Castle Ward

Important notice -

In line with NI Executive guidance, the shop and secondhand bookshop are closed. The Tea-room is takeaway only. Please note, diversions will be in place on the Farm Trail whilst works continue to upgrade our access paths around Temple Water.

Unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles

Please book ahead before visiting Check availability

More about this place

Snow capped Mournes from Murlough National Nature Reserve

What's open in Northern Ireland 

In line with NI Executive guidance, our houses, shops and visitor centres remain closed. Our outdoor spaces are open for local walkers to enjoy and cafes will offer a limited take-away service. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. The safety of our staff, volunteers, visitors and local communities remains our priority. We urge people to follow government guidance and stay local.

Castle Ward   County Down

Please book ahead before visiting

In line with NI Executive guidance, our houses, shops and visitor centres will be closed for six weeks from 26 December to restrict the spread of coronavirus. Our outdoor spaces will remain open for local walkers to enjoy and cafes will offer a limited take-away service. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. The safety of our staff, volunteers, visitors and local communities remains our priority. We urge people to follow government guidance and stay local.

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Upcoming events

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Timed entry to Castle Ward (12 Apr - 18 Apr)

Sun 18 Apr 2021
10:00-16:00
Book your timed entry to visit Castle Ward.

Timed entry to Castle Ward (19 Apr - 25 Apr)

Mon 19 Apr 2021
10:00-16:00
Book your timed entry to visit Castle Ward.
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Castle Ward

Things to see and do

Visitors exploring the garden in spring at Castle Ward, County Down

Your visit 

Visiting Castle Ward: What's open and where are the best places to explore?

Explore Spring at Castle Ward

Spring Walk at Castle Ward 1

Spring walks at Castle Ward 

We've sat down and picked out some of our favourite walks to do during spring. Is one of them for you?

Daffodils in bloom at Castle Ward - National Trust, Strangford, Co Down

Adventures in nature at Castle Ward 

Discover your local family-friendly trail at Castle Ward with fun activities to do along the way. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate reward at the end.

Daffodils in bloom at Castle Ward, Co Down

Spring at Castle Ward 

Spring brings the estate to life. Check out our top spots for enjoying the sights and sounds of the season.

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Castle Ward

Eating and shopping

Visitors walking in parkland with cups of takeaway coffee

Stableyard Tea-room 

Our tea-room is serving a range of takeaway hot and cold drinks and some light snacks. We’ll also only be accepting card payment. We look forward to welcoming you and know that you’ll support us to make this a safe experience for everyone.

2020 retail products

Stableyard Gift Shop 

In line with NI Executive guidance, the shop is currently closed. Check out our online shop for a range of gifts for friends and family.

The window of the bookshop at Castle Ward

Our bookshop 

In line with NI Executive guidance, the secondhand bookshop is currently closed. We are not currently welcoming donations of books for re-sale.

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Castle Ward

History

The family crest of the Bangor family in the pediment at Castle Ward

Making a home 

Castle Ward is now a museum, but for a few hundred years it was a family home. How do you make a house a home?

Section of a portrait of Lady Anne Ward (nee Bligh) of Castle Ward

Lady Anne Ward 

We've simplified our history, but life is always a little more complicated. To uncover the real story, we're delving into the background of Lady Anne Ward.

eighteenth-century wooden wall panel, carved in the shape of the goddess Demeter, the goddess of Agriculture and Harvests

Harvest and the delights of dining at Castle Ward  

A plentiful harvest played a key role in the successful running of the Castle Ward estate and its importance is represented through symbolism in the dining room of the house.

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Castle Ward

Art and collections

Our collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Castle Ward on the National Trust Collections website

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© National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA

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