Activities at Castle Ward

Castle Ward Loughside Walk

Wander the waterside at Castle Ward passing a ruined castle and ornamental lake. With woodland and follies, this eye-catching stroll will take you around one of Ireland's finest demesnes or country estates.

• Easy
• 50 mins
• 2.5 miles (4.0km)

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?

Bluebell Walks

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

Cycling our trails

Grab the bikes and helmets and go on a cycling adventure at Castle Ward. It's a great way to explore the 21 miles of trails which criss-cross the estate and hug Strangford Lough. With tracks to suit all abilities, the routes are perfect for little legs and older ones too. Take a trip to the lough, through sheltered woodland or to the deer parks as you follow the network of cycle paths around the estate.

Your visit

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

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.

Family activities at Castle Ward

Autumn adventures await at Castle Ward. Now is the time to visit, when the changing colours of the estate make it spectacularly beautiful. Crunching leaves, conker scavenging and foraging for blackberries and fungi, there's lots to do in Autumn at Castle Ward.

Dog friendly Castle Ward

Castle Ward is a haven for dog walkers. Dogs on leads please unless you're in our dog exercise field where Fido is free to roam.

Autumn on the estate

Castle Ward is particularly spectacular in autumn when the colours change and there is still plenty to discover on the estate.

HBO's Game of Thrones at Castle Ward

Immerse yourself in the world of HBO's Game of Thrones as you explore the farmyard and surround landscape. Keen fans will spot the locations of several key scenes from season one.

Winter walks at Castle Ward

Wrap up warm and take a walk around the stunning landscape at Castle Ward this winter.

Shore trail at Castle Ward

Follow our short trail at Castle Ward, County Down and take in the beautiful surroundings and scenery of Strangford Lough and architecture of the castle.

• Easy
• 20 mins
• 1.2 miles (1.9km)

Winterfell Festival Programme

The full programme of Winterfell Festival

Bluebell Walks

Discover a tranquil woodland escape on the Bluebell Walk through our trails

• Easy
• 4.5 miles (7.2km)

Castle Ward countryside walk

Discover secret trails, lush woodland, panoramic views and a variety of wildlife on this varied walk in the country at Castle Ward.

• Easy
• 50 mins
• 2.5 miles (4.0km)

Castle Ward Farm Trail

Our Farm Trail is excellent for spotting wildlife and taking in the stunning scenery of Strangford Lough, Audley's Castle and Farmyard at Castle Ward.

• Moderate
• 1 hour
• 2.5 miles (4.0km)

Castle trail at Castle Ward

An excellent trail for spotting wildlife and taking in the stunning scenery of Strangford Lough, Audley's Castle and Farmyard at Castle Ward.

• Easy
• 40 mins
• 1.8 miles (2.85km)

Castle Ward boundary trail

An eight-mile trail that takes in some stunning sights around Castle Ward.

• Challenging
• 3 hours
• 8.0 miles (12.85km)