Castle Ward

Important notice -

In line with NI Executive guidance, the shop, secondhand bookshop and artists studio will be closed for six weeks from 26 December. Our outdoor areas remain open. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

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 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.

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.

Book now

Upcoming events

See all events

Timed entry to Castle Ward (11 Jan - 17 Jan)

Sun 17 Jan 2021
10:00-15:30
Book your timed entry to visit Castle Ward.

Timed entry to Castle Ward (18 Jan - 24 Jan)

Mon 18 Jan 2021
10:00-15:30
Book your timed entry to visit Castle Ward.
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Castle Ward

Things to see and do

The 16th century tower house at Castle Ward

Your visit 

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

Winter at Castle Ward

Visitors enjoying a hot drink on a winter walk in Northern Ireland

Explore the trails 

Discover the trails at Castle Ward from short scenic strolls to our 13km Boundary Trail

Fantastic views can be seen from Audley's Castle across the Lough before the trail meanders into the woodlands..

Walks at Castle Ward 

A winter walk at Castle Ward offers incredible views around every corner. Wrap up warm and take in the stunning scenery of this County Down estate sitting on the edge of Strangford Lough. Here are three of our favourite walks to discover this winter.

Seals basking on Strangford Lough near Castle Ward

Winter at Castle Ward 

A new year brings a renewed drive to get active. Look out for winter wildlife and spot snowdrops by the shores of Strangford Lough as signs of spring return to the estate.

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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.

Christmas retail 2020

Stableyard Gift Shop 

In line with NI Executive guidance, the shop will be closed for six weeks from 26 December. 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 will be closed for six weeks from 26 December. We are not currently welcoming donations of books for re-sale.

Ann Smyth working on her glass decorations at Castle Ward studio

Studio at Castle Ward 

Visit our wonderful artists, Ann and Paola in the Studio in the farmyard at weekends. Please follow social distancing guidelines.

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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

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

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