NewsUnique immersive experiences in Ards and North Down - the perfect Christmas gift! Monday 14 December
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Date: Monday 14 December
Gifting inspiration ...
Look no further this festive season and spoil your friends and family with an immersive experience on our stunning coastal waters and loughs or be captivated by the history and beauty of our towns on one of our guided walking tours.
Have you ever tried paddlingboarding with a picnic or stepped on board a canoe followed by treats and baking demonstrations at a country kitchen or maybe a historic walking tour through one of the oldest settlements in Northern Ireland is more your thing?
This is just a sample of what we have instore to wow your loved ones with that memborable experience this Christmas. Read on and on and be inspired...
Guided Walking Tours 2021
Enjoy our wide open spaces, charming towns and captivating history as you join our experienced guides on a wonderful walking tour.
We invite you to tap into a wealth of heritage, history and culture in the scenic surroundings of Newtownards, Comber, Donaghadee, Portaferry, Holywood and Bangor along the North Down Coastal Path.
February
Love Comber with Tour Guide, Paul Whitla
Sunday 14 February, 2pm – 3pm
The town of Comber may be small in size, but it is big in terms of history, exploring the connections with the Titanic, the story of St Patrick and the remains of the Cistercian Abbey known as the Comber stones, whose story has a touch of romance suitable for this St Valentine's day.
Tickets: £5pp Find out more and book
Historic Donaghadee Town Walk with Tour Guide, Robert Neill
Saturday 27 February, 11am - 1.30pm
The Donaghadee Local History Research Forum presents a walking tour of Donaghadee, as the nearest port to Scotland Donaghadee boasts a rich maritime history.
Tickets: £5pp Find out more and book
March
Hello Spring with Tour Guide, Adrian Woodley
Saturday 20 March, 10am – 1.30pm
On the first day of spring, why not take part in a guided walk along North Down Coastal Path, which will take you on a journey through coastline and parkland.
Tickets: £5pp Find out more and book
Historic Portaferry Town Walk with Tour Guide, Brigid Watson
Saturday 27 March, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Portaferry is a picturesque town nestled on the shore of Strangford Lough. On this walk you will learn about the fascinating maritime heritage of Portaferry and hear stories of influential residents who shaped the development of the town through the centuries.
Tickets: £5pp Find out more and book
Experiences 2021
Discover more of what the region has to offer by immersing yourself in these fantastic experiences. Enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside, and the warmth of our locals first-hand.
Canoe and Cake - £50pp
Saturday 13 March 2021 | 1pm - 4pm | Meeting point: Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen, Co Down, BT23 6UD
Enjoy the beauty of Strangford Lough from your own canoe and relax in the serenity of your surroundings before tucking into tasty treats in a magnificent traditional Irish thatched cottage.
SUPNIC (Three events: Breakfast 8am - 10am, Lunch 12 noon - 2pm and Supper 4pm - 6pm) £40pp
Saturday 20 March 2021 | Meeting point: Bangor Marina
Get out on Belfast Lough with this guided paddleboarding experience, take in our water’s edge views and hear local tales. Then as you rest on your paddleboard, tuck into a gourmet picnic from a local deli as you enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
SUP and Sip - £30pp
Sunday 21 March, 4pm | Meeting point: Donaghadee
Join us in Donaghadee for an early evening paddle. Enjoy the view of the Copelands, hear tales about the local area and hopefully see some of the resident wildlife as you glide along Belfast Lough, the return to Pier 36 for a drink and a chat, the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
SUP and Soda - £50pp
Sunday 28 March 2021, 12 noon - 3pm | Meeting place: Green Boat Shed, Whiterock, Killinchy
Leave your stresses on the shoreline and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Strangford Lough as you paddleboard from Whiterock to Ballymorran then enjoy a freshly griddled soda bread, egg and sausage (a vegetarian option will be available)in the warmth of a traditional Irish thatched cottage.
Image credit: Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen, Tourism Northern Ireland. For more information on any of these tours or experiences, contact Ards Visitor Information Centre on 028 9182 6846.