The National Trust is known for caring for historic buildings and places of natural beauty, but did you know it’s also possible to go on a National Trust holiday?
It’s possible to stay at many of the places in National Trust care, from historic cottages to bothies and campsites.
Having just (more or less) finished converting our trusty Ford Transit into a self built camper, we decided to give a National Trust holiday a go by booking into the campsite on the Castle Ward estate in Northern Ireland.
National Trust Holiday: Castle Ward Caravan Park
Castle Ward Caravan park is a National Trust owned camping and caravan site on the edge of the Castle Ward estate. The site enjoys a prime location on the shore of Strangford Lough.
The site is green and simple, surrounded by trees and just a few minutes walk from the lough shore. Perfect for a peaceful break.
We were warmly welcomed at reception upon arrival and given a map and all the information we needed about the local area.
Castle Ward Caravan Park has 35 pitches available, each with their own hook up for electricity and an individual tap for water supply.
Facilities on the site are simple, but adequate; a toilet block, free hot showers and an accessible/family bathroom for anyone who needs it. A communal washing up area and laundry/ drying room is also provided.
For those with self contained campers and caravans, the site has everything needed for chemical disposal, refilling water tank and so on.
Castle Ward is a dog friendly site, allowing up to two dogs per pitch. Little Wolf had a great stay and was on his best behaviour.
Although the site calls itself a caravan park it does welcome caravans, campervans, motorhomes and tents. If you like the idea of a National Trust holiday in the grounds of an old estate but don’t fancy camping, there is simple pod accommodation available.
When I say simple, I mean it. The wooden pods come with heating, light and plug sockets… and that’s about it.
The ‘Plus Pods’ also feature sleeping mats, but campers need to bring all their own cooking bits and bedding. No bathrooms, pod campers use the site facilities. Very basic, very rustic but as the site is open year round maybe a good winter option?
They are very cute and perched on a gentle slope with views across Strangford Lough.
National Trust Campsite: Free entry during your stay
During your stay, you can enjoy free entry to any place the National Trust cares for during you stay. The free entry applies to everyone on the booking , simply show your booking confirmation.
Things to do on and near the Castle Ward Caravan Park
Walks: This is a great area for walking. Many trails explore the lough side and Castle Ward estate and the site is also well located for those walking the long distance Lecale Way.
Strangford & Portaferry: The village of Strangford is a 15 minute walk from Castle Ward Caravan Park, with places to eat and drink and some shops. Across the lough is Portaferry, home to more shops, places to eat and the Exploris Seal Sanctuary and Aquarium.
The two are linked by the Strangford Ferry, sailing each way every half hour. You can board in a vehicle or as a foot passenger . Pay on board, no need to pre-purchase tickets. Keep your eyes open, we spotted dolphins playing in the harbour as we crossed.
Castle Ward Mansion & Estate: A unique 18th century mansion, stables and a historic farm yard and a Victorian sunken garden; Castle Ward is an absolute treasure. It’s also known as Winterfell, as this was a Game of Thrones filming location. Full guide to follow
Full details for Castle Ward Caravan Park can be found here.
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Helen x
Looks like a lovely site, and what a beautiful dog too😊
Thank you, Castle Ward is a lovely little break and the dog is great company to have 😊
Not too keen on the camping idea, but the area looks lovely. Portaferry’s colours are pretty and I like the way you have included the boat in the shot.
Thanks Anabel, the camping side of things has taken a bit of getting used to but the van is pretty comfortable. Portaferry is lovely.
We would have loved this when we used to camp as a family. Just needed the basics (toilets, hot showers) but location was everything.
Exactly that! I like Castle Ward because we can park up and walk/cycle the estate without needing the van again. Even the NI weather hasn’t dampened our spirits!
Great that you’ve got your camper van completed ready for the summer Helen. I’m.sure you’ll get lots of use out of it. Years ago we stayed in a National Trust cottage in the Lake District and it was beautiful.
Thank you Marion, lots of van trips across Ireland is the Summer plan. The van has been a bit of a journey but we are getting there. I’d love to try an NT cottage, there’s some beautiful properties.
Not the cheapest, but NT does a good line in holiday accommodation, I agree.
I did notice some of the prices on the cottages can be a bit steep! I’d still like to try one, there are some beautiful and unusual properties. Love that the campsite and pods make the NT so accessible to all.
Agreed. Though camp sites lose their allure when you’re very much the wrong side of 70!
Well done on the successful conversion of your van 🙂 I can tell you’ll have lots of fun holidays in it! This looks like a great base for explorations, and it’s lovely that your beautiful dog could come along too.
Great van, hope you have many great holidays with it. Lovely area
It looks like a lovely place to camp out.
Aw lovely. We have an NT property near us that does little holiday cottages and I always think they’re lovely 🙂
Nice campsite. We have several ones in Cumbria that are National Trust. I used to camp a lot in France but not in UK. Too cold and wet to be in a tent for me 😁.