Castle Ward
County Down, Northern Ireland
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
Strangford, Downpatrick BT30 7BA
Telephone 028 4488 1204
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- Blue badge parking is available; note the property cannot be reached via the Audleystown road.
- Access
- Wheelchairs, mobility scooters and sensory backpacks are available on site to help with a visit.
- Facilities
- On-site facilities include a second-hand bookshop, gift shop, tea-room and toilets.
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads are welcome in the wider estate and in the dog-friendly tea-room.
Castle Ward is a Georgian mansion built in two clashing architectural styles - Gothic on one side, Classical on the other, reportedly because the couple who built it couldn't agree - set in a National Trust estate on Strangford Lough. Its tower house also stood in for Winterfell in Game of Thrones, and the grounds, laundry, and barns are worth wandering even on days the house itself is closed.
Worth the trip
The lake views from the house and the sunken garden - reviewers call both a highlight independent of the Winterfell connection.
Before you go
Parking is limited, so arrive earlier rather than later, and check ahead if the house itself is important to you - it isn't always open, though the grounds and outbuildings usually are regardless.
Visitors consistently praise Castle Ward as a large, family-friendly estate with extensive grounds, gardens and walking trails, and several mention its Game of Thrones 'Winterfell' filming location as a fun draw for fans. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly, and the dog-friendly cafe and sunken garden are called out as favourites, though one reviewer felt the cafe prices were on the steep side.
Gothic/Palladian mansion; estate tower house was Winterfell
“Really enjoyed our trip to Castleward beautiful setting near Strangford lovely walks suitable for families and children. Only downside is the prices in the cafe I felt were very steep £4.55 for one sausage roll.”- Kathryn Telford, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Visit 27/12/2025 to National Trust Castle Ward using family membership, limited parking spots but were available when arrived late morning.” - Wasim Mir
- How long to allow
- “Visited for the down triathlon and spent the full day.” - Ciara Maskey
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Only downside is the prices in the cafe I felt were very steep £4.55 for one sausage roll.” - Kathryn Telford
- Facilities
- “A great place to start is the cafe, followed by the laundry room, then onto the stables room for a photo opportunity themed on Christmas.” - Wasim Mir
Common questions about Castle Ward
Where is Castle Ward?
Castle Ward is in County Down, Northern Ireland, at Strangford, Downpatrick BT30 7BA.
Do you need a ticket to visit Castle Ward?
Yes - Castle Ward is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Castle Ward?
The lake views from the house and the sunken garden - reviewers call both a highlight independent of the Winterfell connection.
Is Castle Ward a ruin or still intact?
Castle Ward is largely intact - Gothic/Palladian mansion; estate tower house was Winterfell.
