The official website of Visit Ards and North Down
En

Family Fun

Plan your trip
  • Stay
  • What's On
  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Shopping
Accommodation Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
I'm interested in...
Things to Do Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
What's On Search
Dates
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
Food & Drink Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
Shopping Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:

Refine By

Refine Your Search Further:

Type
Attraction
Activity
Entertainment
Location

Number of results: 42

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Photo of shrubs and reeds along Millisle promenade with water in the distance

    Millisle

    Address

    Ballywalter Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2HS

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Millisle Beach Park is an area of 150 metres of golden sand and a relatively safe bathing seawater lagoon extending out 50 metres. A jetty, slipways and paddling pool complement the lagoon area.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  2. Aerial view of WWT Castle Espie wetland centre
    Three mallard ducklings following their mother.
    A child handfeeding a Barrow's goldeneye duck in the aviary at Castle Espie.
    A family walking out of the Crannog roundhouse at WWT Castle Espie.
    A common frog sitting on some frogspawn in a pond.
    A woman looking through binoculars in a wetlands.
    A common tern taking flight out of the water.
    Aerial view of the Limekiln Observatory - a glass building overlooking Strangford Lough
    A mute swan splashing.
    Two visitors enjoying a coffee and traybake in the cafe.
    Aerial view of WWT Castle Espie wetland centre
    Three mallard ducklings following their mother.
    A child handfeeding a Barrow's goldeneye duck in the aviary at Castle Espie.
    A family walking out of the Crannog roundhouse at WWT Castle Espie.
    A common frog sitting on some frogspawn in a pond.
    A woman looking through binoculars in a wetlands.
    A common tern taking flight out of the water.
    Aerial view of the Limekiln Observatory - a glass building overlooking Strangford Lough
    A mute swan splashing.
    Two visitors enjoying a coffee and traybake in the cafe.

    Comber

    Address

    Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9187 4146

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday, reconnect with nature, and experience the wonder of wetlands on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough. Visit Castle Espie all year round and discover new…

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  3. Vintage double decker bus
    Vintage double decker bus
    The earth and moon sculptures from the Our Place in Space trail.
    A man and boy looking at a vintage train
    A car lit up
    A family enjoying the Transport Museum exhibit
    Vintage car and surf boards
    Vintage plane
    The famous DeLorean car, as featured in the Back to the Future movies
    Two girls view the Titanic exhibit
    Vintage double decker bus
    Vintage double decker bus
    The earth and moon sculptures from the Our Place in Space trail.
    A man and boy looking at a vintage train
    A car lit up
    A family enjoying the Transport Museum exhibit
    Vintage car and surf boards
    Vintage plane
    The famous DeLorean car, as featured in the Back to the Future movies
    Two girls view the Titanic exhibit

    Holywood

    Address

    150 Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EY

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9042 8428

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Celebrate the history of invention and innovation through engineering, design, and technology at the Ulster Transport Museum. Check out the famous DeLorean, a Ferguson tractor and the motorbikes of some of Northern Ireland's biggest road racing…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2025to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  4. arial photo of part of the lough
    photograph showing a field of sunflowers
    a photo showing the lough with the mountains in the background
    arial photo of part of the lough
    photograph showing a field of sunflowers
    a photo showing the lough with the mountains in the background

    Portaferry

    Address

    8 Ballyquintin Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4461 5520

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    Ballyquintin Nature Reserve includes Ballyquintin Point at the tip of the Ards Peninsula, County Down where the Irish Sea enters Strangford Lough.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  5. Trees in Seapark Recreation Grounds
    Close up photo of two putting sticks and two golf balls beside putting hole and flag at Seapark
    Trees in Seapark Recreation Grounds
    Close up photo of two putting sticks and two golf balls beside putting hole and flag at Seapark

    Holywood

    Address

    Seapark Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0LP

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    A seafront facility perfect for all the family. An annual fireworks display at Halloween overlooking Belfast Lough.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  6. Mount Stewart House
    Mount Stewart House and gardens
    Mount Stewart house and patio, sunlight filtering through greenery
    Mount Stewart House and Gardens, pond
    Mount Stewart house and gardens, sunken garden area
    Mount Stewart lake
    Photo of Mount Stewart trees with beautiful autumn foliage with hues of greens, oranges and browns
    A photograph of the Mount Stewart formal gardens to back of Estate house in bloom
    Photo of the bronze statue that commemorates the birth of Lady Mairi in 1921, surrounded by bells and cockle shells based on the nursery rhyme, set wi
    Image of the formal dining room inside of the Mount Stewart Estate House
    Mount Stewart House
    Mount Stewart House and gardens
    Mount Stewart house and patio, sunlight filtering through greenery
    Mount Stewart House and Gardens, pond
    Mount Stewart house and gardens, sunken garden area
    Mount Stewart lake
    Photo of Mount Stewart trees with beautiful autumn foliage with hues of greens, oranges and browns
    A photograph of the Mount Stewart formal gardens to back of Estate house in bloom
    Photo of the bronze statue that commemorates the birth of Lady Mairi in 1921, surrounded by bells and cockle shells based on the nursery rhyme, set wi
    Image of the formal dining room inside of the Mount Stewart Estate House

