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Coleraine, County Londonderry

Bishop's Gate Lodge

The exterior of Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The exterior of Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry | © National Trust / Mike Henton
The sitting room at Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The area surrounding Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry

Bishop's Gate Lodge

A gothic gate lodge on the coastal estate of Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne.

Grid of 12 images
The sitting room at Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The area surrounding Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The exterior of Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The sitting room at Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The kitchen at Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The bedroom at Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The bathroom at Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The garden at Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The exterior of Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The area surrounding Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The area surrounding Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry
The area surrounding Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry

© National Trust / Mike Henton

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A gothic gate lodge on the coastal estate of Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne.

  • Guests

    2

    Bedrooms

    1

    Acorn rating

    3What's this?

    Number of dogs welcome

    0

    Reference

    019021

    Bishop’s Gate Lodge is a period retreat for two at the entrance to Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne, an 18th-century estate famous for its eccentric Bishop Earl and his iconic, clifftop folly. The Temple is one of Ireland’s most photographed places and just a mile’s walk away. The clifftop landscape here is steeped in history and nature, with gardens, historic buildings and sweeping North Atlantic views; there’s so much to explore.  

    The gate lodge has a woodburning stove for cosy evenings in the sitting room and an abundance of light from high ceilings and tall windows. The bedroom’s half-moon window looks over a pretty, private garden with old stone walls and benches, and a spot for relaxing and dining outdoors.

    Right on the doorstep, the Bishop’s Gate leads into the demesne to Bishop’s Gate Gardens, past many rare tree species and then onto open grassland with views of the majestic ruins of Downhill House. Visit the Walled Garden or explore the ruin, and follow the paths to Mussenden Temple, on the cliff edge looking out across the Inishowen Peninsula.

    • Wi-Fi, available
    • Garden, available
    • Fridge, available
    • Freezer, available
    • Microwave, available
    • Open fire / wood burner, available
    • Television, available
    • Washing machine, available
    • Near National Trust attraction, available
    • Tiny cottage, available
    • Romantic, available
    • Close to a beach, available

Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry

Tour some of the rooms at Bishop's Gate Lodge, sleeping two.

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Things to see and do at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne 

Visit this stunning landscape and beautiful gardens.

Castlerock, County Londonderry

Partially open today
A photograph of Mussenden Temple.

Things to do at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne 

See the Mussenden Temple perched on the clifftop and explore the dramatic coastal landscape of Downhill Demesne which is steeped in history. See far-reaching views from the country fields and paths. Look out for colourful wild flowers in the natural grasses.

The ruins of Downhill House at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry

Bishop's Gate walking trail 

Northern Ireland

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Downhill Demesne's sheltered gardens and clifftops, taking in the Bishop's Gate Arboretum , alongside the ruins of Downhill House and the striking Mussenden Temple.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
The ruins of the west front of Downhill House at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry

Events at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne 

See upcoming events at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, from guided tours to live music, to artistic workshops. Tickets may need to be booked in advance.

Exterior of Mussenden Temple in the grounds of Downhill Demesne at County Londonderry

Exploring the area

There's plenty to do within an hour's drive of Bishop's Gate Lodge.

Giant's Causeway 

Follow in the legendary footsteps of giants at Northern Ireland's iconic World Heritage Site.

Bushmills, County Antrim

Fully open today
Visitor at the Giant's Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Carrick-a-Rede 

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen in 1755

Ballintoy, County Antrim

Fully open today
Visitors walking over the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede with the island and sea visible in the background

Portstewart Strand 

Miles of golden sand

Portstewart, County Londonderry

Fully open today
Children bodyboarding at Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry

White Park Bay 

Beautiful stretch of golden sand on the North Antrim coast

County Antrim

Fully open today
A cow lying down and relaxing on the sands with its eyes closed, with the sea behind it at White Park Bay, County Antrim

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