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.
Shopping at Castle Ward
Embrace the green thumb within:
Step into our outdoor haven. Breathe in the earthy scent of fresh soil as you explore an extensive section brimming with everything you need to transform your garden into a flourishing oasis. From essential tools and stylish pots, we have the perfect ingredients to cultivate a little piece of paradise. Feeling like a novice gardener? Fear not! We offer a selection of books brimming with tips, guiding you on your green journey, from planting basics to creating a thriving haven for pollinators.
Support Local Artisans:
Looking for a gift that truly tells a story? Look no further! We proudly showcase a range of beautiful locally crafted products. Imagine gifting a stunning lino print that captures the essence of the local landscape, or handcrafted ceramics that hold the warmth of the artisan's touch. Delight a loved one with delectable local honey, or a piece of exquisite pottery that will become a cherished heirloom.
The Stableyard Gift Shop is more than just a shop; it's an experience waiting to be discovered. Come explore, be inspired, and find a little piece of magic to take home. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
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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Second-hand bookshops
Pick up a book from a second-hand bookshop to keep or share. Every purchase will raise funds for conservation projects at the places in our care.
Treat yourself
Looking for the perfect gift or perhaps you're in need of some retail therapy? You can browse our full range via our online shop.
Places to eat in Northern Ireland
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.