Wakening the Walled Garden

'Wakening The Walled Garden' events celebrate our gardens coming back to life, as we welcome spring.

Mark the start of spring with a visit to one of the areas unique walled gardens. Hear their fascinating stories alongside food and craft activity.

• Edith, Lady Londonderry's Life, Love and Legacy: Re-discovering the Gardens at Mount Stewart, Saturday 25 March
• Reimagining the Walled Garden at Ballywalter Park, Saturday 25 March
• Awakening the Walled Garden - Bangor Castle, Saturday 25 March and Sunday 26 March
• Spring Forward into Summer with Lunch in The Walled Garden Helen's Bay, Sunday 26 March
• SOLD OUT - Clandeboye Estate Asian House and Garden Tour, Sunday 26 March

Edith, Lady Londonderry's Life, Love and Legacy: Rediscovering the Gardens at Mount Stewart
Saturday 25 March
11.30am - 4pm
Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD

Discover the house and gardens of Mount Stewart through the eyes of Edith, Lady Londonderry. You will be greeted by Dr. Neil Watt (Property Curator) and Mike Buffin (National Trust Gardens and Parkland Consultant/Head Gardener) on arrival for tea/coffee and receive an introduction to this special place before enjoying a guided house tour with Dr. Watt, exploring the treasures of Mount Stewart. You will then enjoy a delicious lunch in our Function Room before spending the afternoon learning about Edith's extraordinary gardens with Mike Buffin. 
Please note:

• Please arrive 15 mins before the start of the event and make your way to our Visitor Reception on arrival.
• This event is not suitable for children.
• This event will include a house and garden tour and will take in a significant part of the gardens.
• Due to the historic nature of these, not all areas are wheelchair accessible, however, please contact us to discuss any accessibility requirements.
• Please note that this event will include a tour outside so please come prepared for the weather.
• No dogs please (assistance dogs allowed).

Dietary requirements and allergens:
Please ensure that you check with all members of your party regarding food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements prior to booking tickets.
It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to inform a member of staff at the host venue about  food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary requirements. 
This must be done at least 72 hours before the experience on booking or by contacting the organiser, mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Cost:

£65 (Applies to National Trust Members and Non-Members)  |  Find out more and book

This event is organised by National Trust - Mount Stewart. Terms and conditions apply - contact organiser.

+44 (0)28 4278 8387 | mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Re-imagining the Walled Garden at Ballywalter Park
Saturday 25 March
10.30am - 1.30pm
Ballywalter, BT22 2PP

Join Lord and Lady Dunleath at their home in Ballywalter Park, in the heart of the Ards Peninsula where they will greet you on arrival with a glass of Champagne. They will take through their home via the beautiful conservatory to their Walled Garden where head gardener Anna Hudson will meet you and explain the real meaning of their Seasonal and Regional food policy. Relax afterwards in the wonderful setting of the Foaling Box in the Estate's Stable Yard and enjoy a delicious three course lunch using some of the wonderful produce grown here.  

Please note:

• Meet outside front door of house at 10.30am. Parking available in the Stable Yard
• Over 18's only
• Ticket sales will close at midnight on Sunday 19 March.
• The attraction is not wheelchair accessible. A moderate walk which involves steps and gravel.
• As tour includes garden, please dress appropriately.

Dietary requirements and allergens:Please ensure that you check with all members of your party regarding food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements prior to booking tickets.
It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to inform a member of staff at the host venue about  food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary requirements. 
This must be done on booking/by close of ticket sales on 19 March, on booking via Ticketsource.

Cost:
£55 per person |  Find out more and book

This event is organised by Ballywalter Park. Terms and conditions apply - contact organiser.
+44 (0)28 4275 8203 | +44 (0)28 4275 8264 | info@ballywalterpark.com

Awakening the Walled Garden - Bangor Castle
Saturday 25 March and Sunday 26 March
12noon - 4pm both days 
Valentine Road, Castle Park, BT20 4TH

Awakening The Walled Garden

Join us in Bangor Castle Walled Garden to enjoy this beautiful Victorian garden with a host of FREE activities for all ages on Saturday and Sunday, 12noon-4pm. 

There will be live music, children’s entertainment and demonstrations, including wood carving. Tours of the garden and Castle Park will let you hear all about the horticulture history of both and the wildlife that calls the park its home! 

Why not bring your own picnic to enjoy in the garden or grab a cuppa and treat from Coffee Cure. 

BBQ Supper and Sounds - Ticketed Dining Experiences 

This open air dining experience in Bangor Castle Walled Garden will allow you to enjoy the very best of local food. Picnic tables and rugs will be in the garden for you to sit back and relax and enjoy the live music. 

Tickets £20 per person 

Two sittings: 6pm -7.30pm (tables to be vacated by 7.40pm), and 8pm -9.30pm – (garden must be vacated by 9.45pm).

On the evening of Saturday 25 March, relax and enjoy a night of fabulous food and craic. With an option of either vegan BBQ (provided by Lightfoot Bangor Zero Waste Market), or  Meat BBQ (provided by The Griddle by Angus Farm Shop), both accompanied with live music throughout. 

