Let the Games begin in search for Thrones sites
IT’S NOT just hit TV show Game of Thrones which is a blockbuster – ride the high seas with P&O Ferries to the Winterfell setting of Castle Ward and your mind will also be blown by the sights and adventures at this Northern Irish gem.
Castle Ward Caravan Park is a sublime place. Full of history and scenic magic on the banks of Strangford Lough, it combines history and nature with modern TV thrills.
Getting there couldn’t be easier with P&O Ferries and their ships have loads of seating, reliable and free wi-fi, new food menus and improved kids’ play areas.
With up to seven sailings a day, no baggage restrictions and a two-hour journey time, the Cairnryan to Larne crossing is a pleasant experience.
With a £12 club lounge upgrade you geXtXcXoXmXpXlimxxexnxtaxrxy newspapers, magXaxzxinxes, refreshments and wi-fi. If booked in advance, it includes free priority boarding for cars, which usually costs £6.
The completion of improvements to the A8 make driving in Northern Ireland easier and it’s a lovely trip past Belfast and Downpatrick to Strangford.
The setting is sheer bliss and all you hear is the wash of water from the Lough, the singing of birds and the smell of greenery and barbecues.
There are caravan berths but also cracking little pods. You’ll need to take your own bedding but it’s worth it. If you can’t handle being without home comforts, you can book a pod with heating and electricity.
On site, there is loads to do. And if you are a fan of Game of Thrones, you’re in dreamland.
Winterfell Castle, home of the Stark family, is on the grounds of Castle Down and major parts of the series were filmed there. You can go on a trail which incorporates GoF settings through www. clearsky-adventure.com, whose base in the Courtyard is 20 minutes from the caravan site.
Clearsky offer tours and bikes for hire with a map and an interactive tablet which brings each Game of Thrones scene to life.
You can break the day with lunch at Castle Ward’s Coach House tearoom and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the magnificent mansion house.
You could also pop down to the village, where Castle Ward can be viewed from the water on the Strangford Ferry.
While in the village, try a delicious meal at The Cuan. This wonderful restaurant (thecuan.com) has a fabulous Game of Thrones banquet in a themed room full of swords and garments. It’s fit for a king – just like the trip. To find details of the site, go to nationaltrust. org.uk/castleward
● To step into the world of the Stark family at the Winterfell Festival on Sunday, September 16, go to nationaltrust.org.uk/ winterfell