Visiting Mount Stewart with Family

Find out what's on at Mount Stewart

Sprint into the spirit of summer at Mount Stewart with activities and experiences to keep little ones busy for the summer holidays this July and August. Hop into the wildlife heptathlon around the lake and seek out the seven heartrate raising challenges that will bring out the champion in you. From dashing through nature trails to leaping like a hare, each activity promises fun and excitement for all ages. Enjoy a blend of facilitated activities and the chance for children to explore and create their own adventures.

• 15th June - Gardening Masterclass - Softwood (10.30-2.30 or 2-4pm)

Join our team for a softwood cuttings half day workshop and learn the quickest way to grow deciduous plants and shrubs. Get hands on experience and tips from professional gardeners. Tickets £30 Book tickets here

Two sessions to choose from on Saturday 15th June: 10:30 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 16:00

• 23rd & 26th June Bulbmania Garden Walks

Come and join a member of the Gardens Team on a tour (11am - 1pm) which will look at seasonal highlights during winter and spring, including trees, flowering shrubs and bulbs. (Walk free but must be booked online, normal admission applies members free)

• 30th June Jazz Sunday - The Martello Jazz Band

Sit back and relax for an afternoon of Jazz at Mount Stewart. (Normal admission applies members free)

• 1st July - Summer of Play begins!

​​​​​​​Welcome to a summer of possibilities! Create, explore, move, wonder, make-believe. Discover a day jam-packed with every flavour of play. Try it all, find your favourite, come back again and again. The only questions is, what will you do first? Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

• 5th July & 14th August - NI Orienteering family orienteering experience

From 11.30am-3pm embrace your inner explorer and try your hand at orienteering with NI Orienteering, grab an electronic timing device (dibber) from the start point and see how quickly you can complete the two courses.

• 12th & 13th July - Family fun bank holiday weekend

 Join us on the 12th and 13th July for the bank holiday weekend for outdoor games and activities to keep everyone entertained.

• 8th & 22nd July and 5th & 19th August - Up to High Doh Interactive theatre sessions

Children’s theatre company Up to High Doh return with interactive sessions throughout the summer to inspire childrens imaginative play and get the heart rate going with lots of engaging stories to act out!

• 7th August - National Play Day

Mark your calendars for National Playday on the 7 August! Join us for an exciting day packed with a variety of fun and games for everyone.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members  

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.