Castle Ward
| County: | Co. Down |
| Tel: | 028-4488 1204 |
| Fax: | 028-4488 1729 |
| Email: | Jacqueline.baird@nationaltrust.org.uk |
'One Couple's discord creates a shared heritage' Alexander Family, Markethill, County Armagh
Castle Ward will take you on a journey of discovery. The 18th century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, classical and Gothic, will entice you to explore further. This truly beautiful 820 acre walled demesne with walking trails, exotic garden, stunning vistas and picturesque farmyard, will unlock your imagination through family history, leisure pursuits, events and industrial heritage. A children's pastimes centre and laundry are a short walk from the house in the stableyard, alongside a gift shop, second-hand bookshop and tearoom.
Exploring:Challenge yourself to walking fourteen miles on our woodland trails. Meet 'the judge' during a living history tour. Learn about Irish industrial heritage by visiting the corn mill. Stay in a luxury holiday cottage. Attempt the 'mega slide' in the adventure playground. Picnic in the exotic Victorian sunken garden.
General Information
| Address: | Near Strangford, Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 7LS |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 028-4488 1204 |
| Fax: | 028-4488 1729 |
| Email: | Jacqueline.baird@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 March-September |
| Tours: | Max No: 15, Duration: 45-50 minutes Languages: English (French on request) |
| Booking Contact: | Jacqui Baird, Visitor Services Manager |
| Manager: | Barbara Muhly |
| Average Visit Length: | 2-3 hours |
| Entrance Fees: |
Grounds & Wildlife Centre Adult: Stg£5.80 Child: Stg£3.00 Family: Stg£14.60 House Tour Adult: Stg£4.00 Child: Stg£2 Family: Stg£10 Groups: Stg£3.90 |
| Restaurant: | Coffee Shop and light lunches (seats 80) |
| Picnic Area: | Yes |
| Shop: | Souvenirs, crafts and books |
| Information Guide: | English, French and Braille |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | Yes |
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.
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
Opening Times
Grounds:
Oct 1 - Mar 31: 10.00 - 16.00 Daily
Apr 1 - Sept 30: 10.00 - 20.00 Daily
House:
Mar 13th-Oct 31st: 11.00-17.00
Last Admission - One Hour before closing
Timed tickets apply to house tours
Tea Room and Shop open as per house
Summer Day Camp at Castle Ward
Could you be the next Jamie Oliver? Food for Free is just one of the newest Summer Day Camp themes this July and August taking place at the stunning Castle Ward demesne, Strangford, Downpatrick, Co Down.
For children aged 6 to 12 years of age each programme is designed to enthuse, excite and teach children about a range of subjects through activity themed weeks. Find pirate treasure and hidden archaeological secrets during Buried Treasure week or discover hidden acting talents during Stagestruck week. Big News will help children practise being a journalist when they will learn to tell the real stories of this amazing mansion and Let’s Make it will help unlock and develop craft and skills from the natural environment of Castle Ward.
Summer Day Camp will run from 5 July until 23 August. Pre-booking is essential and all programmes will be within the demesne and will run between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
All activities will be supervised by qualified staff and there will be discounts for multiple children within a family.
For further information or to request a booking form, please contact Castle Ward office on 028 4488 1204.
Make the most of your visit
Extensive programme of events throughout the year. Pirate's Picnic, Pumpkinfest, Toy trade, Book Fair and Santa's House.
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castleward for more information.
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.
For more information click here
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