Castle Ward

Castle Ward will take you on a journey of discovery. The 18th-century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, classical and Gothic, will entice you to explore further. This truly beautiful 332-hectare (820-acre) walled demesne with walking trails, exotic garden, stunning vistas and picturesque farmyard, will unlock your imagination through family history, leisure pursuits, events and industrial heritage.

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.

Stroll through the sunken garden and see vivid reds, yellows, greens and pinks from flowers and subtropical plants in this four tier Victorian garden.

Watch our resident crafters create hand-made pottery and jewellery before your eyes, while children draw and drive toy tractors in the barn.

You can also head out on the Lough in a canoe, climb and abseil the cliffs, and build a raft with Clearsky Adventure.

Round the day off with a treat in our tearoom or browse the gift shop and pick up a bargain at the second-hand bookshop.