Visiting The Argory with Family
Find out everything you need to know about visiting The Argory with kids. From playing in the play areas to borrowing balance bikes and essential information on where you'll find baby-changing facilities, bringing a picnic and more.
Christmas Market
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December (11am-4pm)
The Christmas Fair will return to The Argory, bigger, better and more festive than ever before, with live music, food and craft stalls and plenty of opportunities to tick off that Christmas gift list with unique locally made finds.
Featuring a variety of local craft, food and drink stalls, as well as festive traditional entertainment. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere and see the house decorated for Christmas. Families will also have the chance to meet Santa and his elves in the grotto.
Experience Christmas of yesteryear
Saturday 25 November - Sunday 7 January (12pm -4pm)
Throughout the festive season, visitors can see the house dressed for a traditional Christmas. Trees, trinkets and garlands will decorate the rooms and the dining room table will be set for a celebratory festive feast.
Experience what life was like for the MacGeough Bond family and their servants as they prepare for the festive period. See the house in a whole new light and hear how the family celebrated Christmas in the 1800s.
Winter Illuminations at The Argory
Thursday 7 December - Sunday 10 December (4pm-8pm)
Look forward to some time together with loved ones, as you experience The Argory in a new light. Enjoy masses of twinkling lights as you are welcomed to a beautiful and iconic atmosphere at The Argory after dark. The winter illuminations are everything you need for an unforgettable experience with friends and family.
Discover the light trail as you start outside our historic courtyard and walk beside the blackwater river, watch out for the light projections onto the mansion house then onto the lime tree walk. On your return you’ll meander along the boardwalk to finish in the courtyard with music and winter warmers from our Courtyard Café.
The winter illumination trail is self-led, giving you the space to enjoy the walk at your own pace. Wandering through your favorite places with an added sparkle for Christmas.
To learn more about the event and book your ticket, visit
Experience Autumn at the Argory
Autumn at the Argory is bright, bold and beautiful. Its golden hues and warm colours mark the transition between summer and winter. The beauty of the season can be seen all around The Argory, from the changing leaves along the lime tree walk, to wax cap fungi and historical trees– nature puts on one of the most breath-taking shows of the year. It offers a feast for all the senses, from sights and sounds, to smells and tastes; the influence of season can be seen in what we eat, to the walk we take and the art we admire.
Planning your family visit
- Children must be supervised at all times as there are water features and uneven surfaces on site.
- Balance bikes can be borrowed free of charge during the summer months, just ask at the Welcome Hut when you arrive.
- Baby changing facilities located in disability access toilets near Visitor Reception and the Courtyard.
Play areas
Playground
The newly refurbished playpark is located near the main visitor car park. Our aim was to create an interactive environment that feels like part of the landscape, allowing kids to enjoy adventures in nature while their imaginations run wild. We hope it encourages your little ones to look up and around, admire the views, engage with their senses and appreciate being outdoors.
Balance bikes
Balance Bikes are the perfect way to help your future cyclists learn how to ride in the safety of the great outdoors. Cycling is an important life skill and a healthy way to explore outdoors. We want to help the next generation’s cyclists learn to ride, starting their lifelong love of cycling in beautiful natural surroundings. That's why we are delighted to offer free-to-hire balance bikes to our visitors.
The balance bikes and helmets are available to hire from visitor reception. You don’t need to book anything, and the balance bikes are free to use - just turn up and get going.
The Lightbox
This interactive space 'The Light Box' allows families to follow the story of light at The Argory. Kids can create their own neon art masterpiece; discover the journey of light at The Argory over the years, and enjoy interactive light and sensory games. Located in the courtyard The Lightbox is a great indoor space for kids to enjoy come rain or shine.
50 things to do before you’re 11¾
Are you ready for your next wild adventure? The Argory is the perfect place to explore outdoors and tick some fun activities off the National Trust’s '50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list.
Here are just some of the activities you can conquer with family and friends at The Argory. How many can you do on your next visit?
- No. 1 - Get to know a tree
- No. 4 - Build a den
- No. 5 - Skim a stone
- No. 8 - Spot a fish
- No. 18 - Create some wild art
- No. 34 - Discover wild animal clues
- No. 44 - Watch a bird
- No. 50 - Take a friend on a nature adventure
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Things to see and do at The Argory
Discover all The Argory has to offer, from exploring the house to seasonal highlights in the garden.
Eating and shopping at The Argory
Treat yourself to a delicious snack or lunch in the Courtyard Coffee Shop and browse the second-hand books at the Blackwater bookshop. Visit 'The Coach House Collective' artisan pop-up shop, supporting local artists at The Argory.
Family-friendly places to visit
There are lots of things to do when you visit one of our family-friendly places. Find inspiration for days out and discover a range of activities for everyone.
Family-friendly places in Northern Ireland
Whether you're crunching through leaves or getting creative and crafty, escape into autumn with the National Trust in Northern Ireland. With walks and trails, leaf spotting and nature activities, there so many ways to get out and play at the places in our care. Check property websites for specific opening times and events.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Fancy running free in the fresh air, learning new skills and trying new things? Grab your gear and start your adventure.