Name: Seaforde Gardens & Tropical Butterfly House
Rating: 5.0

Seaforde Gardens & Tropical Butterfly House

Seaforde, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 8PG, Northern Ireland

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Seaforde Gardens & Tropical Butterfly House is a historic and scenic destination in Northern Ireland, nestled within a 5-acre walled garden that has belonged to the Forde family for nearly 400 years. It offers a calm, nature-filled day out for families, with a mix of history, tropical beauty, and fun exploration. The space is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy both nature and learning in a peaceful setting.

Guests can walk among exotic butterflies in the tropical butterfly house surrounded by lush jungle plants. Kids will love navigating Ireland’s oldest living maze, planted in 1975, and climbing the spiral staircase of the Mughal Tower for views of the gardens. Other highlights include the Herb Garden gazebo and the Garden House Café, perfect for coffee and cakes.

Admission costs £12.70 for adults, £7.20 for children (age 3–16), and £34.00 for a family (2 adults and 2 children). Under-3s enter free.

The site offers a magical day outdoors with nature, exploration, and historical charm—ideal for families looking for a mix of fun and tranquility.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Tropical Butterfly House: The Tropical Butterfly House is the atmospheric, jungle home to myriad species of free-flying butterflies from the Blue Morpho to the King Page Swallowtail, the Malachite to the Scarlett Peacock and the Tree Nymph, to name a few. All peacefully at home surrounded by exotic and tropical plant life.
The Maze Garden: The centrepiece of the Seaforde garden is Ireland’s oldest living maze, planted in 1975 to mark the occasion of Patrick and Lady Anthea Forde’s 10th wedding anniversary and growing in both reputation and stature since then.
Herb Garden and Mughal Tower: Continue along the wall to discover the Herb Garden gazebo, beside which you'll find the ‘Mughal Tower’. Loop up through its spiral staircase and you’ll find yourselves on a raised viewing platform. The altogether perfect spot from which to survey the walled garden.

Facilities

Food & Drinks: Take a moment to exhale and enjoy the delightful surroundings of the Garden House Cafe. Serving coffee made from locally roasted beans and delicious bakes to enjoy in this tranquil little spot.
Parking: A parking area is provided.