Description
Castle Ward is a unique 18th-century mansion set beside Strangford Lough, known for its striking mix of Gothic and classical architecture. Surrounded by scenic landscapes, it offers a blend of history, nature and family-friendly activities. It is also famous as a filming location for the TV series Game of Thrones.
Visitors can explore the mansion, walk or cycle along six scenic trails, and enjoy the sunken Victorian garden and tranquil Temple Water. The estate features woodland and adventure playparks, the historic farmyard used as Winterfell, cycling with balance bikes, wildlife spotting, and family activities like explorer bags and the Secret Shore Trail. Additional facilities include a tea-room, gift shop, second-hand bookshop and beautiful loughside views.
Peak ticket prices are £16.50 (adult Gift Aid) or £15.00 without, £8.30 for children, and £41.30 for families, while off-peak prices start from £13.20 for adults and £6.60 for children. Various family and group packages are available, with lower prices during off-peak periods and seasonal closures.
Castle Ward offers a perfect mix of history, adventure and natural beauty. With its unique architecture, scenic trails and exciting activities, it provides an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. It is an ideal destination for families, history lovers and fans of film locations alike.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
See the gothic and classical collide at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th-century mansion resting on a rolling hillside and looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down. Walk or cycle along the Lough trail or through the sheltered woodlands and spot butterflies, rabbits, ducks and swans.
Step into a fantasy world of castles and dragons as you explore the Georgian farmyard and the lough shore, film locations for the hit television series Game of Thrones. Stroll through the sunken garden and see vivid reds, yellows, greens and pinks from seasonal flowers in this newly restored Victorian garden.
- Mansion: An 18th-century mansion house famed as a house of contrasts, one side Gothic, one side classical Palladian.
- Trails: Six enjoyable trails for walkers, cyclists, and riders, with options for all difficulty levels and distances. Our trails offer scenic routes through nature, with gorgeous landscapes and wildlife to spot along the way.
- Sunken Garden: Visit our sunken garden, restored with a design based on the 1864 painting by Mary Ward.
- Clock tower: Located in Castle Ward's historic farmyard, the location and backdrop of HBO's Winterfell in Game of Thrones.
- Woodland & Adventure Playparks: Jump into outdoor fun—explore and conquer our playparks! Open daily.
- Temple Water: A tranquil oasis at the heart of the estate. Take a stroll around the water's edge and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Outdoor activities for the family
Looking for activities the whole family can enjoy? Castle Ward offers unique experiences that blend history, culture, and fun for all ages. From browsing locally handcrafted gifts to stepping back in time with immersive historical experiences, there’s something for everyone.
- Pick up an explorer bag or a calm bag: Keep the kids entertained on a walk around the trails with a calm bag or explore bag from Reception. Explorer bags have a selection of toys, books and activities while calm bags are filled with fidget toys and ways to help express emotions. These are available for both kids and adults. The bags are free to book out but a deposit may be required.
- Build up a sweat at the Adventure Playpark: Get ready for some serious fun at the Adventure Playpark at Castle Ward! Swing, slide and play to your heart's content on our fantastic range of play equipment. Perfect for both little and older kids, our playpark has everything you need to ensure your children have an absolute blast.
- Get set to ride a balance bike - or a big bike!: Will you be able to keep up with your children once they’ve learned to cycle? Balance bikes are the perfect way to help your future cyclists learn how to ride, in beautiful, traffic-free surroundings. The balance bikes and helmets are available to borrow from the reception. You don’t need to book anything and the balance bikes are free to use on a first come, first served basis – just turn up and get going.
- Secret Shore Trail: Create your own adventure as you explore the Secret Shore Trail. This hidden gem is waiting for you to explore and get up close and personal with some of the wildlife that lives along the loughshore.
- Visit the Farmyard: In the farmyard, immerse yourself in a historical setting, the very one used as the set of Winterfell in the famous 'Game Of Thrones' series. The pond at Castle Ward is home to a variety of ducks, including the beautiful mallards, who love to splash around and play.
22.16 miles
