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About Castle Ward - National Trust

Accessibility Overview

With views over Strangford Lough in County Down, Castle Ward features an Admission Hut, Visitor Reception, shops, tearoom, picnic areas, Mansion House, Laundry Room exhibit, Stables and Tack Room exhibit, Victorian Sunken Garden, playgrounds, and hike/trail routes across parkland and shoreline areas.

There are multiple car parking areas on the estate, with designated bays for Blue Badge holders located within the main Accessible Car Park, and the Trails Car Park.

The estate offers toilet facilities with adaptations for disabled people, which can be found within the Stableyard and Farmyard areas.  

The Visitor Reception, second-hand bookshop, Stableyard picnic area, and Stables and Tack Room exhibits, all have step-free level access into and throughout. The grounds in West Park, Temple Water, and the Victorian Sunken Garden, offer step-free level access into them and through some areas. Other points of interest are accessed via ramps/slopes or steps.

Main routes around the property have steep ramps/slopes and cover some distance, so a shuttle is available to take visitors around the site, and there is an accessible bus that travels between the overflow car park and the Stableyard on busy days. Manual wheelchairs, mobility scooters, cycles, and sensory packs can also be borrowed from the Visitor Reception. The National Trust recommends booking these items in advance.

Please view our Detailed Access Guides below to find out further details, including measurements and photographs.

Image credit: James Beck