Discover more at Mount Stewart
Find out when Mount Stewart is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
Exploring the estate at Mount Stewart
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.
Autumn highlights around the estate
Embark on an autumn adventure at Mount Stewart. Here's some inspiration to get you started.
- Take a walk to our Natural Play Area and build a den, balance on our beams and see what magical creatures you can spot
- Go for a walk on our trails and head to the Glen Woodland to take a dive into some forest bathing
- Climb up to the Temple of the Winds and take in the views of Strangford Lough
- Geocaching is an exciting outdoor adventure for the whole family and Mount Stewart demesne is full of hidden digital treasure. All you need is a hand-held GPS or smartphone and a sense of adventure.
Wildlife spotting
Look to the skies and trees to see some of our autumn visitors including:
- Flocks of long-tailed tit
- Treecreeper
- Goldcrest - Ireland's smallest bird
- Jay - look out for them burying acorns
Look to the Lough to catch a glimpse of our visiting friends the Brent Geese on Strangford Lough and listening out for their honking call. Autumn is the peak time for light-bellied brent geese on Strangford Lough with usually around 25,000 birds which is up to 75% of the global population.
Autumn colour on the trails
Mount Stewart is an exceptional example of an Irish demesne and is home to more than five and half miles of walking trails through a truly magical landscape of woodlands and mixed farmland, set within the iconic rolling drumlin landscape of East Down. Come the autumn, the trails are covered with a vibrant carpet of golden and red leaves and is the perfect place to soak up the season!
Fun for families
There are lots of things for families to do at Mount Stewart. Here are just a few ideas.
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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Countryside and woodland
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.
Countryside areas in Northern Ireland
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.
Walking
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.