Christmas 2022 Family Itinerary

Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland, Blogging family, 'Wherearewegoingtomorrow', visited Ards and North Down in early December 2022 for a 2 night, 3 day adventure.

Follow in their footsteps, or be inspired by bits of their trip, for your next getaway.

The family visited during the height of the Christmas period and attended seasonal specific events during their trip however all the attractions, eateries and accommodations mentioned are open all year round, so this itinerary will be a great way to see the area with your loved ones any time of the year!

Please note, the images used within this itinerary are from Ards and North Down Borough Council stock.

Recommended clothing, taking season into account: 
Pack comfortable clothing, including wind/rainproof jacket and good walking shoes. 

DAY 1 - Friday

17:30 Ark Open Farm 'Christmas After Dark' event, Conlig near Newtownards

What’s included:
•    Children can pick and build their own teddy to take home
•    Feed Santa’s real Reindeer
•    Family visit to meet Santa
•    Hot Chocolate and marshmallow toasting
•    NEW: Elf Village (Gingerbread decorating, sweet shop, write a letter to Santa)
•    Make reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve.
•    Beautiful Christmas lights and atmosphere.

Please note:  sections of the farm are closed during evening events including play areas, Fairytale forest and Jurassic Ark.

PM Check-in Strangford Arms Hotel in the thriving town of Newtownards (Family room BB x 2nights)

20:00 Dinner Strangford Arms Hotel, Newtownards

For lots of inspiration on places to eat and stay – check out our food and drink, things to do and accommodation sections to find the perfect spots for you.

DAY 2 - Saturday

AM  Breakfast at Strangford Arms Hotel, Newtownards

Suggested morning exploration:
Scrabo Tower and Country Park

Newtownards Weekly Market, Conway Square

12:15 Lunch at the Cultra Inn at Hastings Culloden Estate and Spa, Cultra

14:00  Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra near Holywood 
Wander the snowy, cobbled streets of Ballycultra this winter and experience a truly traditional Christmas. Meet the museums craft demonstrators as they prepare for seasonal celebrations and take in the festive scents of Christmas pudding warming on the griddle. Listen out for seasonal tunes from carol singers, a brass band, and other traditional musicians across the festive season. Warm up with a glass of mulled cordial and try the Christmas cake and cinnamon toast! Discover the traditions of Christmas past with the Ulster Folk Museum this winter.  

Suggested afternoon exploration:

Enjoy a day out at the seaside in Northern Ireland’s newest city of Bangor!

Take part in the free Bangor Elf Trail, until 23 December 2022.
Flyer info can be picked up from Bangor Visitor Information Centre located at Tower house, 34 Quay Street (open 10:30-16:00).

Pickie Funpark, Bangor 
Open all year. Free admission, charge for activities. Cafe on site.

North Down Museum, beside the Town Hall in Bangor and just a short stroll away from this little gem, the Bangor Castle Walled Garden.
Both places open all year. Free admission.

18:00 The family attended Santa’s Sooty Christmas Show at Queen’s Hall, Newtownards (One-off seasonal show). Find out more about our vibrant arts programme and book something creative to do while you are here. For more info visit andculture.org.uk.

PM Dinner recommendations:
The Bull & Claw, Newtownards (with branches in Donaghadee and Portaferry, within the borough)
Little Wing, Newtownards (with branches in Bangor and Holywood too, within the borough)

For more inspiration, check out our food and drink section. Ards and North Down boasts a huge number of award winning eateries, you will be spoilt for choice!

DAY 3 - Sunday

AM Checkout and depart Strangford Arms Hotel, Newtownards

10:00 Ballycopeland Santa Experience at Ballycopeland Windmill, Millisle

12:00 Exploris Aquarium and Seal Santuary, Portaferry

Take the short Strangford Lough Ferry crossing from Portaferry to Strangford: crossing time 5 mins. 
The ferry departs from Portaferry on the quarter past and quarter to the hour.
 
A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough is the largest tidal lough in the British Isles and NI’s first marine nature reserve. Aptly named by the Vikings (strong fiord), 350 million tonnes of water flow through the narrows with each tide. Such was the potential power of the lough, the world’s first commercial-scale tidal turbine was installed at The Narrows in 2008.

There is so much to explore around Ards and North Down!

Enjoy this adventure, or plan your own using our itinerary planner. Just click the heart on the top right of every page to add to your personal planner!