Oxford Island

Full Description

Oxford Island is so much more than a playpark! Set beside Lough Neagh, this National Nature Reserve is a lovely place to spend the day exploring, with woodland, wildflower meadows, ponds, reedbeds and beautiful views across the water.

The playpark is a real highlight and a bit different from your usual one. Instead of just the standard swings and slides, children can climb over wooden beams and mounds, tackle stepping stones, explore tunnels and bounce on trampolines. There are swings, slides and roundabouts too, along with accessible ramps, a seesaw and sensory play features.

Once you've managed to tempt the wee ones away from the playground, there are lots of walking routes to choose from. Take a shorter wander through the woodland or enjoy the more open lakeside paths. Some sections bring you close to marshland and bird habitats, with birdwatching hides where you can stop and see what you can spot. It's a lovely place to slow down and let the children notice the little things.

The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is worth a look as well, with information about the wildlife, environment and local heritage. There's enough variety here to make a proper family day out without needing to rush.

What You'll Find

Families can follow nature trails through woodland and along the lough shore, visit bird-watching areas and explore the wider nature reserve. The setting makes it easy to turn a walk into a wildlife hunt.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Climbing the wooden beams, mounds and stepping stones
• ✓Exploring the tunnels and bouncing on the trampolines
• ✓Trying the sensory and accessible play equipment
• ✓Looking for birds from the hides
• ✓Spotting wildlife around the ponds, woodland and reedbeds

Before You Visit

Not every trail has the same surface or accessibility, so choose your route carefully if bringing a buggy or wheelchair. Keep children close around the water. Check directly for current Discovery Centre and café arrangements.

Top Tips

• ⭐Leave plenty of time for the trails as well as the playpark; the nature reserve is a big part of the experience.
• ⭐Bring binoculars if you have them for the bird hides.
• ⭐With younger children, choose one of the shorter routes rather than trying to cover everything.
• ⭐Have a look in the Discovery Centre to learn more about the wildlife you've seen.