Autumn Adventures

A family plays with the autumn leaves at Castle Ward

Autumn is our favourite time of year at Castle Ward when the estate is bright with seasonal colour. We're celebrating the season with some self-led activities and ideas.

Picture perfect moments

5 October onwards

  •  Pumpkin Patch in the stables - capture your perfect family moment with our autumn backdrop. Please note that unlike at Pumpkinfest, the pumpkins are just for display so please leave them for other families to enjoy
The Pumpkin Patches are perfect for an Autumn family photo
Castle Ward Pumpkin Patch
The Pumpkin Patches are perfect for an Autumn family photo
  •  Photo challenge - we've put up nine frames across the estate, capturing some of the best views you'll find at Castle Ward. Can you find all nine? Tag us in your photos @NTCastleWard
Can you find our best views?
A wood frame surrounds an idyllic view across Castle Ward, Strangford
Can you find our best views?
  • Autumn activities - find out all about the plants and animals to spot on your walk and get started on activities to make the most of the season. Bring an egg-box if you have one!
There are lots of fabulous fungi to spot across the estate
A purple/grey mushroom sprouts up from the undergrowth at Castle Ward
There are lots of fabulous fungi to spot across the estate

Harvest Half-term

17 October - 1 November

  • Become an animal for the day as you hunt for acorns, look for berries and discover who's been snuffling up all of autumn's bounty on The Forager's Trail. Start in Stableyard and follow the signs.
Discover who's hunting for autumn treasure on the Forager's Trail
A person holds an acorn in their hand at Castle Ward, Strangford
Discover who's hunting for autumn treasure on the Forager's Trail
  • The Woodland Playground reopens for two weeks only this Half-term!
A colourful autumn display at Castle Ward
Pumpkins and a colourful autumn flower display at Castle Ward
A colourful autumn display at Castle Ward

If you're looking for even more autumn adventures, take part in the National Trust's Autumn Challenge, download our scavenger hunt below and find out where next to explore.