With over 100 miles of coastline, many Areas of Special Scientific Interest and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we want to protect this special place and the impact we have on our natural surroundings.

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.

To protect our special places for generations to come there is the increasing need to become green and sustainable, tourism is no exception with many of our attractions, activity and accommodation providers taking steps to protect the environment and...Read More

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Strangford Lough
Explore and treat your eyes to stunning Strangford Lough. Situated only 30 minutes’ drive away from the hustle and bustle of Belfast, the tranquil shores await, offering visitors a 365 days a year destination where a friendly welcome awaits, whatever the weather!
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National Trust: Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula
Discover walks and scenic spots to visit in the Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula area of Ards and North Down.
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Strangford Lough - Family Time, 3 Day Itinerary
When it comes to eating, drinking, travelling and experiencing, here, in Ards and North Down, we embrace a slower pace. Away from the crowds, carve your path back to nature and create your family's staycation stories in this unique part of the world.
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Strangford Lough - Follow the Tide, 3 Day Itinerary
Engage your senses, emotions and feelings the natural way - follow the tide around Strangford Lough in Ards and North Down. Try new things. Visit new places. This three day itinerary will help you squeeze as much as possible into your short break.
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Strangford Lough - Treasure Time around Strangford Lough, 2 Day Itinerary
Salute the end of summer with a short break to the stunning shores of Strangford Lough in Ards and North Down. Embrace a different pace as you slow down and enjoy sensing every new flavour, every new step into this unusual, unique part of the world.
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City of Bangor, Towns and Villages
Ards and North Down is made up of the City of Bangor, four lively individually defined towns, all surrounded by an abundance of unique villages, big and small, each with something special to offer.
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National Trust: Caring for Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula
Insight into how the National Trust care for designated areas on the shores of Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula, and how you can enjoy them!
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Discover Ards and North Down at your own pace…
Explore water’s edge beauty spots and heritage sites, savour our award-winning local food and drink, be inspired by our creative makers and experience exhilarating activities and events – it’s all waiting for you!
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Why Ards & North Down must be on your list of places to visit!
Our place offers far reaching skies, miles of magnificent coastline, natural beauty, bountiful beaches and inspirational coastal and country walks.
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