Famed for its role as Winterfell in Game of Thrones , 1760s-built Castle Ward House enjoys a superb setting overlooking the bay west of Strangford. Entertaining guided tours depart hourly from noon to 4pm.
In the grounds are a Victorian laundry museum, the Strangford Lough Wildlife Centre, 16th-century Plantation tower Old Castle Ward and 15th-century tower house Castle Audley, along with walking and cycling trails. Clearsky Adventure Centre arranges everything from coasteering and canoeing to Strangford Lough sea safaris.
Castle Ward House was built for Lord and Lady Bangor – Bernard Ward and his wife, Anne – whose widely differing architectural tastes resulted in an eccentric country residence – and a subsequent divorce. Bernard favoured the neoclassical style seen in the front facade and the main staircase, while Anne leaned towards the Strawberry Hill Gothic of the rear facade, which reaches a peak in the incredible fan vaulting of her Gothic boudoir.
