Castle Ward

Important notice -

The Tea-room, Shop and Secondhand Bookshop at Castle Ward are open. The House is open Friday - Sunday. You don't need to book your visit in advance.

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

Please book ahead before visiting Check availability

More about this place

The boat house at Castle Ward on the shore of Strangford Lough

Filming at Castle Ward

Due to a change in the production schedule, Castle Ward will be closed to the public on Thursday 17 June for filming. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause. The estate will reopen on Friday 18 June with some minor diversions in place until 22 June. The location fee for this project will go towards vital conservation projects and help us secure the future of this historic estate for generations to come. We’d like to thank our members and visitors for your continued support.

Castle Ward   County Down

Please book ahead before visiting

Our Shop and Secondhand Bookshop are now open daily and the Tea-room is open for takeaway and outdoor seating. Our outdoor spaces will remain open for walkers to enjoy. We recommend booking in advance for visiting Castle Ward.

Book now

Upcoming events

See all events

Timed entry to Castle Ward (21 June - 27 June)

Thu 24 Jun 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?

Visitors walking in the bluebells at Castle Ward, Co Down

Bluebell Walks 

We might be biased but we think we've got some of the best bluebell woods around...

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 

The tea-room is open and serving a range of hot and cold drinks and light snacks. Take your coffee to go or take a seat in the Courtyard.

2020 retail products

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 the second-hand bookshop to search the shelves for a classic and take home a bargain. Open daily from 10am.

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Castle Ward

Get involved

Castle Ward volunteers

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!

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Castle Ward

Places to stay

Staying at Castle Ward

Castle Ward Caravan Park

Camping and caravanning 

We've reopened for caravans with self-contained facilities. Visit this tranquil oasis at the edge of Castle Ward. Camping will resume on 24 May, pending up to date regulations.

The premier glamping pods at Castle Ward

Camping Pods 

The Camping pods will reopen on the 24 May pending up to date regulations.

Potters Cottage and Artist Studio at Castle Ward

Potter's Cottage 

This quaint, single storey stone cottage is situated on the on the shores of scenic Strangford Lough and has now reopened for bookings.

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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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