About
Explore the super natural this October half term, discover activities that show just how super wetland nature can be.
From wildlife spotting and bug hunting, to wand-making and storytelling, the wetlands are bubbling over with magic.
Check out all of our activities:
Mini-beast hunting
Sat 26 & Sun 27 Oct
Time: 11am, 11.30am, 2pm, 2.30pm
Location: Wildwood play area
Tickets: Free, pre-booking required. Non-members must also purchase admission.
Get up close to creepy crawlies and discover how awesome they really are! Use our observation trays and ID charts to help you take a closer look at woodlice, millipedes and more. Our Learning Team will be on hand to guide you. Max. 30 spaces per session, including adults. Please note tickets cannot be exchanged for a different session.
Cauldron of curiosities
Sat 26 & Sun 27 Oct
Time: 3.30-4.30pm, drop in session
Location: Visitor centre
Our cauldron of curiosities is overflowing with marvellous and mysterious objects uncovered at Castle Espie. From Mesolithic tools to owl pellets, discover the natural and human history behind these artefacts with help from our Learning Team.
Spider crafts
Tues 29 Oct
Time: 10am-4pm, drop in workshop
Location: Pottery Bothy with Tracey Johnston Ceramics
Cost: Donations welcome for craft.
Make a pipe-cleaner spider ring, inspired by the spider and new-to-science fungus discovered in our old Victorian Gunpowder Store. Drop by to learn more!
Mrs Maker's Spooky Masquerade
Wed 30 Oct
Time: 11am-12pm
Tickets: £30 (includes x1 child and x1 adult admission to Castle Espie)
Join local artist Kerrie, aka Mrs Maker, and get into the Halloween spirit by creating masks of your favourite animals or your crazy imaginary creatures! Part of Experience AND 2024 with Visit Ards and North Down.
Pre-booking required.
Make a willow wand
31 Oct
Time: 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, drop in sessions
Location: Visitor centre
Cost: £1 donation per wand
Learn to make a star wand made from natural material. Don't forget to use your wand to cast a spell for nature when you're finished. Fancy dress strongly encouraged!
Storytelling
31 Oct
Time: 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
Location: Crannog Roundhouse
Cost: Free, pre-booking required. Non-members must also purchase admission.
Gather round the fire and settle in for magical tales from our spectacular storyteller. Plus, enjoy toasted marshmallow treats. Fancy dress strongly encouraged! Max. 30 places per session, including adults. Book your ticket in advance. Please note, tickets cannot be exchanged for a different session.
Facilities
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
