Visiting Mount Stewart with Family

Summer of Play at Mount Stewart

Join us from 12 July to 25 August for a 'Choose your own Adventure' Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank.

You’ll find five themed zones filled with imaginative, creative and energetic activities — all designed for children (and their grown-ups) to enjoy.

Whether it’s stepping into costume and putting on a show, getting hands-on with art, planting your own mini garden, or simply relaxing with gentle sensory play, each zone offers a different way to connect, explore and have fun.

Everything is set around the front lawns, with plenty of space to roam and room to relax. It’s the perfect spot to spend the whole day, with picnic areas, the café, shop, and the house itself all close by and easy to reach.

New activities will pop up in different zones throughout the week, with brilliant sessions led by our Children and Young People’s Team and some fantastic local partners — so no two visits need be the same.

 

Tuesdays @ The Nature Station

Drama Sessions with Stephen Beggs * (Except on Tuesday 29th July)

11am – 11.45am

12pm – 12.45pm

1pm – 1.45pm

2pm - 2.45pm

3pm – 3.45pm

Please arrive on time to your chosen session * No need to book in – but sessions start at a set time

 

Thursdays @ The Creation Station

Splat Messy Play

Messy Play Drop in Sessions

11am – 3pm

 

Fridays @ The Relaxation Station

Nina’s Notes

Interactive, Sensory, Musical Instruments & Movement Play

11am – 2pm

 

There is also a Quiet Zone set up in the Exhibition Space

Check out our What's on page here

Planning your family visit

• Children under 5 go free.
• Hit the trails and head up to the Natural Play area where hours of den building fun and exploring opportunities await you.
• Tracker packs available to borrow to add to your adventure.
• Calm (sensory) bags available to borrow free of charge from the visitor reception for visitors with additional needs.
• Accessible buggy-friendly paths around the lake, gardens and up to the Natural Play Area.
• Some parts of the woodland may present a challenge to buggies.
• High chairs and children’s meals available in the Tea-room.
• Children must be supervised at all times as there are water features in the formal gardens and uneven surfaces on site.
• Baby changing facilities located in disability access toilets in the Carpark Toilets, Visitor Reception toilets and the Courtyard. 
• The Tea-room offers a selection of tasty kids meals and treats. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
• You're welcome to bring a picnic. There's plenty of picnic tables, benches, and spots to lay out a blanket. Please use the bins provided when you're finished.
• Spotter sheet to complete as you explore the house
• Seasonal activity sheets available to the courtyard.
• Scooters, balance bikes and bikes with stabilisers can be used at Mount Stewart (adult and bikes without stabiliser not permitted)

Where to start...

• Head off round the lake to do a spot of bird watching and on your way stop by the Squirrel Hide to see if you can spot some of Mount Stewarts resident Red Squirrels.

• Hit the trails where adventure awaits, with 10 miles of trails, dotted with bridges, streams and folly's to discover and then head up to the Natural Play area for a spot of den building.
• Take a wander round the Mansion house and hear how the Londonderry family children lived and the adventures they had. Stop by the Tea-room for a treat before finding a good read in the children's section of the second-hand bookshop & shop.

Explore the Gardens and Lake 

Take a gentle stroll around the lake walk and see how many different birds you can spot and the rainbow colours of the Rhododendrons blooming everywhere. Get lost in the Fernery and have fun finding your way through the winding paths and over bridges to find your way out. Say hello to the White Stag which is surrounded by wild flowers in the summer. Quietly make your way up to the squirrel hide and you might just see one of the Red Squirrels who call Mount Stewart home. 

Hit the Trails

With more than 10 miles of trails set in ancient wood and farm land to explore, pack a picnic and set off on an adventure. Take in the ancient Folly on the Red Trail which is surrounded by a carpet of Bluebells in spring and take a moment to lie down and do a spot of forest bathing while you're there on the log beds. Toilets can be found by behind the Temple of Winds overlooking Strangford Lough. 

Wander up to the Natural Play Area inspired by the story The Magic Ink Pot written by Edith Lady Londonderry for her children. Tip toe your way along the balance beams, seek out the carved woodland & fairytale figures and build yourself a cosy den to hide in. 

 

 

 

Tick off more of your ‘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? Do your favourite activities over and over again, or try all 50: the choice is yours.