Winter at Castle Ward

Winter has come at Castle Ward but there are still plenty of things to do even with the Mansion closed.

Late sunrises and early sunsets have eclipsed the long summer hours, but have created opportunities to see an explosion of pastel colours above the demesne overlooking Strangford Lough. A must see on a pleasant day.

Cosy coats, scarves and gloves are a must and maybe some hot chocolate or soup from the tearoom to take away the crispness.

There’s also our extensive trail network to be used to blow away some of the cobwebs of what was perhaps a turbulent 2016. Or is it a new year’s resolution to get outdoors and get active?

If winter just isn’t for you, Castle Ward is a very good indicator of when spring is around the corner. Look for gorgeous displays of snowdrops or head to the woodland and listen out for the mistle thrush, a bird that typically starts marking its territory for the nesting season before most.