Saturday 5 October | 10am – 5pm
WWT Castle Espie, Comber
FREE admission for all
(Nature Reserve closes at 4.30pm, but centre remains open until 5pm)
Part of the Shorelife Celebration.
Join us at WWT Castle Espie on Saturday 5 October, for a vibrant celebration of all that is wonderful about our shore. This free-entry event promises a day filled with fun activities, engaging talks and tours, live music, and delicious local food and drink.
Admission is free for all, members and non-members. No booking necessary.
Explore the natural beauty of our shoreline while enjoying a variety of activities designed for all ages.
Event Highlights
• Fun Activities: Interactive games, storytelling and activities for children and families.
• Engaging Talks and Tours: Learn about the local wildlife, conservation efforts, and the history of WWT Castle Espie through guided tours and expert talks.
• Live Music: Enjoy performances from local musicians throughout the day.
• Local Food and Drink: Savor the flavours of the region with a variety of food stalls offering delicious local meals, snacks, and beverages.
Special Guests
• Hear from representatives from WWT Castle Espie and local environmental organisations who will be sharing their insights and answering your questions. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about appreciating and protecting our beautiful shoreline.
Get creative, and close to nature
• Enjoy free entertainment and creative activities for all ages, live music and a few surprises as you explore the grounds.
• Kids can get creative at nature themed craft stations - where they can take away a memento of their day, made by them from sustainable materials.
Let’s celebrate the beauty and rich biodiversity of our stunning coastline.
Make a break of it
Stay a while and take a break on our shores. Relax in the beauty of this place, offering everything from 5 star luxury to cosy guest houses or unique self-catering options, maybe camping and caravanning is more your thing, let us help you plan your perfect getaway.
Find out more and Plan Your Trip to Ards and North Down.
To make your day out as enjoyable as possible, please use this section to plan your trip.
Free Pre-bookable Event Shuttle Bus
Dundonald Park and Ride – Newtownards Bus Centre – Mount Stewart and Castle Espie. This service will run on a rotational service all day.
This is a hop on hop off bus for customers to enjoy both Mount Stewart and Castle Espie and the host of activities in both locations.
Parking
Please note that parking at both sites is limited, and we strongly recommend using public transport to attend the event - public buses or via the free pre-bookable event buses.
For more information on bus routes and timetables please check the Translink website.
WWT Castle Espie Facilities and Accessibility Information
For information about the event site including accessibility and facilities click here.
Maps can be enlarged, please ask ahead of your visit.
Dogs allowed
Trained assistance dogs welcome
Toilet Facilities
2 accessible toilets.
If you have any specific questions about accessibility then please feel free to call WWT Castle Espie on 028 9187 4146 and staff can discuss it with you and help you plan your day.
Sustainability
We encourage visitors to travel via public transport and buses provided. Please bring reusable bags to pick up goodies at the event. Read more about Sustainability.
Shorelife Celebration is brought to you by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with WWT Castle Espie and National Trust - Mount Stewart.
Please note:
• Shorelife Celebration at WWT Castle Espie is a free to attend event, however charges apply to some event activities and purchases at the event.
• Some activity will be ticketed and must be pre-booked in advance. Ts and Cs apply to ticketed activity.
• Online booking fees apply where relevant. None when booking in person or by phone via our Visitor Information Centres.
• Event details are subject to change.
• Further detail to follow - Keep checking the website, follow our facebook page or sign up to our ezine for updates.
• This event is being photographed/filmed. Images may be used in Ards and North Down Borough Council promotional material. If you do not want your image to be used, please inform our event staff.
• This event is a no drone zone. Only official event drones authorised by the event organisers are permitted.
• For more information on safe alcohol consumption, visit the Drink Aware website.