Northern Ireland

Castle Ward

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

Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7BA

Opening times
Prices
See on map

A family of four walking in the garden at Castle Ward, County Down, with the house in the background

Bookshop
Our Second-Hand bookshop is open from 10am - 4pm daily.
Shop
Pop into the gift shop in the stableyard to find that perfect something to take home or to give a friend.
Car park
Tea-room
The tea-room is open and serving a range of hot and cold drinks and light snacks daily. take your coffee to go or take a seat in the courtyard. Dog friendly cafe.
Dogs allowed
Dogs (on leads) welcome in wider estate and tea-room.
Toilet
Guided tour
February to May: The house will be open for tours every hour on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11.00am. Last tour is at 3.00pm. Tickets can be collected from visitor reception. On Saturdays and Sundays, self-guided tours from 11.00-16.00. No tickets required.
A variety of additional support available to help you enjoy your visit, including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, sensory backpacks and advice. For any specific access requirements, please email castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk or give us a call. For our accessibility overview, visit: https://www.accessable.co.uk/national-trust/castle-ward-national-trust
Castle Ward access statement
Castle Ward AccessAble
Accessible route and/or map
Powered mobility vehicle available
Accessible toilet
Steps/uneven terrain
Level access/terrain
Wheelchairs available
Map
Directions via Google Maps
By road
7 miles north-east of Downpatrick, 1 mile from Strangford on A25
Parking: Blue badge parking available.
Sat Nav: Please use BT30 7BA and follow signs for Castle Ward only. The property cannot be accessed via the Audleystown road.
On foot
Enter through main property gates. This is a short walk from the nearest bus stop.
By bus
Downpatrick to Strangford, bus stop at gates. Please check Translink for timetable.
By bicycle
By bicycle - more information
By ferry
from Portaferry

Opening times for 20 September 2024
Asset	Opening time
Mansion	11:00 - 15:00
Garden	10:00 - 16:00
Grounds	10:00 - 18:00
Second-hand bookshop	10:00 - 16:00
Shop	10:00 - 17:00
Stableyard tea-room	10:00 - 17:00

Whole Estate
Ticket type	Gift aid	Standard
Adult	£14.30	£13.00
Child	£7.20	£6.50
Family	£35.80	£32.50
1 adult, 2 children	£21.50	£19.50
Group Adult		£12.00
Group Child		£6.00

Little girl throwing fallen leaves on her mum

What's on at Castle Ward!

Find your next adventure here: discover all the events and activities happening at Castle Ward!

Family Autumn visit to stableyard, Castle ward

Article

Visiting Castle Ward with Family

From events and activities to inspiring your inner explorer, here's what you need to know about a family day out at Castle Ward.

A family of four cycling along the loughside trail at Castle Ward, County Down

Activity

Multi-use trails at Castle Ward

Whether you’re walking, in a wheelchair, cycling or horse riding, explore the 21 miles of trails on the Castle Ward estate and discover woodland, meadows and loughside views.

The exterior of Downpatrick Gate Lodge, County Down

Stay at Castle Ward

Book a break in this pretty lodge on the Castle Ward estate, surrounded by wildlife and walks with woodland, meadow and loughside views.

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Visiting Castle Ward with your dog

Castle Ward is a three pawprint rated place. Discover Castle Ward with your dog. With miles of trails to explore there's plenty of space for them to bound, sniff, jump and splash.

Staff and visitors looking at exhibits inside the house at Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland.

Article

Group visits to Castle Ward

Find out how to book a group visit to Castle Ward and learn about the guided tours and additional benefits available when visiting this unique 18th-century mansion as a group.

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Exploring the estate at Castle Ward

Explore miles of trails, soak up coastal views and stroll through atmospheric woodland scenes. Tune into the seasons and see where Game of Thrones was filmed.