    Newtownards

    Address

    Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4278 8387

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    The National Trust

    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.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs Welcome Inside

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  7. Photo of museum exterior and grassland to front
    Photo of staged set that depicts soldier life in the war. The image shows a map, headphones, a gas lamp and some gear
    A staged set with a dummy model of a soldier in gear in ditch holding a gun over sandbags on alert
    Image of staged bunker set showcasing life in war, featuring uniforms, sleep set up and dining set up as well as everyday items used to survive the wa
    Photo's of an officers office setting featuring signs and posters encouraging men to enlist to the war, as well as featuring gear and accessories of t
    Photo of green hut exterior where some of the museum displays are featured
    Photo of staged bunker set showing bed, soldiers headwear and a table and chair for dining and writing
    Photo of museum exterior and grassland to front
    Photo of staged set that depicts soldier life in the war. The image shows a map, headphones, a gas lamp and some gear
    A staged set with a dummy model of a soldier in gear in ditch holding a gun over sandbags on alert
    Image of staged bunker set showcasing life in war, featuring uniforms, sleep set up and dining set up as well as everyday items used to survive the wa
    Photo's of an officers office setting featuring signs and posters encouraging men to enlist to the war, as well as featuring gear and accessories of t
    Photo of green hut exterior where some of the museum displays are featured
    Photo of staged bunker set showing bed, soldiers headwear and a table and chair for dining and writing

    Newtownards

    Address

    233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 3202

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    The Museum examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  8.  Stricklands Glen, part of North Down Coastal Path
    View of Stricklands Glen from Carnalea Golf Club
    Photo on a cool day overlooking the area where Stricklands Glen meets the Coastal Path
     Stricklands Glen, part of North Down Coastal Path
    View of Stricklands Glen from Carnalea Golf Club
    Photo on a cool day overlooking the area where Stricklands Glen meets the Coastal Path

    Bangor

    Address

    Bryansburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3SU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  9. Photo of Formula 1 race car
    Photo of two competing go kart race drivers
    Group of men
    Group of children with medals and trophies after a successful football match
    Trophies
    A group of men
    A laser quest participant in action
    A group of children posing for a photo ready to play laser quest
    A man using the Race-2-Drive game
    Photo of Formula 1 race car
    Photo of two competing go kart race drivers
    Group of men
    Group of children with medals and trophies after a successful football match
    Trophies
    A group of men
    A laser quest participant in action
    A group of children posing for a photo ready to play laser quest
    A man using the Race-2-Drive game

    Bangor

    Address

    41 Balloo Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7PG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9145 1457

    Type

    Type:

    Motor Sports and Karting

    Race around an indoor karting track designed by Formula One superstar Eddie Irvine. Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you make your way around the track racing your friends.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  10. Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum
    Horses at work ploughing a field
    Children enjoying the autumn leaves in the museum grounds
    A little girl enjoying one of the working displays
    Children sitting on a wall within the village of the Museum
    A spinner at work
    A weaver at work
    Ballycultra Village within the museum
    One of the museum characters at work
    Ballycultra Village replica homes
    Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum
    Horses at work ploughing a field
    Children enjoying the autumn leaves in the museum grounds
    A little girl enjoying one of the working displays
    Children sitting on a wall within the village of the Museum
    A spinner at work
    A weaver at work
    Ballycultra Village within the museum
    One of the museum characters at work
    Ballycultra Village replica homes

    Holywood

    Address

    153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9042 8428

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2025to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    1 Mar 2026to30 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  11. A view of Kearney village from the beach.
    Original white wash fishing cottages in the village.
    A view of the Black Rock lighthouse out at sea.
    The visitor centre at Kearney
    A view of the sea from the village.
    A view of the Mourne Mountains from Kearney Beach.
    A view of Kearney village from the beach.
    Original white wash fishing cottages in the village.
    A view of the Black Rock lighthouse out at sea.
    The visitor centre at Kearney
    A view of the sea from the village.
    A view of the Mourne Mountains from Kearney Beach.

