Castle Ward

Castle Ward lies on the west shore of Strangford Lough near Strangford, County Down. Building of the mansion began in 1762 for Bernard Ward, later 1st Viscount Bangor, and his wife Ann. The couple had different tastes: the entrance front is classical Palladian with columns and a triangular pediment, the rear is Georgian Gothic with pointed windows and battlements, and the clash of styles continues inside. The 332-hectare estate also includes a tower house, a Victorian laundry, a theatre, a corn mill and the lough shore. The National Trust received house and garden in 1952. The farmyard and Old Castle served as Winterfell in “Game of Thrones”.

You can walk or cycle along the trails across the estate, and guided tours of the house last about 45 minutes, according to a guidebook. There are tent and caravan pitches on the estate. Check admission and opening times with the National Trust before you go.