Belfast’s Window on Wildlife (WOW)

Visit RSPB NI’s nature reserve right in the heart of the bustling Belfast Harbour Estate and prepare to be WoW-ed! Enjoy panoramic views of the Lough, the birds and wildlife which call the reserve home. Within this modern visitor centre, there is something for everyone, and you can enjoy the outdoors from indoors. A perfect oasis to spend an hour or two and recharge your batteries. Spend balmy summer eves utilising the two nature hides to enjoy the setting sun as it reflects off the lagoon in a thousand different colours and listen to the sounds of the wild up close and personal as you take in all that nature has to offer.

 A busy events programme runs all year round to ensure there is a real buzz about the centre Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. From walks and talks to live music and theatre productions alongside award winning family events there are lots of reasons to keep coming back. 

From Common and Arctic Terns, who use the tern islands as a safe place to breed in the summer, to wintering wildfowl including Wigeon and Teal, there’s lots to see at the reserve, no matter what time of year you visit.

Opening times

April to October
Starting 01/04/2023
Finishing 31/10/2023
Monday: Open from 10:00 to 17:00
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Open from 10:00 to 17:00
Thursday: Open from 10:00 to 17:00
Friday: Open from 10:00 to 17:00
Saturday: Open from 10:00 to 17:00
Sunday: Open from 10:00 to 17:00
BankHoliday: Open

November to March
Starting 01/11/2023
Finishing 31/03/2024
Monday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
Thursday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
Friday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
Saturday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
Sunday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
BankHoliday: Open

November to March
Starting 01/11/2024
Finishing 31/03/2025
Monday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
Thursday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
Friday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
Saturday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
Sunday: Open from 10:00 to 16:00
BankHoliday: Open

Nearest train station

The Titanic Quarter and Holywood railway stations are located two miles from the reserve and the Connswater Greenway links East Belfast and the Harbour Estate via the Sam Thompson Bridge. Visit www.communitygreenway.co.uk/trails for more information.