Visiting Mount Stewart with Family

Mount Stewart is set to sparkle this festive season with a range of enchanting events. From late-night Christmas Unveilings to festive sensory sessions. Get excitied for the festive season with us this winter! 

What's on this November 2025

 

The Big Christmas Reveal 

28 November 

⏰ 17:00–20:00 Normal admission applies, members free

Don't miss the first look, late night opening of the House dressed for Christmas at night. Get your photo in front of the big tree, grab a hot chocolate and do some last minute Christmas shopping. Join us on Friday 28 November for an evening of cosy Christmas music, activities and entertainment. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic house after dark, beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, elegant Christmas trees, and traditional holiday ornaments. The evening will offer a rare chance to enjoy the estate’s rich history and festive cheer in an unforgettable setting.

 

Christmas Festive Family Trail

28 November – 4 January  

⏰ 10:00–16:00 daily  Normal admission applies, members free

Wrap up warm and set off on a magical winter adventure at Mount Stewart this winter with our festive family trail.

 

Nina’s Notes Christmas Sensory Music Session

29 November 

⏰ 11:00–13:30  Normal admission applies, members free 

Join our friend Helena from Nina's Notes for sensory musical play sessions, ideal for families. Join Nina's Notes on Saturday 29 November, Saturday 13 December and Sunday 21 December for Christmas themed musical sensory sessions!

 

What's on this December 2025

 

Festive Indoor Wreath Making Workshops

6 & 10 December

⏰ 11:00–13:00

Get creative in the run up to Christmas and join us for our Festive Wreath Making workshop. Using natural, dried materials foraged from the gardens at Mount Stewart, along with some additional Christmas scents and embellishments, make something beautiful and personal for your home. Each participant will leave with their own bespoke indoor wreath and enjoy some seasonal refreshments. Book here

 

Nina’s Notes Christmas Sensory Music Session

13 December & 21 December

⏰ 11:00–13:30  Normal admission applies, members free 

Join our friend Helena from Nina's Notes for sensory musical play sessions, ideal for families. Join Nina's Notes on Saturday 29 November, Saturday 13 December and Sunday 21 December for Christmas themed musical sensory sessions!

 

Christmas Festive Family Trail

28 November – 4 January  

⏰ 10:00–16:00 daily  Normal admission applies, members free

Wrap up warm and set off on a magical winter adventure at Mount Stewart this winter with our festive family trail.

 

 

 

Christmas Storytelling & Write Your Letter to Santa
Held in the second-hand bookshop

Dates TBC

 

Northern Ireland Concert Band Christmas Performance

Date TBC

 

Check out our What's On page here for more details!

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.