Castle Ward
| County: | Co. Down |
| Tel: | 028-4488 1204 |
| Fax: | 028-4488 1729 |
| Email: | castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk |
Superb Georgian house with both Classical and Gothic facades and interiors set in a 750 acre estate with breathtaking views over Strangford Lough. Several delightful walks to choose from ranging in duration from half an hour to 3 hours, through mature parklands, woodlands and lough shore areas. Of particular note are the Temple Water, a man-made pleasure lake and the old farm yard with seventeenth century keep. Also well worth a visit in Spring for acres of bluebells and Autumn for fungi and other flora and fauna.
Castle Ward has a secluded caravan park together with one holiday cottage.
The Strangford Lough Wildlife Centre, located within the estate, also provides an insight into life in and around Strangford Lough. Also on site is a new adventure playground, children’s play area, second-hand bookshop, Victorian Laundry, water driven cornmill and other farm buildings.
General Information
| Address: | Near Strangford, Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 7LS |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 028-4488 1204 |
| Fax: | 028-4488 1729 |
| Email: | castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk |
| Website: | http://www.ntni.org.uk |
| Location: | 1.5 miles from Strangford on the Downpatrick Road |
| Season: | Grounds open all year House open 10 March - 30 September |
| Tours: | Max No: 15, Duration: 45-50 minutes Languages: English (French on request) |
| Booking Contact: | Emma Armstrong, Visitor Reception Assistant |
| Manager: | Jacqueline Baird, Visitor Services Manager |
| Average Visit Length: | 2-3 hours |
| Entrance Fees: |
Grounds Adult: Stg£7, Child: Stg£3.50, Family: Stg£17.50 House Tour Adult: Stg£4, Child: Stg£2, Family: Stg£10 Groups: Stg£2.20 Group Price (Both): £6 |
| Restaurant: | Coffee Shop and light lunches (seats 80) |
| Picnic Area: | Yes |
| Shop: | Local produce, unique National Trust gifts and souvenirs |
| Information Guide: | English, French and Braille |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | Yes, wheelchairs available |
Education
Castle Ward is a beautiful and unique house within a 820 acre demesne with breath taking views of Strangford Lough. For four hundred years and twelve generations, it was the home of the Ward family, who held the title Viscount Bangor. It holds the prestigious Sandford Heritage Award for quality and excellence in education services.School bookings for programmes are available from September to June on a daily basis. Programmes operate at different times of the year and more information about availability can be obtained from the Education Officer. All accompanying adults have free admission and free preliminary visits are available for teachers. To book contact the Education Office at Castle Ward on 028-4488 1543
Conference & Incentive
Castle Ward, built in two architectural styles, Classical and Gothic, offers exquisite surroundings for special occasions. The elegant and grandiose Hall with elaborate plasterwork, located in the heart of Castle Ward House is an ideal location for champagne receptions, exclusive launches and musical events. Also available is Strangford Suite and the Castle Ward Theatre, the latter of which is a versatile venue. A marquee is available for hire at Castle Ward and a site is also available on the lawns in front of the house. Castle Ward also offers excellent facilities for team-building and corporate events
Virtual Visit
Want to take a Virtual Visit of Castle Ward? You can see what many attractions are like before visiting with this 360 degree view! Click on the button below to see:
Lough Lively celebrates “The Shore” at Castle Ward
Saturday 19th May
Have you ever seen or touched an American oscar? You will have the opportunity at Lough Lively celebrates “The Shore” taking place at Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, on Saturday 19th May. First time nominated academy award winner Oorlagh George, producer of “The Shore” will share an intimate evening with guests that will celebrate “The Shore”, a short film which captures and symbolizes the new Northern Ireland, the beauty of the Irish coast and the humour and resilience of its people.
This evening of celebration will commence at 6.30pm with a champagne reception and canapés with Oorlagh and guests in the stunningly beautiful main hall of Castle Ward mansion, the 18th-century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, Classical and Gothic.
