Castle Ward Estate and Strangford Shore
County Down
Castle Ward is a 18th century National Trust estate with 820 acres of rolling parkland, farmland and mature woodland tumbling down to the Strangford Lough shore. It is one of the friendliest dog friendly estates in the Trust's northern portfolio, with a dedicated off lead exercise field, water bowls, and a long shoreline trail.
Dogs must be on a lead on the main multi use trails because of horses, bikes and the farmyard animals, but the exercise field lets them stretch out for a proper gallop. The shore trail runs from the farmyard to Audley's Quay along compacted gravel, grass and a wooden pier section, easy on pads throughout. Parking, toilets, cafe and shop are at the main visitor car park; standard National Trust admission applies to non members.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.5 km (4.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Woodland, Historic, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Toilets, cafe, shop, dog exercise field and water bowls at the main car park.
- Parking
- Main car park at Park Road entrance, several hundred spaces, National Trust members free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Castle Ward Estate and Strangford Shore dog friendly?
Castle Ward is one of the more welcoming National Trust estates in Northern Ireland, earning a 9/10 dog friendly rating. The 820-acre estate has a dedicated off lead exercise field, water bowls, and a long shoreline trail along Strangford Lough, making it a genuinely well-catered-for visit rather than just a grudging allowance.
Can dogs be off lead at Castle Ward Estate and Strangford Shore?
There is a dedicated off lead exercise field where dogs can have a proper run around. On the main multi-use trails, leads are required due to horses, cyclists and farmyard animals in the area.
What should I know before visiting Castle Ward Estate and Strangford Shore with my dog?
The shore trail runs from the farmyard to Audley's Quay on compacted gravel, grass and a wooden pier section, so it's easy going underfoot for dogs. Standard National Trust admission applies if you're not a member, and parking is at the main Park Road entrance — free for National Trust members. There's a cafe, shop and toilets on site, and water bowls are provided at the car park.
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