Discover more at Castle Ward
Find out when Castle Ward is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Eating and shopping at Castle Ward
Indulge in a festive menu of cakes and bakes at the Stableyard Tea-room this Winter at Castle Ward. Treat yourself or someone special with seasonal delights from our shops. Don’t forget to stop by the second-hand bookshop, where you can find the perfect fireside read and help Castle Ward’s story continue for future generations.
Eating
The Stableyard Tea-room
In the cosy old stables at Castle Ward, warm up with a hearty winter meal and take in the charm of this historic setting. Once filled with the lively sounds of horses and carriages, the stables now offer a welcoming and festive atmosphere to enjoy during the colder months.
Savour a seasonal menu featuring comforting hot dishes, sandwiches, cakes, and bakes, along with a selection of cold refreshments, hot drinks, and locally made Glastry Farm ice cream.
Vegan options
Whether you're vegan, testing out a more plant-based diet, or just curious, there’s a range of options in the Stableyard Tea-room to suit your appetite. Choose from a menu of cakes, bakes, scones, soups and sausage rolls. Oat and soya milk is also available. Our team will do their best to accommodate any dietary requirements – just let us know and we’ll see what we can do.
Allergen information
Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free.
If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.
Always check when you visit
Visited before? We sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients. When you visit, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information for your favourite dish.
Thank you
Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps us to continue looking after places for everyone to enjoy.
The National Trust Gift Shop at Castle Ward
Nestled in the charming stableyard of the historic Castle Ward, the National Trust Gift Shop offers visitors an enchanting shopping experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Every purchase you make in our delightful shop helps to preserve and maintain the beauty and heritage of Castle Ward, as all profits are reinvested into supporting the estate.
Step inside, and you'll be greeted by an array of beautifully crafted products that reflect the essence of both the National Trust and the local community. Our gift shop is a treasure trove of exclusive items designed to capture the spirit of Castle Ward and its surroundings.
National Trust Exclusive Designs
We are proud to stock a diverse selection of items that feature exclusive designs by the National Trust. Whether you're looking for a cozy blanket or throw to snuggle up with, or a stylish scarf or bag to add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe, you'll find something truly special here. Each piece is crafted with care, ensuring that you take home a high-quality and memorable souvenir from your visit.
Local Artisans and Craftsmanship
At the heart of our gift shop is a commitment to supporting local artisans and craftspeople. We stock a range of locally made products that showcase the incredible talent and creativity of our community. From delicate ceramic brooches to delectable fudge and beautifully scented candles, each item is a testament to the skill and dedication of its maker.
Our local artisans also produce exquisite pottery that captures the unique charm of the area. Whether you're looking for a statement piece to adorn your home or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, our pottery selection offers something for everyone. And don't forget to pick up a jar of locally produced honey, a sweet reminder of your time at Castle Ward.
A Shop with a Purpose
Shopping at the National Trust Gift Shop is not just about acquiring beautiful items; it's about making a difference. Every purchase you make contributes directly to the preservation and enhancement of Castle Ward. Your support helps to maintain the stunning gardens, historic buildings, and rich cultural heritage that make Castle Ward such a special place to visit.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist you in finding the perfect item. Whether you're seeking a unique memento of your visit or a thoughtful gift for someone special, we are here to help. We take pride in offering exceptional customer service and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all our visitors.
Events and Workshops
To further celebrate the talents of our local artisans, the National Trust Gift Shop regularly hosts events and workshops. These provide visitors with the opportunity to meet the makers, learn more about their craft, and even try their hand at creating something unique. Keep an eye on our event calendar for upcoming workshops and special events that promise to enrich your experience at Castle Ward.
A Visit to Remember
No visit to Castle Ward is complete without a trip to the National Trust Gift Shop. As you explore the estate's stunning landscapes and historic buildings, take a moment to step into our shop and discover the perfect keepsake to remember your visit. From exclusive designs to locally made treasures, our gift shop offers a shopping experience like no other.
By choosing to shop with us, you are not only taking home a piece of Castle Ward's charm, but you are also playing a vital role in preserving this beautiful estate for future generations to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you to the National Trust Gift Shop and helping you find the perfect item to commemorate your visit to Castle Ward
The Artist's Studio
Watch skilled artists in action, peruse their work and take home an original artwork. Tucked away in the farmyard, the artist's studio is where you can see resident artists at work and shop their hand-made items.
Artists Ann and Charlene bring the historic area to life with their ceramics and stained-glass art, and are always happy to chat about their work and inspirations.
The second-hand bookshop
Pick up a page turner and help Castle Ward’s story continue for generations to come. Every year the proceeds from the sales of second-hand books help to fund vital conservation work at Castle Ward and look after thousands of historic objects and acres of parkland, from woodland to the shores of Strangford Lough.
Thanks to generous donations from visitors, the bookshop is full of interesting titles. Pick up a novel to enjoy by the fire, get inspired by a travel guide, find new recipes in the cookery section and take home some new bedtime stories for the family.
All books are priced in pencil on the first page. Please use the honesty box provided or pay by card in the shop.
Donating your second-hand books
Book donations can be made on weekends between 10am and 12 noon. Please bring no more than two boxes of books to allow us to store and sort books for display. Mention at the gate that you are donating books then head to the accessible car park to the side of the office where a duty manager will meet you.
Currently, we are not looking for encyclopaedias, DVDs, sheet music or pamphlets, unless they're of significance. Thank you for your support.
Thank you
It is through your purchases and support that we are able to continue to care for nature, beauty and history for everyone, for ever.
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Treat yourself
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Tuck into a great day out with our places to eat and drink across Northern Ireland. Enjoy classic scones in traditional tearooms and seasonal soups in courtyard cafes. With indoor and outdoor seating, dine in the doorway to nature, beauty and history.