Autumnal Walk Around Mount Stewart
Mount Stewart part of many National Trust sites here in Northern Ireland is situated on the Ards Peninsula, a ten minute drive outside of the County Down town, Newtownards. With Mount Stewart House, World Class Gardens, Temple of the Winds and the Demesne on site there is plenty to see and do.
From becoming a National Trust member back in 2016, I have always wanted to visit the gardens of Mount Stewart and today mum and I did, visiting in autumn the gardens weren’t in full bloom but they were still beautiful and crisp to walk around. Exiting the ticket booth, we both walked in the direction of the lake which is out the back off the main Mount Stewart House. Making our way slowly around the lake taking in all the autumnal colours, stopping every few minutes so that I could get pictures.
Finishing our lap of the lake, we started to make our way around the famous World Class Gardens that Lady Londonderry designed back in the early twentieth century, starting in the “Sunk Garden” that looked onto the west side of Mount Stewart House, following behind with the “Shamrock Garden”. Onwards to the “Italian Garden”, “Dodo Terrace”, “Spanish Garden” and finally the “Mairi Garden”. All the gardens at our time of visiting weren’t the brightest of colours but they didn’t disappoint because throughout the ever changing seasons we have here in Northern Ireland the gardens were kept in pristine condition. We look forward to visiting in the spring/summer months were we will get to see the gardens in all their glory.
The Sunk Garden
The Spanish Garden
Mount Stewart House is also open to the public for guided tours in the spring/summer months, I have yet to do a tour and see the decor from when the Londonderry family first lived in residence, I hear it is lovely. You can purchase tickets online before you visit or you can book your tour if there is space on the day of your visit. The gardens and trails are open all year round, you can again purchase your tickets online before arrival or at the ticket kiosk at the reception area.
If you are interested in becoming a National Trust member you can do so via this link or if you are visiting any National Trust sites whether that be in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland or Wales you can sign up for a membership in their on site offices, its just a matter of asking one of their helpful staff who will get you a form. You can get a range of memberships whether that be individual, joint, family or life memberships and they can be paid upfront or via a monthly direct debit.