Discover more at Castle Ward
Find out when Castle Ward is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Things to do in Castle Ward house
Castle Ward is famed as a house of contrasts both inside and out. One side is Gothic, one side is classical Palladian – allegedly all because of a marital disagreement – but is that the whole story about this eccentric 18th-century house overlooking Strangford Lough? Wander through the Georgian rooms to see the historic interiors and collection, and uncover the stories of the people who lived and worked here.
Go on a self-guided tour of the house
Visit the house on a self-guided tour of the mansion house to discover the story behind the unusual architecture, see the Georgian interiors and uncover the stories of the people who lived and worked here.
You'll see some of the more unusual items in the collection like the stuffed Kodiak bear which is named after one of Lord Bangor's daughters, the boxing squirrels and the large Gothic wardrobe.
In the dining room, look out for the intricately carved panel depicting Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and harvests. Demeter is surrounded by four putti, who symbolise the celebration of a good harvest and the abundance of the first fruits of the season. It's a beautiful reminder that the Ward family relied on a good harvest so that they could provide a table of plenty for themselves and their guests.
Opening Times for the mansion house
The house is open daily except Tuesday for free flow exploration from 11am to 4pm. Last entry is at 3.45pm unless you have a pre-booked guided group tour.
See the servants' quarters below stairs
At its peak, the current mansion house at Castle Ward estate would have employed around 40 staff to keep the house and grounds running. From the laundry maids and boot boys to the butler and the scullery maids, everyone had their own job and learnt the hierarchy of life in service.
Explore the laundry, dairy and stables at your leisure and get a sense of the workforce required to run a house and estate like Castle Ward, and what daily life here might have been like through the nineteenth century.
Group Visits to Castle Ward
Pre-book a group visit and find out what makes Castle Ward so special. Discounts apply to groups of over 15 people.
Group benefits
By making a group booking you’ll be able to take advantage of the following benefits:
- Complimentary admission voucher for your familiarisation visit
- Free entry for your tour leader and driver on the day of your group visit
- Reduced admission price for your group of 15 or more people when booked in advance
- Refreshment voucher for your driver
Guided tours
Our guided tours bring this remarkable place to life with fascinating facts and stories, taking you on a journey through history. We can also arrange specialist tours. All guided tours come at an additioal cost and must be pre-booked.
Eating with your group
Our tea-room can cater for small and large groups. You can choose from a variety of refreshments including hot meals and freshly made baked goods. For up to date prices on group rates, please email us. Your group is also welcome to visit the tea-room ad-hoc, but please let us know in advance so we can ensure the tea-room is well stocked.
Accessibility
Please take a look at the access guide for Castle Ward. If anyone in your group has any accessibility requirements please let us know upon booking as we may have alternative options available for you.
Prices
For groups of up to 14 visitors standard admission applies.
For groups for 15+ visitors, adult entry price is £13.50 for a guided tour.
Get in touch
All group visits need to be pre-booked to receive group rates.
If you would like to find out more about group visits please phone us on 028 4488 1204 or email castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk
Free familiarisation visits for group leaders
If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Houses and buildings
Historic houses and buildings are full of stories, art and collections. Learn more about their past and plan your next visit.
Houses and buildings in Northern Ireland
Whether built through a martial disagreement, family rivalry or even a quirky stipulation in a will, each of the houses and buildings in our care has its own unique story to share. From Castle Coole, one of the greatest Neo-classical country houses in Ireland, to The Crown Bar, a masterpiece in pub architecture, intriguing items and fascinating finds speak of centuries ceased and capture a snapshot in time.
Project
Project
The Portrait of Lady Ann Bligh: A Conservation Journey
The newly-acquired portrait of Lady Ann Bligh—the only known image of her—sheds light on her overlooked role in shaping Castle Ward in the 1760s and enriches the site’s understanding of women’s history. After expert conservation work, the painting is now on display, reuniting the house with one of its most significant yet marginalised figures.