Castleward, Co Down

This weekend Holly was left in the Glenavy doggy hotel as Marguerite, Jude & Ben took off for some fun and games in Castleward, County Down. 

Ben wore his best Down top for the occasion.

So because it was Jude's birthday weekend he got to choose the activity.  So what did he choose  ....... staying in a Pod and walking around the grounds of beautiful Castleward.  Brilliant!!! 

Marguerite and |Ben at the Pod just before heading off for today's walk. 

'How far is it Jude', asked Ben again and again.  'Just around this next corner son', Jude kept replying.  

The grounds of Castleward are spectacular ........... beautiful buildings in beautiful countryside .......  

........ and so many great walking paths.

The views out over Strangford Lough to Portaferry are really great.  Here's Ben looking for sharks.  

Pod number 4 ...... a great wee spot altogether.  These things are perfect.  They are just big enough with great little decked areas out front.  The blow up bed fits perfectly and it has a little heater for the chilly evenings.  

Today's walk along the shores of Strangford Lough put the gang in the mood for some mussels ....... so first stop in Strangford was the Lobster Pot.  No trip to Strangford is complete without a visit to the Pot for some mussels and a beer.  Perfect!!!!  

As it was Jude's birthday weekend Ben was excited to buy him some things at Kevin Og's.  Ben loves Kevin Og's shop.  

Next stop was the Artisan Cookhouse for dinner, cocktails and fun.  Ben took this pic ......... it's a good one!!!   

The Artisan is a great sort of higher end dining experience (you know - smaller portions, higher prices, but well worth it type of place) and is owned by Jude's old school friend Alastair Evans.  

Ben had a mocktail ......... though he thought it to be too sweet so he ended up reverting to old faithfull ..... blackcurrant cordial.  Nice pic though!

This trip was great.  Like camping but with less effort. 

The next day consisted of more walking ...... much more ...... two and a half hours of it!!! The sun was out and it was a delight to just dander around the grounds ...... going much further than the day before.  

And with views like this it was nice to stop and admire now and again. 

The highlight of today's trek was the tour of Castleward house ....... a beautiful 18th Century home with the most amazing architecture, part classic part gothic.  

Another highlight of the weekend was Ben giving Jude his Birthday cake ......... and check out this wonderful pic of the moment.  Happy birthday Jude.  Brilliant!!!!!!!!