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Visiting Mount Stewart with Family

Family walking in the sun at the front of House
Summer at Mount Stewart | © Sarah Harkness

There are lots of things for families with children to see and do at Mount Stewart.

Halloween Pumpkin
Find out what's on this Halloween | © National Trust Images/Mike Selby

Find out what's on at Mount Stewart

Sat 26 Oct to Sun 3 Nov - Halloween Half Term

Join us this Halloween for a walk on the eerie side.

As the fog rolls in and the trees cast long, twisted shadows, venture deep into the heart of Mount Stewart on a mystical journey through the Folklore and Legends Halloween Trail, where eerie tales from folklore and mythology come to life. Your journey begins with Anansi, the cunning trickster from West African folklore. Anansi loves to spin tales, so continue round the lake to discover a treasure trove of stories from across the world for all the family to discover. Enter if you dare, but remember, not all stories have happy endings.

After you escape the lake trail, slither your way into the House where the magical lands of Mount Stewart will unfold as you discover the magic inkpot trail full of witches, dragons and mythical creatures. Last entry to the House is 3.45pm.

Join us in the secondhand book shop for spooky storytelling and later in the week seasonal stories.

For more Halloween adventures find out what's happening at Castle Ward and Rowallane this spooky season.

Check out our What's on page here

Pumpkins in the formal gardens, Mount Stewart
Celebrate Autumn at Mount Stewart | © SM

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.
Children exploring the Natural Play at Mount Stewart.jpg
Explore the Natural Play at Mount Stewart | © Sarah Harkness

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.

Children watching red squirrels in the hide.
Spotting red squirrels from the nature hide at Mount Stewart | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

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.

Things to do at Mount Stewart

Spanish Garden in winter at Mount Stewart, County Down
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Explore the garden at Mount Stewart 

Take a stroll through the world-class garden at Mount Stewart and discover an extraordinary scope of plant collections and original, historic features.

Winter inspired gifts from the shop
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Eating and shopping at Mount Stewart 

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.

Visitors walking on a trail with autumn colour trees
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Exploring the estate at Mount Stewart 

Pull on your walking boots, choose your route and head out for a walk on the Mount Stewart estate. Spot seasonal wildlife as you go, or run wild in the natural play area.