    Portaferry

    Address

    Kearney Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QP

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4278 8387

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    The National Trust

    Sitting on the southern tip of the famous Ards Peninsula, Kearney is a picturesque fishing village full of unspoilt, timeless character. On this short coastal walk from the village car park and visitor centre, look out for quaint, whitewashed…

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)
  12. Image of the leisure waters at Bangor Aurora including play Pirate ship and water slides
    Image of the external of Bangor Aurora showing the gym lit up in the evening
    External image of the front entrance to Bangor Aurora
    Image of the leisure waters at Bangor Aurora including play Pirate ship and water slides
    Image of the external of Bangor Aurora showing the gym lit up in the evening
    External image of the front entrance to Bangor Aurora

    Bangor

    Address

    3 Valentine Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0271

    Type

    Type:

    Swimming Pool

    Bangor Aurora Leisure complex is situated in the heart of Bangor. Featuring 3 swimming pools, leisure waters and extensive gym facilities the Aurora offers a great family fun day out.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  13. a photo of a group of adults on a small train surrounded by snow and trees
    a group of children and adults on a small train
    a group of adults on a small train
    a photograph of lightup sculptures of deer
    a photograph of a group of people riding the small train
    a man dressed as santa on the small train
    a group of men on the small train
    a photo of a group of adults on a small train surrounded by snow and trees
    a group of children and adults on a small train
    a group of adults on a small train
    a photograph of lightup sculptures of deer
    a photograph of a group of people riding the small train
    a man dressed as santa on the small train
    a group of men on the small train

    Donaghadee

    Address

    60 Upper Gransha Road, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0LZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9446 1272

    Type

    Type:

    Miniature Railway

    This 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway has about 2km of track with a variety of routes including bridges, cuttings, embankments, gradients and a twin-track tunnel. There is a station, picnic tables and the ticket office includes a small shop.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  14. Bangor Castle Walled Garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, walkway to fountain
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, fountain
    a photograph of a metal sculpture in the bangor walled garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, opening times
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, walkway to fountain
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, fountain
    a photograph of a metal sculpture in the bangor walled garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, opening times

    Bangor

    Address

    Valentine Road, Castle Park, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

    Telephone

    +44 (0)28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs Welcome Inside - All dogs must remain on a lead.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  15. Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Image of generic golf ball and hole
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Image of generic golf ball and hole

    Bangor

    Address

    Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 5622

    Type

    Type:

    Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

    One nine hole pitch and putt course. Two 18 hole putting greens. 4 Tennis courts.
    There is also putting and pitch and putt equipment for hire.
    For booking information, please contact Bangor Sportsplex.

  16. Leafy pathway through the country park
    Crawfordsburn waterfall
    Leafy pathway through the country park
    Crawfordsburn waterfall

    Helen's Bay

    Address

    Bridge Road South, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1JT

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9185 3621

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    With tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing natural retreat.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking - Car Parking is available at the Main Car Park, exit road lay by, Fort Road Car Park, Grey Point Fort and Sea Park, Coastguard Avenue.
  17. Image of the Ark Open Farm's small replica of Noah's Ark with animal statues including giraffe
    Photo of Tractor ride at The Ark Open Farm
    Photo of mother and son holding  Chicks at the Ark Open Farm
    Photo of little girl playing with a dinosaur
    image of 2 children enjoying the play area
    Image of mother and son feeding deer at The Ark Open Farm
    Photo of Jumping pillow at The Ark Open Farm with a little boy bouncing
    Image of the Ark Open Farm's small replica of Noah's Ark with animal statues including giraffe
    Photo of Tractor ride at The Ark Open Farm
    Photo of mother and son holding  Chicks at the Ark Open Farm
    Photo of little girl playing with a dinosaur
    image of 2 children enjoying the play area
    Image of mother and son feeding deer at The Ark Open Farm
    Photo of Jumping pillow at The Ark Open Farm with a little boy bouncing

    Newtownards

    Address

    296 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 0445

    Type

    Type:

    Open Farm

    The Ark Open Farm is a fantastic family day out; the farm itself is set in 40 acres of beautiful countryside between Newtownards and Bangor. It’s home to a huge selection of farm animals and some that are a little more exotic.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  18. Photo of two children with woolly hats on running through the autumn leaves of the park

    Holywood

    Address

    Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT19 6JF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    A lovely park perfect for families located only a short distance from Holywood.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  19. External building of museum with adjoining Town Hall building in background
    External building main entrance to Museum
    Visitors enjoying the cafe
    Stained glass window
    Sign displaying the words The Raven Maps
    The replica Monks cell
    Model bygone village
    Viking Helmet and shield
    Photo of the Viking gallery display within North Down Museum
    Cinema room display
    External building of museum with adjoining Town Hall building in background
    External building main entrance to Museum
    Visitors enjoying the cafe
    Stained glass window
    Sign displaying the words The Raven Maps
    The replica Monks cell
    Model bygone village
    Viking Helmet and shield
    Photo of the Viking gallery display within North Down Museum
    Cinema room display

    Bangor

    Address

    Bangor City Hall, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BT

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 1200

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Visit North Down Museum to explore the fascinating saga of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day. The Museum takes you on a journey through Early Christian heritage and the Vikings to Scottish Settlers and the Victorians.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  20. An image of the Groomsport Information sign

    Groomsport

    Address

    Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JP

    Telephone

    028 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Groomsport has one of Northern Ireland's few fully accessible beaches for all ages and abilities, located close to Bangor in County Down.

View Maps and Visitor Guides
View of what Ards and North Down has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Ards and North Down newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss