Castle Ward

Important notice -

Please note that there are diversions in place for a number of the trails. The path surrounding Temple Water is currently closed due to restoration of the historic path and will be re-opened soon.

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

More about this place

A bird box at Croft Castle in Herefordshire

Half-term fun 

In honour of Nest Box Week, we've turned the Barn into a wildlife hideaway for nesting birds.

Winter at Castle Ward

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

Explore the trails 

Clear your head for the new year with a winter walk on our 36km of trails. Find your new favourite spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of winter.

Snowdrops at Castle Ward County Down

Snowdrops at Castle Ward 

Meander along one of the trials or stay close to the house and explore the lawns that are filled with snowdrops during early spring.

Seals basking on Strangford Lough near Castle Ward

Winter at Castle Ward 

Enjoy warming treats in the tea-room, look out for winter wildlife by the shores of Strangford Lough and spot signs of life returning to the estate.

The Gothic side of the mansion house at Castle Ward

Castle Ward's Split Personality 

Castle Ward is a house of contrasts. One side Gothic, one side classical Palladian - allegedly all because of a marital disagreement

The 16th century tower house at Castle Ward

Visit the Game of Thrones set 

Immerse yourself in the world of HBO's Game of Thrones as you explore the farmyard. Book in with Winterfell Tours and explore on-screen locations on a cycling tour or have a go at archery just like the Stark brothers.

Donate

Help us restore Temple Water back to its former glory.

Learn more about our appeal
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Upcoming events

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Snowdrop Trail

Tue 18 Feb 2020
10:00-16:00
Snowdrops are in abundance at Castle Ward.

Half Term at the Barn

Tue 18 Feb 2020
12:00-16:00
Get busy building a bird box, spotting wildlife and getting creative in the Barn over half-term.

World Book Day

Thu 05 Mar 2020
11:00-16:00
Bring your world book day tokens to Castle Ward and pick up one of the 8 exclusive World Book Day titles.

Book Fair

Sat 07 Mar 2020
11:00-16:00
We're having a mini book fair to celebrate World Book Day. Visit to pick up a few gems.

An Object I Love - Mary Ward

Sat 14 Mar 2020
10:00-13:00
Help us celebrate the life of Mary Ward, accomplished author, artist and astronomer.

Castle Ward in Bloom

Sun 22 Mar 2020
12:00-16:00
Surround someone you love with flowers this Mother's Day at Castle Ward.
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Castle Ward

Places to stay

Castle Ward Caravan Park
Potters Cottage and Artist Studio at Castle Ward
The premier glamping pods at Castle Ward
Castle Ward bunkhouse, Northern Ireland

Camping and caravanning 

A tranquil oasis at the edge of Castle Ward, the caravan site has 24 hard standing pitches, and lots of room for keen campers.

Potter's Cottage 

This quaint, single storey stone cottage is situated on the on the shores of scenic Strangford Lough and was even used during the filming of Game of Thrones.

Camping Pods 

Stay in one of our award winning camping pods. Enjoy a tranquil night under the stars in our Standard, Family or Premier pods.

The Bunkhouse at Castle Ward 

The accommodation is an ideal venue for corporate or private groups of up to 14 individuals and can also accommodate up to 12 small tents

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Castle Ward

Eating and shopping

Game of Thrones merchandise in the Slaughterhouse Shop at Castle Ward

Slaughterhouse Shop 

We've opened a new retail experience especially for our Game of Thrones fans. Introducing the Slaughterhouse Shop!

Freshly baked scones at the Stableyard Tea-room, Castle Ward

Stableyard Tea-room 

The Stableyard Tea-room is the perfect spot to stop in for lunch or for one of our freshly baked treats.

Some of the savoury items for sale in the shop at Castle Ward

Stableyard gift shop 

Pop in to the gift shop in the Stableyard to find that perfect something to take home or give to a friend.

The window of the bookshop at Castle Ward

Our bookshop 

Visit our second-hand bookshop to search the shelves for a classic and pick up a bargain to take home.

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Castle Ward

Learning

Castle Ward Education main

Engaging activities for young visitors 

Foundation, Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils will love our indoor and outdoor learning sessions led by experienced guides. Find out about education group membership and how to book a visit for your class.

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Castle Ward

Weddings

Wedding couple at Castle Ward

Get married in style 

Choose from a diverse range of indoor and outdoor settings to provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. Find out more about how many guests you can invite and how to hire this venue.

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Castle Ward

Get involved

Get Involved

Volunteers at Castle Ward

Get Involved 

Volunteers help in all aspects of our places - we're have a suitable spot for your skills so find out if you're our missing piece!

Harrison Vyse, volunteer ranger at Castle Ward

Harrison Vyse: My time as a volunteer ranger 

Having swapped the classroom for the countryside and books for boots, Harrison Vyse takes time to reflect on his year’s placement as a Volunteer Ranger with the team at Castle Ward.

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Castle Ward

Groups

A family walks past the mansion house at Castle Ward on an autumn day

Bring the castle to life 

Book a guided tour of the mansion or gardens for your group. We can also offer special interest tours to really bring Castle Ward to life. All tours can be taken during the day or after hours, just get in touch to find out more.

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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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