Take an afternoon, or better still, make it a getaway, just the two of you and spend time together in Ards and North Down.
Our stunning scenery, nestled between countryside and shoreline, cosy nights away and a place where you can just be you, makes our corner of the Isle simply idyllic and rather romantic!
Whether you are a couple seeking adventure, parents looking for time away from the kids to reconnect, or a couple who enjoy great food and discovering new things together... we have it all.
Our range of accommodation suits all budgets, from B&B's to 5* Hotels; wile away time in one of our hotel spa's.
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There's nothing short of things to do here in Ards and North Down either, from tours to unique experiences, opportunity is plenty to carve out new memories for the two of you.
Here are some tips on what to do as a couple in our place...
Connect with nature together
Throughout the borough you will find idyllic spot for romantic strolls or energetic walks
Romantic walking spots
Why not explore the past in the beautiful grounds of the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra with this Wildlife Walk on 13 February 2026?
Try something new together...
Get creative - Enjoy trying something new together like Coppersmithing with Redsmith's Forge in Millisle, jewellery making with NI Silver in Holywood, or paint your own piece of pottery at Eden Pottery, Millisle or Loaf Pottery in Crawfordsburn.
Be adventurous - Try on the water activities together such as paddleboarding and kayaking adventures like this one by Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Paddle Back in Time on 15 (and 22 February) 2026. Explore our exquisite loughs and the landscapes around them. Check out these on the water activities you could try in Ards and North Down.
Connect in the kitchen - Bake traditional breads together or enjoy a Pizza and Paddle at Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen, Killinchy.
Be different - Make it a date day at Northern Ireland's only Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary, Exploris in Portaferry.
Enjoy a Spa break - Find the perfect spot in which to relax and reconnect together here
Enjoy the local Arts
Take an arts class or an exhibition - see what's on via Visit AND Culture, or enjoy a live music, comedy shows and the arts in venues such as the Court House Bangor or The Portico of Ards, Portaferry.
In The Portico on Valentine's DayTalented pianist Ruth McGinley is performing her set Glass and Beyond, a programme centred on the works of Philip Glass. Team this informormal concert with dinner in Portaferry and make a proper night of it.
Indulge your tastebuds
Our place is a leading food region where culinary innovation thrives. The finest and freshest ingredients are sourced in abundance from our fertile fields and sparkling shores and can be found at our markets, artisan food shops and dishes across the region's award-winning restaurants. Indulge your tastebuds, go on a food tour, and if gin or whiskey is your thing, we have two local distilleries! Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin and Copeland Distillery, Donaghadee each offer tours and events that showcase their products.
Explore our Food and Drink offering
Explore captivating history sites
The quiet stillness, pictresque surrounds and stories, some centuries old, makes many of our historic sites, dotted all over the Borough, quite captivating. Discover how our place came to be what it is today, each unique place a puzzle piece in our history. Grey Abbey in Greyabbey, Nendrum Monastic Site near Comber and St Cooey's Wells located just 2 miles from Portaferry, are just a handful of places worth exploring. Find out about our Heritage Trails and check out our History and Legends Itineraries which take you on a journey through some beautiful, romantic scenery, too.
Details correct at time of publication.
Be sure to always check opening times of the attraction you plan to visit before travelling.
For information on our public transport system, routes and timetables, visit translink.co.uk.
Offers
If you fancy a romantic trip away, The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn and Culloden Estate and Spa, Cultra (near Holywood) have offers to avail of. Enjoy spending time with that special someone or make it a 'Galantines' with these deals. Or, check out what offers there might be for our B&Bs, Guesthouses and more.
Let us guide you...
We have put together a variety of itineraries to help you make the most of your visit - from those exploring our history, as mentioned, to indulgent escapes, driving tours and more.
Make it an extended break
Take the chance to stay a while. Find accommodation here
Be sure to check out our Offers section first for potential deals on overnight stays and activities.
Need more help in planning your trip?
Contact our Visitor Information Centre team where our trained advisors can help guide you on accommodation, attractions, and all that there is to do in our place on the island.
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