Discover more at Castle Ward
Find out when Castle Ward is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Exploring the estate at Castle Ward
If you are in need of some fresh air this spring, come and explore over 34km of trails. Spot visiting birds by the shore, enjoy the views and tune into the sounds, sights and scents of the season. Look out for seals and terns as you explore the miles of trails through woodland to the water's edge.
Spring Walks
With acres of woodland, meadows and shoreline, Castle Ward is the perfect place to explore on a walk this spring. There’s miles of trails to explore – choose from one of six walking routes or why not come back and complete them all?
Soak up coastal views and see if you can spot any seals. Enjoy sweeping vistas across to Portaferry on the Shore Trail or follow the Boundary Trail by heading head to take in woodland scenes. Mountain Wood is perfect for exploring as it's home to lots of evergreen trees which provide shelter from sun and showers. Dogs on leads are welcome and downloadable maps and step-by-step guides are available for each walk.
Who can use the trails?
The trails at Castle Ward are multi-use, meaning that walkers, wheelchair users, cyclists, horse riders and dogs can all enjoy the scenic paths. With tracks to suit all abilities, the routes are perfect for little legs and older ones too.
Game of Thrones filming locations at Castle Ward
Step into a fantasy world of castles and dragons as you explore the farmyard and the lough shore. Castle Ward is well known for being a key filming location for the first series of Games of Thrones, when the historic farmyard was transformed into ‘Winterfell’, the seat of the Stark family.
It’s also where you'll find the Whispering Wood and key scenes including Robb Stark’s Camp, the Baelor battle and when Brienne confronts the Stark men.
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.
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Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Countryside areas in Northern Ireland
Whether you're looking for a heart-raising hike up Northern Ireland's highest mountain or a ramble by the river at The Argory, there are many countryside and woodland places to experience in Northern Ireland. Enjoy woodland respite at Minnowburn with the forest bathing beds or escape to the wild landscape of County Fermanagh with the countryside adventures at Florence Court, Castle Coole and Crom.