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Castle Ward House & Demsne

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 an 820 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 17th Century keep. Also well worth a visit in Spring for acres of bluebells and Autumn for fungi and other flora and fauna. The Barn is located close to the farmyard and is an indoor and outdoor interactive play area for children. A National Trust shop and restaurant are also on site, together with an adventure playground, children's play area, second-hand book shop, Victorian laundry, water driven cornmill and other farm buildings.

Castle Ward

General Information

Address:	Near Strangford, Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 7LS
Telephone;	028-4488 1204
Fax:	028-4488 1729
Email:	castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website:	www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Location:	1.5 miles from Strangford on the Downpatrick Road
Season:	Grounds open all year House open 10 March - 30 September
Open Times:	(See section on the right)
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

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

Accommodation

DOWNPATRICK GATE LODGE

Downpatrick Gate Lodge is a somewhat remote and a very attractive cottage found at the woodland entrance to Castle Ward. Built in 1870s for Lord Bangor, this charming stone cottage is located on the edge of Castle Ward estate.Ground Floor: kitchen, dining room and sitting room with wood-burning stoves. First Floor: two bedrooms (1 double with 5' bed, 1 twin), and shower room with lavatory.

Facilities
Television, washing machine, tumble dryer, cot, highchair.

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Education

CASTLE WARD & STRANGFORD LOUGH WILDLIFE CENTRE
Castle Ward is a beautiful and unique house within a 820 acre demesne with breathtaking views of Strangford Lough. For four hundred years and twelve gnerations, it was the home of the Ward family, who held the title ViscountBangor. It holds the prestigious Sandford Heritage Award for quality andexcellence in education services.

School bookings for programmes are available from September to June on a dailybasis. 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. To book contact the Education Office at Castle Wardon 028-4488 1543

Foundation and Key Stage 1:
Applefest - Enjoy a cross-curricular programme providing opportunities for crafts,planting, games and art based on an “apple” theme.
Pack up Your Troubles - Experience a living History programme designed to allow children to explore one aspect of local, recent history; life in Castle Ward during World War II. Come and help us celebrate as evacuees at the end of the War!
Birds, Bugs, Beasts - Enjoy a day outdoors at Castle Ward, exploring the environment. Encounter mini-beasts, find animal homes, listen to the sounds ofthe environment and learn about trees.

Key Stage 2:
Life Below Stairs at Castle Ward - Visit Castle Ward and experience an activity tour of the house, laundry, dairy and playroom. Pupils are encouraged to participate indiscovering what life was like for a servant here during the Victorian period.
A Tale of Christmas Past - Enjoy the special Christmas atmosphere at Castle Ward.
Experience this Victorian costumed cross currcular programme which includes crafts, literacy and history.
Mary Ward’s Discovery Day - Based on the historical character of Mary Ward as a starting point, pupils can explore the outdoor environment of Castle Ward, expanding their knowledge of science and the environment.

Community Relations and PDMU
Through the Keyhole - Exploring Identity at Castle Ward. Discussion and an interactive House tour enable pupils to develop skills in this important area.
Sort it Out! - Conflict Resolution at Castle Ward. Discussion and drama activities bring to life the story behind the building of the 1760’s House, while providing pupils opportunities to examine conflict in their own situations.

Virtual Visit

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