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Exploring the estate at Mount Stewart

Visitors stopping to enjoy the view of Srtangford Lough from Mount Stewart, County Down
Visitors stopping to enjoy the view of Stangford Lough from Mount Stewart | © National Trust Images/Christopher Heaney

Take a stroll around the seven-acre lake, wander through woodland and ramble across acres of parkland. Mount Stewart’s country estate is the perfect place to soak up the sights, sounds and scents of the season while younger visitors can run wild in the natural play area. 

Boundary Trail closed into 2024

Please note due to ongoing forestry work, the Boundary Trail is closed. Watch out for updates on our social channels and website. Why not explore one of the many other walks in the trail network as autumn colour begins to spread around the estate.

What to look for this Summer around the estate

Wildflower meadows are blooming

Summer is a great time to visit the estate, which is thriving with activity as wildflower meadows spring up across the site and colourful blooms put on a dramatic display.

An abundance of pollinating bees and butterflies

There are acres of wildflower meadows to explore, all teaming with hundreds of species of plants as well as butterflies, bees and other insects. Meadowland can be found across the estate at Mount Stewart and is usually in peak bloom from mid-June through to early August.

Look out for bats and birds

A variety of wildlife call Mount Stewart their home. This summer look out for butterflies in the meadows, and birds gliding on the lake including swans, ducks, moorhens and coots.

There are five species of bats on the estate, and if you’re really lucky you may even catch a glimpse of an otter.

Wildflowers in June at Godolphin, Cornwall
Wildflower meadow at Mount Stewart, County Down | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Fun for families

There are lots of things for families to do at Mount Stewart. Here are just a few ideas.

Girl in the natural play area at Mount Stewart, County Down
Child enjoying natural play in the outdoors at Mount Stewart, County Down | © National Trust Annapurna Mellor

Run wild in the natural play area

Head to the Magic Inkpot Natural Play Area for big fun in the middle of the woods. Younger visitors can run, jump, skip and hop over the natural obstacles, letting their imaginations run wild as they spot animals and creatures carved into the trees.

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A family walking across the garden lawn surrounded by flower beds and hedges at Mount Stewart, with a view of the house in the background

Discover more at Mount Stewart

Find out when Mount Stewart is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.

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