Castleward is an amazing day out for kids of all ages. Pack a picnic, load the bikes and head of for a full day. There is a bike trail for all levels, amazing walks beautiful sunken garden and the house is out of this world. Even on a cold day there is plenty to see and do here. Its probably best to avoid days like the Easter egg hunt and pirate's picnic if you are hoping for a quiet day out but if you don't mind the crowds these are great days!! Cafe is reasonably priced but there is a lovely picnic area at the shore which is well worth a visit.
My husband and I came here as we are both Game of Thrones fans. We had the whole place to us as there wasn't much people in the area around that time. We walked the trail from Winterfell (corn mills and stables area) to Audley's castle and forest (Moat Cailin and the Dark Forest). It was a lovely afternoon walk. ;)
If your looking for a place to walk or for a cycle ride this is the place for you, super for children too. There is a entrance fee if you not a member of the National Trust
Just back from an overnight in the Glamping Pods @ Castle Ward. Really excellent time had by adults and kids. Very clean, great facilities and plenty of walks/cycle paths to explore. Quite a chilly night but with the heater in the pod we were pretty cosy. Don't expect to stay clean though our kids were, very happily, muck to the eye-balls (Not from the pod! But from exploring/cycling, etc.).
I know it's national trust but come on!! Nearly £20 for my husband and I with our 2 children to get in!! Nice walks but park very inadequate for the money we paid!! A few things in the stable yard to do but not much for our 12 yr old!! Anything he would be interested in cost more money!!
We picked what turned out to be a great sunny day for our 15k walk around the boundary of the estate. The path is very well marked (apart from some confusion near a viewpoint 2/3rds of the way round). The scenery was excellent, the paths are well maintained, varied and not very muddy at all considering we'd had a couple of downpours recently. It's not a strenuous walk but nearing 10 miles it's a decent stretch. The only negative - by the time we got back to the car we had run out of time and didn't get chance to sample the fish and chips at The Cuan in Strangford!
We have visited the house several times and always discover new facts about life below and above stairs. The grounds are extensive and there are lovely walks, though the gardens near the house do not compare to Mount Stewart. There is a very pleasant cafe off the courtyard.
We stayed in pod with our 3 kids - absolutely brilliant - looking over Strangford Lough - BBQ, lovely clean facilities, next to camp site. We hired bicycles and done archery - Eddie and William were fabulous - very attentive and helpful. We had such a great time. We will return very soon. Highly recommended for sure!
Went for the day out, walked around the perimeter which was a fair walk didn't think there was enough signs for walkers, could have got slightly lost a few times. Some nice views of Strangford lough, there was a boat race on and it seemed the NO CARS signs on the walkways only applied to those mere mortals like me who paid to get in. the Manor house is a must to see and the guide was brilliant, very informative and witty. Cafe was a bit pricey so take a picnic.