Blog (Plan Your Trip) - Ards & North Down

Spring in Ards and North Down is finally here… Visit Northern Ireland’s newest City of Bangor for a traditional seaside day out, take in the stunning views and enjoy a delicious bite to eat in picturesque Donaghadee. Relax as you enjoy the coffee culture in Holywood, a spot of shopping in bustling Newtownards, or visit Comber to pick up some local treats at the monthly Farmer’s Market before exploring nearby WWT Castle Espie.

The student community forms an integral part of Ards and North Down due to the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Campuses in Bangor and Newtownards. Both towns within the Ards and North Down borough are located within 10 miles of Belfast City.

BBC TV series 'Hope Street' first hit our screens in late 2021, and is filmed entirely in the 'Beacon on the Coast', Donaghadee, or ‘The Dee’ as it is known to locals! As the show  returns to screens for a second series, fans of the hit police drama are flocking to the thriving town to see its seaside beauty.

Check out our recent e-zines and sign up to keep up to date with everything that is happening across the Borough.

Inspiration for things to do, offers, accommodation and lots of handy tips to plan your next relaxing short stay in Ards and North Down.

Take an afternoon, or better still, make it a getaway, just the two of you and spend time together in Ards and North Down.

The stunning scenery of Ards and North Down is becoming an increasingly popular location for filming in Northern Ireland. From gritty dramas to big blockbusters our beautiful landscapes and seascapes provide the backdrop, it is not surprising so many choose to bring productions here.

Are you looking for a family adventure or unique day out? Well look no further, Ards and North Down offers beautiful locations, immersive experiences and exciting activities for an amazing day out you will never forget. There is always something new to discover- so, come and explore with ideas for five unique days out!

Love Christmas in Ards and North Down...The crisp winter days, shorter days and longer nights mean Christmas is upon us. The season of goodwill, hope, gratitude and merriment. The season where we get to stop for a few days and enjoy eachothers company over the holidays.

We have put together a list of highlights in the borough that you can do or visit for free, no matter the season, whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the borough. There is plenty to be enjoyed for all, for little to no money.

Ards and North Down is brimming with events, activities and attractions to stir all the senses in every season of the year. 

There are countless things to do in Ards and North Down, in every corner, town and village; new things to discover and old things to come back to time and time again...

Looking for family fun days out?

Here are quick links to some family favourites in Ards and North Down to help you plan day trips and short breaks to remember.