Background

Clotworthy House and Antrim Castle Gardens

Explore the historic Clotworthy House and enchanting 17th-century Antrim Castle Gardens, a scenic heritage site with unique water features and cultural charm.

4.5

Clotworthy House, a Jacobean revival stable and coach house built circa 1843, anchors Antrim Castle Gardens, a historic and beautifully restored 17th-century Anglo-Dutch water garden in Antrim, Northern Ireland. The gardens feature canals, a Victorian Pleasure Garden, a unique Clockwork Garden with revolving trees, and a 12th-century Norman motte. Visitors enjoy scenic walks, heritage exhibits, and a café within Clotworthy House, making it a cultural and natural gem open year-round with free admission.

A brief summary to Clotworthy House

  • Randalstown Rd, Antrim, BT41 4LH, GB
  • +442894481338
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Clockwork Garden to experience the unique revolving trees that move to music, a highlight for all ages.
  • Enjoy refreshments at the café inside Clotworthy House, which offers locally sourced food and indoor seating.
  • Take time to explore the Norman motte, a rare medieval earthwork that adds historical depth to the gardens.
  • Plan your visit on weekdays or evenings (Tuesday and Thursday) to enjoy quieter moments and extended opening hours.
  • Bring your dog to one of the two designated dog parks within the gardens, but note that dogs must be on leads starting 2026.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Bus

    Take Ulsterbus services from Belfast to Antrim town, with a journey time of approximately 40-50 minutes. From Antrim town centre, local buses or a taxi can reach Antrim Castle Gardens in about 10 minutes. Bus fares range from £4 to £7 one way.

  • Car

    Driving from Belfast to Antrim Castle Gardens takes around 30-40 minutes via the M2 motorway. Free parking is available onsite, but space may be limited during peak times. The route is accessible year-round with no special vehicle requirements.

  • Train and Taxi

    Take a train from Belfast Lanyon Place to Antrim station, a 30-minute journey. From Antrim station, a taxi ride of about 10 minutes will bring you to the gardens. Taxi fares typically range from £8 to £12.

  • Walking

    If staying in Antrim town, walking to the gardens is possible in 30-40 minutes over mostly flat terrain. The route is suitable for most visitors but may not be ideal for those with limited mobility.

Clotworthy House location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Clotworthy House

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Clotworthy House

Historic Origins and Architectural Significance

Clotworthy House stands as a striking Jacobean revival building constructed around 1843 by the 10th Viscount Massereene. Believed to be designed by Charles Lanyon, a renowned architect responsible for iconic Belfast landmarks, this stable and coach house replaced the original coachyard of Antrim Castle. The house later became the family residence after the castle's destruction by fire in 1922 and was transformed into an arts centre in 1982 before reopening as a visitor centre in 2011. Its coursed basalt and Tardree granite façade reflects the grandeur of 19th-century aristocratic estates.

The Anglo-Dutch Water Gardens and Landscape Features

Antrim Castle Gardens are one of the few surviving genuine late 17th-century Anglo-Dutch water gardens in Ireland and Britain. The layout includes geometrically aligned canals, a Large Parterre recreated in 1991, and a Victorian Pleasure Garden. Water features such as the Long Canals, Round Pond, and Yew Tree Pond are set within a wilderness of trees, connected by avenues that frame views of local landmarks like church spires and castle ruins. The gardens also incorporate a 12th-century Norman motte, one of the finest in the country, marking the site’s medieval heritage.

Unique Attractions and Visitor Experience

Among the garden’s highlights is the Clockwork Garden, famous for its revolving trees that twirl to music, creating a whimsical spectacle. The gardens offer sensory experiences, including a Sensory Garden designed for visitors with autism, dementia, and other sensory needs. Clotworthy House houses exhibitions and a café serving locally sourced refreshments. The gardens provide scenic walking routes along the Six Mile Water River and access to two dog parks, making it a welcoming space for families, dog owners, and nature lovers.

Community and Cultural Engagement

Since its restoration, Antrim Castle Gardens has become a hub for arts and culture, hosting exhibitions, theatre, music shows, and workshops. The venue offers spaces for corporate events and weddings, with outdoor areas capable of accommodating large gatherings. Educational programmes linked to biodiversity and local heritage are available, enhancing the gardens’ role as a community resource. The site’s free admission policy encourages broad public access to its historic and natural assets.

Accessibility and Amenities

The gardens and Clotworthy House are open year-round, with typical hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends, closing only on major holidays. The site is fully wheelchair accessible and provides free parking, a coffee shop, visitor information, and restroom facilities. The café offers indoor seating and outdoor courtyard space during warmer months, enhancing visitor comfort.

Natural Setting and Seasonal Highlights

Set within the scenic landscape of County Antrim, the gardens offer tranquil views and a peaceful atmosphere throughout the seasons. The Enchanted Winter Garden event at Christmas features festive lights and activities. The gardens’ design emphasizes natural beauty and historic continuity, making it a year-round destination for relaxation, photography, and cultural exploration.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Clotworthy House

Popular Hotels near Clotworthy House

Select Currency