Castle Espie is a wetland reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust on the banks of Strangford Lough, three miles south of Comber, County Down, Northern Ireland, in the townland of the same name. It is part of the Strangford Lough Ramsar Site.
Winter is the perfect time to explore our wild and wonderful wetlands. Whatever the weather, bring all the family and create magical memories.
We know some things can make or break a visit so below are the things you've told us are most important to know before booking.
- Booking your visit - there is no need to book your visit in advance. However, if you are not already a WWT member and would like to, you can still book your tickets in advance.
- Cleaning - we’ve increased our cleaning regime, particularly our toilets. And we have plenty of hand sanitiser available around the site.
- Food and drink – The Kingfisher Café is temporarily closed. There will be complimentary teas and coffees for visitors midweek.
- Hand feeding and duckery – we are following government requirements to minimise the number of wild birds in close contact with our collection birds to prevent the spread of avian influenza in the winter months. We’re very sorry this means the duckery is closed and you can’t feed the birds right now.
- Opening times – The visitor centre is open 10am - 5pm every day (last entry 4pm) except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when we are closed.
- Play areas – Wildwood open with some restrictions, soft play open for members.
- Wheelchair hire – wheelchair hire available.
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre has the following facilities:
- Free accessible car parking provision
- Trained assistance dogs welcome
- Maps can be enlarged, please ask ahead of your visit
- 1 manual wheelchair available to loan
- 2 mobility scooters available to loan. Please ring in advance to book *you must be a member of Shop Mobility in order to loan a scooter*
- The paths around the site are mostly level access
- There are gates. Please ask roaming volunteers, grounds or reception staff if you require assistance
- There is step-free entry to all our hides and viewing windows for wheelchairs
- 2 accessible toilets
