birds, surrounded by stunning scenery.
There is always something to see and do at Castle Espie, on the shores of Strangford Lough, 364 days of the year. We offer a variety of different experiences especially over the summer months – you can choose as much or as little activity as you want.
Experiences range from mini-beast hunting, pond dipping to arts and craft, play areas and always include guaranteed close-up wildlife encounters. Over summer, Castle Espie will also be running special events for the whole family. So why not bring the kids to one of our family fun activities.
Woodland Mini-Beast Hunt – Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July 2013
With a guide on hand, hunt the dark crevices and woodpiles of our woodland for millipedes, centipedes and other creepy crawlies. Runs from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.
Spect-Duckular & Downy Duckling tours - Friday 12 & Saturday 13 July 2013
Join us for lots of family fun activities this bank holiday. Kids grab your passports at reception, complete all the activities and collect a prize before you leave. Downy Duckling tours will also be taking place over these two days at 12 noon, 2pm & 3pm, booking is essential.
Pond Dipping - Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 July 2013
Try pond dipping for aquatic life such as leeches, freshwater hoglouse, pond snails or greater water boatman with help on hand to explain what you’ve caught. Runs from 11am to 1pm and 2 to 4pm.
Bat Night - Friday 26 July 2013
Experience a night of wonder as we track down these masters of the night sky. Event starts at 8.30pm, booking is essential & additional charges apply.
Birdwatch Morning - Thursday 25 July 2013
Join Dot Blakely, our resident bird expert and find out more about all types of birds in and around the grounds and reserve. Starts at 10.30am.
While we can’t guarantee the weather, you’re never far from shelter at Castle Espie. There are comfortable hides, easy buggy and wheelchair friendly pathways, fully stocked cafe and gift shop and disabled and parent & baby facilities. If you’d like to hand feed the other ducks in our collection, grain is sold in the shop just before you go into the collection.
