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Mount Stewart
Travel the road that weaves alongside the scenic Strangford Lough and you’ll reach a place of pure charm.
Overlooking the calm waters is the 19th century Mount Stewart House and Gardens. Home to generations of the Londonderry family, this grand house has an exceptional array of fascinating stories and characters threaded through its history, notably Lady Londonderry, creater of its world-famous gardens. Clever planting and design means there’s something to enjoy at any time of year, but the gardens are particularly entrancing in April when cherry trees are in bloom, and the formal gardens erupt with colour-themed tulips.
Inside the house, there’s plenty more to experience. Friendly guides are always on hand to tell you about the history of the house, which was substantially restored in 2015. Magnificent portraits grace the walls, and highlights include the dramatic central hall, the yellow dining room (which has entertained guests including Winston Churchill and Neville Chamberlain), and the black and white stone hall with armour captured from the French Imperial Guard. With so much to see, Mount Stewart is a place to be savoured slowly and enjoyed.
Mount Stewart Gardens, County Down
Need to know
Mount Stewart is 24km south-east of Belfast. The Belfast-Portaferry bus service will take you right to the gates.
There’s a tea room here and also a shop with gifts and local crafts.
As well as the house and gardens, there are 12km of walking trails to enjoy around the estate.
