Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
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 |
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
Further reading
CubicFun - Neuschwanstein Castle 3D Puzzle (121pc)
Architectural 3D puzzle model, stocked by UK and US retailers.
Find it on Amazon
