Looking for an extraordinary day out for the family? Castle Espie in Northern Ireland has the answer

Get ready as the summer of wonder 2024 starts at WWT Castle Espie.

The Co Down wetland reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust on the banks of Strangford Lough has something for everyone.

Visitors are invited to explore, connect and enjoy creating new experiences, whilst deepening their understand of the wonderful wetlands through a range of unique and interesting events and activities across July and August.

Look out for a wow around every corner with a new postcard adventure trail. Nine epic giant postcards, designed by children’s illustrator Ella Beech, share personal messages from nine animals who live in wetland habitats around the world. Use the WWT Castle Espie trail map to find the postcards as well as get up close and personal with the interesting species enjoying the summer months at WWT Castle Espie.

Join the WWT Castle Espie resident explorer (July 15 – 26) as he follows in the footsteps of his Great Great Uncle Arthur, a famous Victorian explorer who went missing in the jungles of Peru. Using his left behind possessions and special codes, take an adventure and explore the hidden world of nature with the help of Uncle Arthur’s secret journal and mysterious inventions. Booking is advisable for Great Uncle Arthur’s astonishing adventures. Spaces are limited on weekdays only.

Mini adventurers can look forward to face painting sessions throughout July and August as well as a teddy bear’s picnic, bring your favourite cuddly toy and enjoy nature stories and games in the woodland. Not forgetting the duckery becomes home to a number of ducklings. Many hand reared by WWT Castle Espie experts who closely monitor their development, helping to ensure their survival. When ready, they can be introduced to the outdoor duckery for visitors to enjoy watching as they adapt to the outside world

Experienced adventurers can take a break from it all with the weekly gig in the courtyard featuring local musicians every Sunday afternoon. Get a front row seat to awe inspiring nature from the range of bird hides and viewpoints across the reserve.

Including the Lime Kiln with breathtaking views across Strangford Lough. Also visit the Brent Hide which has a brilliant vantage point for viewing wildlife on Strangford Lough – including 90% of the world’s population of light-bellied Brent geese that venture there in the autumn.

Look out for Eider, Red- breasted geese and Puna Teal. WWT Castle Espie also have one of Europe’s most important populations of Barrow’s Goldeneye! Learn all about these birds at the daily Diving Duck Talk at 12.45pm, and join the keepers for a hand-feeding session at 3pm daily.

Claire Conway, from WWT Castle Espie, said: “We love sharing the wonder of the wetlands with everyone and can’t wait to welcome visitors to a truly memorable day out at WWT Castle Epsie.

Getting ready to start a summer of wonder and a wow around every corner at WWT Castle Espie, Comber Co Down, with a little help from WWT Castle Espie’s resident explorer John McCullough and guide for Great Uncle Arthur’s astonishing adventures, were Ella and Henry

"Our epic and unique postcard trail offers a real opportunity to explore nature and learn more about wildlife, both here and around the world. From Uncle Arthur’s adventures, teddy bear picnics, courtyard gigs, front row seats on a natural spectacle – and with a wow around every corner, the summer of wonder definitely starts right here.”