WWT Castle Espie - Newtownards

Address: 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards BT23 6EA, United Kingdom.
Phone: 2891874146.
Website: wwt.org.uk
Specialties: Tourist attraction, Charity, Nature preserve, Visitor center.
Other points of interest: On-site services, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Toilet, Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 1089 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.6/5.

📌 Location of WWT Castle Espie

WWT Castle Espie 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards BT23 6EA, United Kingdom

⏰ Open Hours of WWT Castle Espie

  • Monday: 10 am–5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am–5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am–5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am–5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am–5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am–5 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am–5 pm

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WWT Castle Espie: A Haven for Wildlife and Visitors

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WWT Castle Espie, located at 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards BT23 6EA, United Kingdom, is a highly-regarded wetland center operated by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). This charity and nature preserve offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, combining opportunities for bird watching, nature education, and scenic exploration. The center’s strategic location, easily accessible from Newtownards and Comber, makes it a popular destination for both local residents and tourists alike. It’s a place where families can connect with nature, and individuals can appreciate the beauty and importance of wetland ecosystems.

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About WWT Castle Espie

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Established to conserve and protect wetland habitats, WWT Castle Espie serves as a crucial hub for the WWT’s conservation efforts in Northern Ireland. The visitor center itself is thoughtfully designed to provide an immersive experience, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The site boasts a diverse collection of waterfowl and wetland birds, alongside other wildlife, creating a thriving ecosystem that’s available for observation and learning.

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Key Features and Amenities

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Castle Espie offers a wide range of attractions and facilities to cater to diverse interests. Here’s a breakdown of what visitors can expect:

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  • Extensive Wetland Trails: A network of well-maintained trails meanders through the wetlands, providing stunning views and opportunities to spot a variety of bird species.
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  • Bird Feeding Sessions: Regular feeding sessions allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of the center’s resident waterfowl.
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  • Discovery Zone: This interactive area is specifically designed for children, offering hands-on activities and educational exhibits to spark their curiosity about nature.
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  • Gift Shop: A charming gift shop offers a selection of souvenirs, books, and WWT merchandise.
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  • Café: A comfortable café provides refreshments and light meals, making it a perfect spot to relax and recharge.
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  • Accessible Facilities: WWT Castle Espie is committed to inclusivity and accessibility. It features a wheelchair-accessible car park, an wheelchair-accessible entrance, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
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  • On-site Services: The center provides a range of on-site services, including information displays, guided tours, and educational programs.
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The center also accepts various forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, ensuring a seamless payment experience for all visitors. It’s consistently recognized as a tourist attraction, attracting visitors seeking a memorable and enriching experience.

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Visitor Feedback & Reputation

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WWT Castle Espie consistently receives positive feedback from visitors. As evidenced by its impressive 1089 reviews on Google My Business, the center is highly regarded for its well-maintained grounds, knowledgeable staff, and engaging activities. The average opinion is 4.6/5, reflecting a consistently positive visitor experience. Guests frequently comment on the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, describing them as passionate about the center’s mission and dedicated to providing excellent service. The gift shop is also a popular feature, with visitors appreciating the quality of the merchandise. Many families highlight the value of the small softplay for younger children, providing a safe and enjoyable space for them to explore and play. The café at the end of the trail is consistently praised for its comfortable atmosphere and tasty food options, offering a well-deserved reward after a day of exploration.

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Recommended Information for Visitors

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Here’s some key information to help plan your visit to WWT Castle Espie:

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  • Contact Information: Phone: 2891874146
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  • Website: wwt.org.uk
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  • Location: 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards BT23 6EA, United Kingdom
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  • Opening Hours: (Check the website for the most up-to-date schedule)
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  • Admission Fees: (Check the website for current prices)
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  • Suitable for Kids: Absolutely The center offers a variety of activities and exhibits specifically designed to engage and educate children.
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In conclusion, WWT Castle Espie is more than just a wetland center; it’s a thriving ecosystem, a valuable conservation resource, and a wonderful destination for families and nature enthusiasts. It’s a place where visitors can learn, explore, and connect with the natural world, leaving with a newfound appreciation for the importance of wetland habitats.

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"summary": "WWT Castle Espie is a well-regarded wetland center offering bird watching, nature education, and scenic trails, consistently praised for its accessibility and engaging activities for all ages.",
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"Wetland Center",
"Bird Watching",
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👍 Reviews of WWT Castle Espie

WWT Castle Espie - Newtownards
Vincent C.
5/5

A well laid out and managed slice of wilderness, not far from Newtownards and Comber. There are plenty of places to stop and rest on the way round (we had a 3 & 4 yr old). Great for bird watching and learning or even just a scenic walk if you're not into local bird/wildlife. There are plenty of nice views. Helpful and friendly staff, lovely gift shop, small softplay for younger kids, and a nice café at the end. We will be back.

WWT Castle Espie - Newtownards
Travellers B.
3/5

About a 20 minute drive from belfast, used to visit here all the time years ago. There’s a duckery and long walk around the wetland. Hardly any ducks anymore and no point in buying the seeds because the ducks you do see, you cannot feed with the seeds. There’s a pond zone that looks completely run down aswell. I mean if you had kids and a member you would be able to visit all year round as it would be exciting for them, but not much else to see than a few ducks. There’s a cafe also on the site and toilets located throughout the track.

WWT Castle Espie - Newtownards
Johnathon A.
5/5

Beautiful, idyllic surroundings. Loved every minute of it. I could've stayed all day.

WWT Castle Espie - Newtownards
mike G.
4/5

What a brilliant place to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Great coffee and tempting cake. Fascinating wild life and local history displays. Occasional excellent art exhibitions We were additionally blessed by glorious weather which illuminated the fabulous Lough shore views.

WWT Castle Espie - Newtownards
Corrie 1.
5/5

This place is honestly beautiful. I would definitely recommend bringing your children here. It's a lovely family walk. Lots of ducks and the views are amazing. They also have a big play park and cafe. 10/10.

WWT Castle Espie - Newtownards
Michael C.
5/5

Finally visited the last WWT centre I had yet to see. There are the usual attractions for families, an excellent cafe and shop and plenty of hides. Not the best time of year to visit but we saw plenty of waders. Highly recommended if you have any interest in birds and/or little people to keep entertained.

WWT Castle Espie - Newtownards
Chris R.
5/5

Very friendly staff. This was the last of the WWT locations for us to visit to complete the set. Plenty of parking. Nice coffee shop. Beautiful, quiet location. A place to relax, unwind, forget about the stresses of life whilst giving nature a helping hand.

WWT Castle Espie - Newtownards
MULHAM A.
4/5

A great place to visit. Easy to park, flat access for everyone, great cafe, wild wood play area & zip wire for children.
we spent a good couple of hours here. There is plenty to see and do , it's a place for everyone.

Admission Fee (including donation /gift aid)
Adult £9.70
Junior £5.35
Children (under 4) Free

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