Castle Ward

Important notice -

We’re delighted that our outdoor spaces will remain open during the NI circuit break restrictions. We'll honour bookings for 28-29 Nov, if there's space you may be able to visit without having booked. Bookings for visits from 30 Nov are now available

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

Please book ahead before visiting Check availability

More about this place

Experience the changing seasons at Murlough National Nature Reserve

What's open in Northern Ireland 

In line with NI Executive legislation all our outdoor spaces in Northern Ireland will remain open during the circuit break restrictions from Saturday 28 November to 11 December for local walkers to enjoy. During this period our houses, shops and visitor centres will be closed and cafes will offer a take-away service. 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

The garden, estate, shop, tea-room and secondhand bookshop at Castle Ward are open. To avoid disappointment please book, especially at busier times such as weekends and bank holidays. However, where space is available, pre-booking may not always be necessary.

Book now

Upcoming events

See all events

Timed entry to Castle Ward (30 Nov - 6 Dec)

Mon 30 Nov 2020
10:00-10:30
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

A Robin among holly branches

Christmas at Castle Ward 

This year we're celebrating the beauty of the seasons and the joy of spending time with loved ones when we can.

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.

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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 legislation and the circuit break lockdown, the shop is temporarily closed from Friday 27 November until 11 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 legislation and the circuit break lockdown, the bookshop is temporarily closed from Friday 27 November until 11 December. We are 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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