Vegan BBQ Menu:

Oyster mushroom burger, fresh herb mayonnaise, mozzarella, pickled red onion and salad leaves

Lightfoot potato salad, tobacco onions and mustard mayo dressing

Orzo salad, wild garlic pesto, purple sprouting broccoli and spinach

Butterbean Salad, cucumber, lemon, garlic and mint

Espresso Brownies and caramel sauce

Music performances:
Saturday 25 March, 12noon-9.45pm
Alex DaCosta - providing easy listening guitar music
Armagh Rhymers - A music and theatre ensemble 
Los Dramatico - performing a unique fusion of Spanish and Latin American songs on flamenco guitar
and Boom Strutt Brass Band - New Orleans style horns and drums 

Sunday 26 March, 12noon-4pm
Jason Maguire Jazz and Swing and Alex DaCosta

Please note:

• Bangor Castle Walled Garden is located opposite Bangor Aurora and Leisure Complex and a short walk away from Bangor City Hall. Car parking at the walled garden (shared with Bangor Aurora) is free to use.
• Gardens open to public from 10am-6pm. Entertainment from 12noon-4pm. Free admission.
• On Saturday evening, at the BBQ Supper and \Sounds - ticketed dining experience, children are welcome but a ticket must be purchased -  no concession prices. All under 18's must be accompanied by at least one paying adult.
• Dogs on leads are welcome. Please be aware that there will be live music performances should your pet be nervous of loud sound.

Dietary requirements and allergens:
Please ensure that you check with all members of your party regarding food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements prior to booking tickets.
It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to inform a member of staff at the host venue about  food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary requirements. 
This must be done at least 72 hours before the experience on booking via Ticketsource.

Cost:
£20 per person, no concessions.

Under 18s may attend but require a ticket, and must be accompanied by at least one paying adult.

BBQ Supper and Sounds - Sitting 1, 6pm-7.30pm - Find out more and book 

BBQ Supper and Sounds - Sitting 2, 8pm-9.30pm - Find out more and book

This event is organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council. 

Terms and conditions apply on booking the BBQ Supper and Sounds dining experiences.

Fore more information, contact the Visitor Information Centre:- 
+44 (0)28 9127 0069 | bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Spring Forward Into Summer With Lunch in The Walled Garden Helen's Bay
Sunday 26 March
1pm - 4pm
Craigdarragh Road, Helen's Bay, BT19 1UB

Get ready to set your clocks one hour ahead and “Spring forward” for a delicious 3 course lunch to celebrate the official awakening of summer in the Walled Garden.

You will be welcomed with a refreshing Prosecco Mimosa, before a relaxing stroll through the garden where you will learn about their exciting garden restoration project and vision for the future. You might even pick up a few gardening tips in preparation for the warmer months ahead!!

This will be followed by a delicious lunch by talented local chef, Nina Christinacce, served in Old Mill House, using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, so you can enjoy all the bounty that the garden has to offer.

The unique heritage feel of the garden will be reflected in the nostalgic table settings with mismatched china dinnerware, vintage floral linen and freshly cut flowers.

Please note:

• A selection of non-alcoholic refreshments will be available, but feel free to bring your own beverage of choice.
• As restoration works are underway, the paths may not be suitable for wheelchair users. However please feel free to contact Lorraine, the organiser, to discuss accessibility.
• This experience will be held outdoors under cover of a heavy-duty heated tent. It will be held indoors if adverse weather conditions prevail. 
• Under 18s may attend with a paying adult (no consessions) 

Dietary requirements and allergens:

Please ensure that you check with all members of your party regarding food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements prior to booking tickets.
It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to inform a member of staff at the host venue about  food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary requirements. 
This must be done at least 72 hours before the experience on booking or by contacting the organiser, info@thewalledgardenhelensbay.com.

Cost:
£50  |  Find out more and book

This event is organised by The Walled Garden Helen's Bay. Terms and conditions apply - contact organiser.
+44 (0)7704 456 109 | info@thewalledgardenhelensbay.com

Clandeboye Estate Asian House and Garden Tour
Sunday 26 March
1.30pm and 3.30pm
Clandeboye Estate, Belfast Road Carriageway, BT19 1RN

Immerse yourself in a flavour of Asia without leaving Co Down! Join us at Clandeboye Estate to discover the treasures of the House followed by a tour of the Gardens and hear of the fascinating stories of the Dufferin's and their connections with Asia. Following the tours relax in the Banquet Hall with afternoon tea and live music.

Please note:
Meeting at the Courtyard, Clandeboye Estate

Dietary requirements and allergens:
Please ensure that you check with all members of your party regarding food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements prior to booking tickets.
It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to inform a member of staff at the host venue about  food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary requirements. This must be done at least 72 hours before the experience on booking or by contacting the organiser, karen@clandeboye.co.uk.

Cost:
£35  |  Find out more and book

This event is organised by Clandeboye Estate. Terms and conditions apply - contact organiser.
karen@clandeboye.co.uk

Important information - Applies to all Spring into AND collection events:

• Events are organised by external parties to Ards and North Down Borough Council unless stated otherwise.
• Each event is subject to terms and conditions. Please ensure that you read and understand all terms and conditions associated with this event as per the event provider on booking.
• Events are subject to availability and change.
• No concessions unless stated otherwise.
• Current covid restrictions will apply
• Event photography/videography may take place at these events. Please ensure to make a staff member aware should you not wish to be photographed/video'd.
• For more information on safe alcohol consumption, visit the Drink Aware website.