New for Summer 2025 – Taster Tours Programme

4th July 2025

Come and learn a little more about the region through a new range of ‘Taster Tours’ delivered by the latest ONC Level 2 Tour Guiding Graduates.

SERC and Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Department have partnered to enable knowledgeable locals to gain the skills to share some of the history and heritage of the region.

The Taster Tours will take place from July - October, please look out for them online at visitardsandnorthdown.com or call into Ards or Bangor Visitor Information Centres to find out more and to book.

Tours are £4 per ticket. All proceeds go towards the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum’s chosen charities for 2025, St Vincent De Paul, Women's Aid and Orchardville.

The Programme features five tours running for two dates:

Bangor Castle Walled Garden Walking Tour

Dates: Monday 21 July | Monday 28 July | Time: 11am
Ticket £4pp* | Meeting Point: Café Kiosk in Walled Garden | Duration of tour:  1.5 hrs

Join William on this walking tour for an insight into the award-winning garden's history.

The Ward family designed the Bangor Castle Walled Garden in the 1840s with the South Garden remaining true to its Victorian roots to this day.

Find out more and book

Bangor’s Shortest Pilgrimage

Dates: Saturday 26 July | Saturday 30 August Time: 10.00am

Take a reflective and meditative journey with Rebecca along ancient heritage trails and new pathways from Bangor Castle's Walled Garden, enjoying the rich recognition of Bangor's history through the sculptures there, then follow the bell trail to the original monastic site of Bangor Abbey.

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A Guided Walking Tour of Portavo and Orlock

Dates: 4 August | 18 August | Time: 6.45pm
Ticket £4pp* | Meeting Point: National Trust Orlock Point car park, Warren Road. | Duration of tour: 1.5 hrs

Join Gavin to discover the charms, history and myths of Portavo and Orlock on a tour around this beautiful coastline.

Nestled along the shore at the mouth of Belfast Lough these townlands offer walkers an enchanting blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural intrigue. Some questions we’ll endeavour to answer during this tou

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Hearts of Bangor – History of The Old Market house

Dates: 28 August 2025 | Time: 7.30pm  | 22 September | Time: 1pm

Join your guide Laura and discover the hidden stories of Bangor's past on a tour of The Old Market House. Meet three forgotten women whose lives were intertwined with this historic building and the surrounding area.

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Tour of Bangor Castle Grounds and Walled Garden

Dates: Sunday 21 September 2025  |  Sunday 28 September 2025 | Time: 2.30pm

John will lead you on a tour of the formal gardens and arboretum taking account of the history of the Castle and the features within the parkland, formal gardens, and Walled garden.

Find out more and book