Like a Duck to Water Family Itinerary

Who: Families
Where: Castle Espie, Scrabo Country Park, Groomsport and Donaghadee
Duration: Full Day 

Looking for a fun day out with your family? Well, look no further! This is the perfect adventure for all ages to enjoy and explore together- you will take to it like a duck to water with this easy to follow itinerary! 

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, BT23 6EA

Admission charges apply

Start your day on the shores of stunning Strangford Lough at Castle Espie Wetland Centre for your first encounter with feathery friends. With birdfeed in hand, get up close to the vast collection of native and exotic water-birds which are drawn to this tidal lagoon of salt marshes and reed beds and which also offers an abundance of habitats for other wildlife. Follow the nature trails and take time to hunt for bugs and go pond-dipping. Let the children burn off some energy as they connect with nature, through active and imaginative play, in the all-natural wildwood adventure area where lies a “Secret Swamp”! The possibilities are endless in the great outdoors!

Scrabo Country Park, Newtownards, BT23 4SJ

Seasonal opening hours apply

14 mins from previous

Next stop on your journey and perfect for a picnic lunch is Scrabo Country Park. With spectacular views over Newtownards and as far as the eye can see, you can enjoy a gentle stroll through fine beech woodlands or take on the challenge and a race to the top to see the majestic Scrabo Tower, standing proud on the hill. Built in 1857, this is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known landmarks. Should you be lucky to step inside, read about its history while a further 122 steps will take you to the top! A perfect place for a rest (if not, a little breezy!) while you enjoy those scenic views.

Groomsport, BT19 6GH

Free admission. Seasonal opening hours apply.

21 mins from previous

The quaint seaside village of Groomsport provides the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. Located beside the lovingly restored fishermen’s cottages, Cockle Row Cottages (open seasonally and on special event days), beside which is a splash pad area - perfect for those summer days out with the kids! A playground for the little ones is located just around the corner too. Look out for free family entertainment during the summer months and on special event days on our Facebook page. 

A stone’s throw away is Groomsport’s award-winning fine sandy beach where you can easily spend an hour or two collecting interesting shells, exploring rock-pools and even paddling in the Irish Sea! Groomsport Beach in an Inclusive Beach, one of the five in Northern Ireland, enabled by the Mae Murray Foundation - find out more.

Pack a picnic, relax on the beach or at the grassland that offers up bench tables with a view, right in the village centre.

Donaghadee, BT21 0HE

11 mins from previous

All this fresh air will surely have given you an appetite for dinner. Head 3 miles along the coast to Donaghadee, where you can enjoy some tasty delights in one of the many restaurants and eateries the town has to offer. Why not finish your day, watching the boats bobbing on the water under the watch of Donaghadee Lighthouse whilst eating fish and chips from the paper! Some might recognise the iconic lighthouse and town locations as BBC One's Hope Street's 'Port Devine'. Find out more about Donaghadee as a filming location.

Note – Please check with inidividual attractions for opening hours before travelling.

Let our Visitor Information Centre team help plan your visit. Contact them for expert advise!