Our View
Explore this exceptional 820-acre walled demesne dramatically set overlooking Strangford Lough and marvel at the quirky mid-Georgian mansion. An architectural curiosity, it is built inside and out in distinctly different styles of classical and gothic. Winding woodland, lakeside and parkland walks afford amazing unexpected vistas. You can head out on the Lough in a canoe, climb and abseil the cliffs, or build a raft with Clearsky Adventure. Fans of Game of Thrones may be interested to learn that Castle Ward served as Winterfell in the show, and there is a tour and archery experience available on site.
Facilities – at a glance
Refreshments
Features
- Suitable for children of all ages
- Parking onsite
- Parking nearby
- Cafe
- Facilities: Wheelchair available, may be driven to house, Braille
- Accessible toilets
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Parkland, woodland & gardens open Jan-28 Feb, daily 10-4; 29 Feb-3 Apr & 12 Sep-Dec, daily 10-6; 4 Apr-11 Sep, daily 10-8. House, laundry & pastimes centre open 5-20 Mar, wknds, 12-5; 23 Mar-3 Apr & 27 Jun-4 Sep, daily 12-5; 6 Apr-26 Jun &
Also in the area
About the area
Discover County Down
Geographically, County Down seems to put a long arm around Strangford Lough, over 70 square miles of water. The arm is the Ards Peninsula, the most easterly part of Ireland.
Strangford Lough is a ria (a drowned estuary), caused by rising sea levels at the end of the Ice Age It is dotted with some 70 small islands, actually the highest points of drowned drumlins (small rounded hills) formed of material left behind by glaciers. The Lough is home to large flocks of wintering wildfowl that congregate on the mudflats surrounding its shores. About 9 square miles of the lough are a designated reserve for this reason.
Bangor is at the top of the peninsula, and with its picturesque seafront promenades, a charming marina and many shops and restaurants, it is regularly voted the most desirable place to live in Northern Ireland. Much of the town dates from the Victorian era with some historic buildings as well as some more modern development, and one of the largest open-air markets in Northern Ireland.
Nearby stays
Places to Stay
Dining nearby
Restaurants and Pubs
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