Castle Espie Wetland Centre
Comber
Step into autumn’s most spectacular show at Castle Espie Wetland Centre. Full of awe-inspiring nature, uplifting moments and seasonal beauty. Set off in search of the Secret Swamp, meet our ducks and geese from around the world and see our diving ducks in action at the daily keeper talks. And don’t forget to look to the skies to marvel at our visiting wild birds and their magical, aerial displays.
Plus, explore the super natural this October half term (26th – 31st October) and discover family-friendly activities that show just how super wetland nature can be.
Whatever your perfect day out, come and soak up the splendour of our wetlands and create unforgettable moments with your loved ones this autumn.
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Tickets are sent by email within minutes of booking
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Gate-ready e-ticket, simply scan on your mobile
Your ticket includes:
- Visitor Centre with shop and café
- Outdoor play areas and indoor soft play
- Bird hides and nature reserve walks
- Daily diving duck talks… and much more!
- Children under 4 and carers assisting disabled visitors go free.
- The paths around the site are mostly level access and there is step-free entry to all of the hides and viewing windows for wheelchairs. There is 1 manual wheelchair available to loan and 2 mobility scooters available to loan (must be part of shop mobility). Please ring in advance to book.
- Free accessible car parking is available for visitors.
- 3 accessible toilets. 2 in the main centre and one in the limekiln observatory.
- Unfortunately, no dogs or pets of any kind are allowed on site, with the exception of Assistance dogs (trained by member organisations of ADUK) on duty, as the wildlife may become distressed. Assistance dogs must be kept on their lead, under control and their harnesses must state "working or assistance dog".
- The following are not allowed at the Wetland Centre; Scooters, bicycles, tricycles, roller skates/blades/wheelies or skateboards, Barbecues, ‘Throwing toys’ such as ball games, Frisbees, nerf guns etc, Wheeled toys e.g. dolls prams or Pond dipping equipment.
- Saving based off walk up rate and potential booking fees.
- Picniq accept all debit cards, Maestro, Visa and Mastercard as methods of payment. There is no credit card charge or booking fee.
- Online bookings are limited to a maximum of 12 visitors.
- Tickets purchased through Picniq are not refundable. The date of the visit can be amended for a fee of £10 per booking. Terms and conditions apply.
- Picniq Ltd acts as agent for all tickets/bookings on behalf of the supplier/principle ('the attraction'). For Picniq booking terms click here
Directions
Address: WWT Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Co Down, N Ireland, BT23 6EA
Castle Espie Wetland Centre is situated 12 miles south east of Belfast on the shores of Strangford Lough.
By public transport - The no 11 bus leaves Laganside Bus Centre in Belfast approximately every hour for the 25 minute journey to Comber. It is then a pleasant one hour walk or 10 minute taxi journey to the centre. (Please note that on Sundays buses run less frequently and depart from the Europa Bus Centre). More details and timetables here.
By car - The centre is located 2.5 miles from Comber on the Ballydrain Road, off the A22 Comber/Killyleagh Road. From Belfast follow the A22 towards Comber until you reach the roundabout. Turn right on to the A22 Comber/Killyleagh/Downpatrick road then turn first left at the Ballydrain Road. Free car parking is available at the centre.
By bicycle - A bicycle rack is situated in the courtyard – please bring your own lock. Strangford Lough is located on Sustrans Regional Route 20 and Route 99.
By air - The centre is a 30 minute journey from George Best Belfast City Airport by car or taxi.
By coach - Parking is free for large coaches bringing visitors to the centre.
Open 7 days a week, 363 days a year - every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Opening times are:
Visitor Centre - 10am to 5pm
Reserve - 10am to 4.30pm
Kingfisher Café - 10am - 4pm
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
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