Discover more at Castle Ward
Find out when Castle Ward is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Exploring the estate at Castle Ward
There’s plenty of things to see and do on the estate at Castle Ward. Spot visiting birds by the shore, enjoy the views and tune into the sounds, sights and scents of the season. Look out for seals and terns as you explore the miles of trails through woodland to the water's edge. Misty morning walks make for the best views as the mist hovers over the water.
Walks at Castle Ward
Pull on your walking boots and head out for a refreshing walk. There’s miles of trails to explore – choose from one of six walking routes or why not come back and complete them all?
Soak up coastal views and see if you can spot any seals. Enjoy sweeping vistas across to Portaferry or head inland to take in woodland scenes. Mountain Wood is perfect for exploring as it's home to lots of evergreen trees which provide shelter from sun and showers.
Game of Thrones filming locations at Castle Ward
Step into a fantasy world of castles and dragons as you explore the farmyard and the lough shore. Castle Ward is well known for being a key filming location for the first series of Games of Thrones, when the historic farmyard was transformed into ‘Winterfell’, the seat of the Stark family.
It’s also where you'll find the Whispering Wood and key scenes including Robb Stark’s Camp, the Baelor battle and when Brienne confronts the Stark men.
Tick off more of your ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’
Head outdoors and get your little ones closer to nature this winter. Are you ready to try out 50 of the wildest, most fun-packed and exciting things to do in the great outdoors? Do your favourite activities over and over again, or try all 50: the choice is yours.
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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.
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History of Castle Ward
Unique and unusual, this eccentric 18th-century house is famed for having been built with two completely different architectural styles, both inside and out. Find out why.
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Eating and shopping at Castle Ward
Tuck into a seasonal menu and treat yourself or someone special in the shops. Watch artists in action or pick up a Game of Thrones memento.
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What’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ all about?
Discover how and why we created the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list to help children connect with nature and the natural world.
Countryside and woodland
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Countryside areas in Northern Ireland
Whether you're looking for a heart-raising hike up Northern Ireland's highest mountain or a ramble by the river at The Argory, there are many countryside and woodland places to experience in Northern Ireland. Enjoy woodland respite at Minnowburn with the forest bathing beds or escape to the wild landscape of County Fermanagh with the countryside adventures at Florence Court, Castle Coole and Crom.