Local photographer Bobby Hanvey will give a guided tour and oral interpretation of his recent exhibition “About Faces” and there will be the opportunity to browse Peter Muhly’s photography exhibition “Royal Presence”, both will be displayed in the stunningly beautiful Castle Ward. Following the guided tour guests will be led from the house to the Stableyard for a sumptuous seafood buffet that will be served in the Stableyard theatre. The night will end with a screening of the awarding winning short film “The Shore” a live action short film set on the beautiful County Down coast in Northern Ireland about two boyhood best friends who reunite after 25 years.
Ticket Price: £60 (includes Oscar Night Dinner)
Black Tie Event.
Pre-booking essential.
Drive-In Movies at Castle Ward
Join us on Friday 27th April for “King Kong” and also on Friday 4th May for “Spiderman”, have fun with the comedy for all the family “Toy Story” on Saturday 5th May, and enjoy “Superman” on Sunday 6th May.
Enjoy great films in great surroundings. Castle Ward’s front lawn will once again become an outdoor cinema. Come with your car this weekend and enjoy another night at the movies. Gourmet burgers, hot dogs, milk shakes, popcorn and more will be available to buy on the night.
£12 per car.
Parking up time: 8:30-9pm
Screening time: 9.30pm
Why not come early and let the children enjoy the Victorian Playroom, the farmyard with pigs, hens and goats, plus the adventure and children’s playgrounds. There is also 34kms of trails for you to explore, whether it is a relaxing ramble along the Shore Trail, or a more exhilarating hike around the stunning Boundary Trail. If this wasn’t enough excitement we have a gift shop that provides an exquisite range of gifts for all occasions, a second-hand bookshop and a beautiful cafe with great food for relaxation following an enjoyable walk around the demesne.
For movie details and show times please call 028 4488 1204.
Photograph exhibition at Castle Ward
From May 1st until June 10th 2012 Castle Ward House, Strangford, Downpatrick, Co Down, will present a special exhibition of the photographic work of local photographers Bobby Hanvey and Peter Muhly.
“About Faces”, Bobby Hanvey’s images are a celebration of many famous and not so famous faces of local people.
“Royal Presence”, Peter Muhly, a photo essay to mark the Queen’s Jubilee and a record of the visit of HM Queen Elizabeth to Ireland.
The exhibition is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday between 2.00pm and 4.30pm (last entry), normal Castle Ward House Tours take place at 12.00 and 1.00 and Mondays and Tuesdays tours are on the hour from 12.00 until 4.00.
There will be self-guided tours of the Ground Floor only on Sunday 6th & Monday 7th May and on Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th June.
Call the property for further details on 02844881204.
In Castle Ward you can also enjoy 34kms of multi-use trails, a gift shop that provides an exquisite range of gifts for all occasions and a second-hand bookshop. The Coach House Café is perfect for relaxation and great coffee following an enjoyable walk around the demesne.
Become a member of National Trust while you are visiting Castle ward and we will give you free entry, then you can enjoy Northern Ireland’s spectacular landscapes, grand mansions and beautiful gardens all year round for free!
Afternoon Tea in Lord Bangor’s Sitting Room
Treat yourself and friends to a delightful cream tea in Lord Bangor’s private quarters within Castle Ward mansion, Downpatrick, Co Down.
Sample the classical side of the mansion as you enter Lord Bangor’s private quarters for a refreshing Afternoon Cream Tea. Tantalise your taste buds with home made scones with cream, fruit preserves, fruit cake, delicate finger sandwiches and the finest Earl Grey tea or coffee. After your tea, relax on a free self-guided tour of the house.
Every Sunday from April to June at 3pm. It is essential to book in advance to guarantee a table. Cream Teas cost £7 for both members and non-members, and normal admission apply to grounds. A small lift is available for disabled access. Please contact us in advance if you require the use of the lift.
Enjoy some well-deserved quality time at Castle Ward.
Please call Castle Ward reception 028 4488 1204 to reserve a table.
Opening Times
The Grounds:
Nov 1 - Mar 31: 10.00 - 16.00 Daily
Apr 1 - Sept 30: 10.00 - 20.00 Daily
Oct: 10.00 - 17.00 Daily
The House:
Mar 10th-Oct 31st: 11.00-17.00
Last Admission - One Hour before closing
Tea Room and Gift Shop open daily March 10 - Oct 30 & weekends only from Oct 30 - March 10 except during events
The Barn:
Open when schools are closed
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