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Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down

The Potter's Cottage

The exterior of The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The exterior of The Potter's Cottage, County Down | © National Trust / Mike Henton
The sitting room at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The area surrounding The Potter's Cottage, County Down

The Potter's Cottage

In the farmyard at Castle Ward, this dog-friendly, stone cottage has Strangford Lough and miles of footpaths on the doorstep.

Grid of 16 images
The sitting room at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The area surrounding The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The exterior of The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The sitting and dining room at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The sitting and dining room at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The kitchen at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The kitchen at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The double bedroom at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The en suite shower room at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The twin bedroom at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The en suite bathroom at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The outdoor seating at The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The Potter's Cottage and the surrounding area, County Down
The area surrounding The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The area surrounding The Potter's Cottage, County Down
The area surrounding The Potter's Cottage, County Down

© National Trust / Mike Henton

In the farmyard at Castle Ward, this dog-friendly, stone cottage has Strangford Lough and miles of footpaths on the doorstep.

At a glance

Guests
4
Bedrooms
2
Number of dogs welcome
2
Reference
019001
Acorn rating

About The Potter's Cottage

Quaint, two-bedroom Potter’s Cottage is in what was the working farmyard of Castle Ward Estate, on the shores of Strangford Lough. The cottage was occupied by a potter in the 1960s, but long before this was an integral part of the farmyard, being the place where the feed was prepared for the livestock housed there. More recently, the farmyard provided the backdrop for Winterfell in the first series of Game of Thrones. 

Key scenes from the drama will unfold right from your doorstep, from the Whispering Wood to the clock tower just next to the cottage. However, you can escape the world of dragons and battling kingdoms when you close the front door of this cosy little nook. There are white-washed stone walls, small peeping windows and a roaring fire to welcome you after a busy day of exploring, and room for your dog too.  

It's a very short stroll to the shore of the largest sea lough in the British Isles. You’ll have the whole of the estate to explore with 820 acres of woodland, miles of footpaths, an 18th-century mansion and formal gardens all set along the shores of the beautiful Strangford Lough. 

Features and facilities

  • Wi-Fi, available
  • Garden, available
  • EV charging, not available
  • Fridge, available
  • Freezer, not available
  • Microwave, available
  • Open fire / wood burner, available
  • Television, available
  • DVD, available
  • Washing machine, available
  • Dishwasher, available
  • Tumble dryer, available
  • BBQ, not available
  • Cot & high chair, available

Location

Accessibility

Ground floor facilities. Find more information in the Accessibility Guide. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.

Read our accessibility guide 

Layout

Ground floor layout

Kitchen, sitting/dining room wood-burning stove, two bedrooms (1 double and 1 twin bedroom, both with en suite bathroom), bathroom with shower over bath and separate lavatory.

More information

Ferries:  Stena Line offers a 10% discount for National Trust Holidays guests travelling to a cottage or campsite in Northern Ireland. You’ll need your booking reference to access the discount. Please follow this link. We recommend booking your ferry early due to the high demand for popular crossing times at busy times of the year including holiday periods.

Heating: Gas central heating included.

WIFI: We’re pleased to provide free WiFi access at this accommodation which is supported by BT. Please note intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur and therefore should not be relied upon.

Garden: There is a newly created courtyard garden with outdoor seating to the rear of the property.

Parking: Parking is available next to the cottage in the courtyard behind the cottage.  There are two spaces marked out for the cottage guests.