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.
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.
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.
1 of 3
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.
