Escape to a Winter Wildlife Wonderland this Christmas

Visits to Santa and his Elves’ Workshop along with storytelling and Christmas craft are available on Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 December, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, and Friday 20 to Monday 23 December inclusive

With 60 adventure-filled acres of wildlife brilliance and spectacular views across Strangford Lough, Christmas is a fantastic time to visit WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre.

December is a busy month at the Wetland Centre whenthey welcome more than one special visitor. Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, Castle Espie offers the perfect landing ground not only for Santa Claus and his reindeer but countless numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders. At this time of year you will find thousands of brent geese from Arctic Canada and Greenland, whooper swans from Iceland, gadwall, godwit, redshank and oystercatchers to name but a few.

Speaking about Christmas at Castle Espie, Paul Stewart, Centre Manager said: “Christmas is a magical time at Castle Espie Wetland Centre and one that everyone can enjoy.”

“Santa Claus and his Elves are back again and they are ready to welcome visitors to Castle Espie. This year Santa Claus has also asked for some help finding his missing reindeer, which are hiding around the Castle Espie reserve. Once you find them, you can warm up by toasting marshmallows over an open fire in the Crannog, while enjoying some Christmas storytelling.”

“For those who simply want to get out into nature and take a break from the hectic rush of Christmas, Castle Espie offers a number of woodland and shore-view walks which are guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs. To enjoy the best view of the winter wildlife, don’t forget to drop into the Brent Discovery Hide and Limekiln Observatory on your way around.”

Visits to Santa and his Elves’ Workshop along with storytelling and Christmas craft are available on Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 December, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, and Friday 20 to Monday 23 December inclusive between 10am and 4.30pm. Tickets to visit Santa Claus must be booked in advance and are available online.

Castle Espie Wetland Centre is open 363 days of the year, closing on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day only.

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