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Exploring the estate at Castle Ward

A father stands with his two children on the foreshore at Strangford Lough near Castle Ward in County Down; they have a telescope and are looking into the distance.
Visitors on the foreshore of Strangford Lough near Castle Ward | © National Trust Images / Ian Shaw

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.

A visitor walking along the rocky, seaweed-covered foreshore of Strangford Lough, County Down, on a misty day, with rolling hills beyond.
A visitor explores the shore of Strangford Lough | © National Trust Images / John Miller

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.

A family on the beach at Strangford Lough, County Down. The image focuses on a young girl who is examining some seaweed that an adult is holding just out of shot.
Children at the edge of the lough shore at Castle Ward, County Down | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

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.

Two members of National Trust staff looking up and discussing the ornate plaster ceiling in the Gothic Boudoir at Castle Ward, County Down

Discover more at Castle Ward

Find out when Castle Ward is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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