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.
Winterwatch broadcasts for the first time in Northern Ireland from Mount Stewart
Mount Stewart is delighted to welcome the BBC Winterwatch team for their first ever broadcast from Northern Ireland. In June 2025 Iolo Williams from the Springwatch team got to know the historic Mount Stewart estate over four very rainy days and this January the whole team including hosts Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams will be broadcasting live for 4 nature packed nights.
Mount Stewart which is cared for by the National Trust is home to a plethora of diverse wildlife. With 10,000 recorded species, Mount Stewart boasts diverse woodlands, ghost ponds, rough farmland fields, twisting hedgerows, and a tidal lough scattered with green islands. This January we can look forward to seeing more of the Pine Martens, Red Squirrels, Badgers and birdlife that live there.
Toby Edwards, National Trust Ranger at Mount Stewart said: “Our woodlands include native red squirrels, and one of our rarest mammals, the pine marten. We also have badgers, long-eared owls and even one of Northern Irelands rarest birds, the barn owl, is visible along the edges of rough farmland fields, preying on mice and pygmy shrews. I’m looking forward to telling some of the amazing wildlife stories of recovery and restoration that we’ve been working on over the past 10 years on this biodiverse working landscape.”
Mount Stewart General Manager Jenny Ferguson said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the Winterwatch team to Mount Stewart, a place where a wide range of wildlife thrives right within our estate walls. It’s so exciting to have the opportunity to spotlight it and nearby Strangford Lough, where the National Trust cares for some of the most special and nature-rich coastal habitats in Northern Ireland. We hope that everyone watching gets as much pleasure from observing our local wildlife as we do every day – it is fantastic to be able to share it with such a wide audience!”
How do i watch?
The programme will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer on Tuesday through to Friday from 20 January until 23 January at 7pm.
Winter highlights on the estate at Mount Stewart
Winter is a great time to explore the estate, as fewer trees on the leaves mean more chances of glimpsing elusive wildlife and dramatic views of the estate.
A variety of wildlife call Mount Stewart their home. This winter watch large flocks of goldfinches fly overhead or see the gadwall swimming on the lake. Watch wintering redwings feeding on berries, flocks of finches flying past and colourful jays rustling around for food. You'll also find linnets and reed buntings on the field margins. Rooks, crows and jackdaws are plentiful at this time of year, and not forgetting the familiar robins who provide some winter cheer.
Top tips for spotting wildlife
Mount Stewart is one of the best places in Northern Ireland to spot red squirrels. You're most likely to encounter them in the early morning or late afternoon, behind the house and to the north of the lake. And don’t miss the flocks of light-bellied brent geese feeding on eelgrass on Strangford Lough.
Wrap up warm, and don’t forget your camera.
Head out for a winter walk
Blow away the winter cobwebs and stride out on a frosty walk through the country estate. With miles of footpaths and trails to explore, there’s plenty to see on a stroll through the demesne. Discover the 12th-century Norman motte, and the picturesque folly ruins amid the ancient woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, colourful jays and the occasional badger on these walks. Choose your route from one of our many walking trails, or why not come back and complete them all.
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.
Tick off some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾'
Head outdoors and get your little ones closer to nature this winter. Are you ready to try out 50 of the wildest, most fun-packed and exciting things to do in the great outdoors?
Geocaching is an exciting outdoor adventure for the whole family – all you need is a hand-held GPS or smartphone and a thirst for adventure. Search for over 40 geocaches hidden on the estate, as you explore new trails and have a go at puzzles. To get started, download the Geocaching app on a smartphone, log in and get seeking.
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Discover more at Mount Stewart
Find out when Mount Stewart is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
Discover Mount Stewart with your dog. With acres of parkland to explore there's plenty of space for them to bound, sniff, jump and splash. Mount Stewart is a two pawprint rated place.
Tuck into a menu of freshly prepared dishes made with local and seasonal produce in the tea-room, and treat yourself or someone special in the gift shop.
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Whether you're looking for a heart-raising hike up Northern Ireland's highest mountain or a ramble by the river at The Argory, there are many countryside and woodland places to experience in Northern Ireland. Enjoy woodland respite at Minnowburn with the forest bathing beds or escape to the wild landscape of County Fermanagh with the countryside adventures at Florence Court, Castle Coole and Crom.
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
