Explore

Our place offers far reaching skies, miles of magnificent coastline, natural beauty, bountiful beaches and inspirational coastal and country walks.

Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough, the UK’s largest sea lough, is one of only three Marine Nature Reserves in the UK. It’s hard to believe that only 30 minutes from Belfast’s urban attractions, this captivating rural retreat (designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an Area of Special Scientific Interest) is waiting to be explored.

Legend says there are 365 islands on Strangford Lough, one for every day of the year. In autumn, three quarters of the world’s Brent geese population migrate from Arctic Canada to make our shores their winter home. Watch their spectacular arrival and learn more about native wildlife at Castle Espie Wetland Centre.

The Ards Peninsula

The Ards Peninsula, Strangford Lough and their surrounding shores thrive with many creatures, marine life and visiting species through the changing seasons. You can spot seals and otters lounging on rocks, as well as Brent geese, cormorants and guillemots, creating a spectacle for bird watchers. Follow The Ards Peninsula Way or hop onboard an Ulsterbus using an Ards Peninsula Day Ticket.

Award-winning beaches and marina

Ards and North Down is home to six award-winning beaches, five Green Flag Awards for parks and open spaces, as well as a world-class marina in Bangor.

Green Flag Award Parks include, Ballymenoch Park in Holywood, Castle Park and Linear Park in Bangor along with Londonderry Park and Kiltonga Nature Reserve in Newtownards.

Ballywalter, Cloughey, Groomsport, Millisle and Crawfordsburn beaches have all been awarded the prestigious Seaside Award and Helen's Bay has a Green Coast Award.

Creative spirit

Events, festivals and workshops celebrate local talent and welcome artists from near and far. Everything from our maritime heritage to local creative arts, music and food is here to embrace and enjoy.

Create your perfect escape in Ards and North Down.

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Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary

Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. A sunken galleon, friendly sharks and a snappy crocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.
Pickie Fun Park

Enjoy a fun day out at Pickie Fun Park. Try out the 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train, children's play area, children's electric car track and more.
Bangor Castle Walled Garden

It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Varieties of flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables mix with sculptures and a unique fountain with a tongue twister! We are thrilled that the Walled Garden is now open all year round (except on particular holidays). Please see opening hours.
1. 1 Nov 202231 Mar 2023
2. 1 Apr 202331 May 2023
Mount Stewart

Mount Stewart is a stunning estate in the beautiful scenic area of Strangford Lough. The Formal Gardens are ranked as one of the top ten in the world and the within the house there are collections of national and international significance.

Immerse yourself

in this beautiful place

Experience Ards and North Down

Be surprised and awakened with immersive experiences and guided walking tours. Take in the natural beauty of our countryside, encounter water’s edge wonders, charming towns and villages and our delicious food and drink.
Beautiful beaches dotted along our miles of coastline

Explore our miles of stunning coastline and its coves and beaches, perfect for your chosen escape, a family fun day out, a romantic getaway or timeout to relax and recharge.
Take to the great outdoors in our stunning open spaces

Amongst the flora and fauna of our parks and gardens and trunks of towering trees you can immerse yourself in the natural environment and enjoy these shared spaces with the many animals who have made here their home.