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 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
  2. Close up photo of the ripples of sand on Ballyholme Beach with the promenade and bathers in backdrop
    Ballyholme Esplanade during the day showing the waters splashing against the seawall.
    Photo of bathers and a kayaker enjoying the sparkling waters of Ballyholme Beach on a sunny day
    Close up photo of the ripples of sand on Ballyholme Beach with the promenade and bathers in backdrop
    Ballyholme Esplanade during the day showing the waters splashing against the seawall.
    Photo of bathers and a kayaker enjoying the sparkling waters of Ballyholme Beach on a sunny day

    Bangor

    Address

    Bank's Lane, Groomsport Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  3. 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
  4. Photo of four seals gathered on the seaweed and moss covered sea rocks

    Newtownards

    Address

    Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

    Telephone

    02842787769

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    The Lookout is a wildlife interpretative centre, showcasing the wildlife around the Strangford Lough area. Telescopes and remotely controlled camers allow close up views of basking seals and breeding seabird colonies.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  5. 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
  6. A photo of Ballywalter harbour on a bright day with pink flowers to the forefront of the image
    An image of Ballywalter harbour from the beach on a bright sunny day
    a photo of a sandy beach with some rocks
    a photo of some trees on a grassy area next to the sandy beach
    photo of the beach showing the sand and the sea
    a photo of the long sandy beach
    a photo of an arch in a brick wall next to the beach
    a photo of a brick wall next to the beach
    A photo of Ballywalter harbour on a bright day with pink flowers to the forefront of the image
    An image of Ballywalter harbour from the beach on a bright sunny day
    a photo of a sandy beach with some rocks
    a photo of some trees on a grassy area next to the sandy beach
    photo of the beach showing the sand and the sea
    a photo of the long sandy beach
    a photo of an arch in a brick wall next to the beach
    a photo of a brick wall next to the beach

    Ballywalter

    Address

    Springvale Road, Ballywalter, County Down, BT22 2PE

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    A long sandy beach which offers enjoyment for all.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  7. 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
  8. Image of a walkway and woodland steps surrounded by leafy green trees and pink flowers
    Photo of walkway through leafy Castle Park
    Photo showing North Down Museum opening sign with Town Hall in backdrop
    Photo of Bangor Castle Walled Garden arches and flowers. The Garden is located within Castle Park grounds.
    Photo showing the embossed words Edward Ward 1852, the date the Town Hall was erected
    Photo of Town Hall/Bangor Castle in the sunshine framed by leafy tree branches
    Image of a walkway and woodland steps surrounded by leafy green trees and pink flowers
    Photo of walkway through leafy Castle Park
    Photo showing North Down Museum opening sign with Town Hall in backdrop
    Photo of Bangor Castle Walled Garden arches and flowers. The Garden is located within Castle Park grounds.
    Photo showing the embossed words Edward Ward 1852, the date the Town Hall was erected
    Photo of Town Hall/Bangor Castle in the sunshine framed by leafy tree branches

    Bangor

    Address

    Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    Stroll through this beautiful wooded wonderland which is an exhilarating experience throughout the seasons.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  9. 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

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  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 Mar 2026to30 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    1 Oct 2026to28 Feb 2027Various 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. 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.

  12. Trees
    The view from Redburn over Holywood and across Belfast Lough
    Trees
    The view from Redburn over Holywood and across Belfast Lough

    Holywood

    Address

    Old Holywood Road, Holywood, County Down, BT4 2HL

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9185 3621

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Redburn Country Park is set on an escarpment above Belfast Lough. There are 7km of pathways with spectacular views of Belfast and the south Antrim hills.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    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. Racing in progress
    A race car on the circuit
    Racing in progress
    A race car on the circuit

    Kircubbin

    Address

    130 Rubane Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4277 1325

    Type

    Type:

    Motor Sports and Karting

    Kirkistown Motor Racing Circuit offers the opportunity of a lifetime, to have a driving experience in a Formula Ford Single Seater Racing Car.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  15. 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
  16. a photograph looking up at a windmill with a blue sky in the background
    a photograph of a mural of farmers in the field
    a photo of some rocks and posters on display in a museum
    a side view photo of a windmill
    Ballycopeland Windmill aeriel view
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Ballycopeland Windmill Exhibition
    a photograph looking up at a windmill with a blue sky in the background
    a photograph of a mural of farmers in the field
    a photo of some rocks and posters on display in a museum
    a side view photo of a windmill
    Ballycopeland Windmill aeriel view
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Ballycopeland Windmill Exhibition

    Millisle

    Address

    Windmill Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2DS

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Type

    Type:

    Windmill

    Late 18th-century tower mill in use until 1915 and still in working order. Take a virtual tour and discover this unique building.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Parking (free)
  17. An image of Helen's Bay beach from the shore with a bench ready to welcome someone to sit
    A photo of Helen's Bay beach on a beautiful summers day with green grass and yellow flowers on the shore
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    An image of Helen's Bay beach from the shore with a bench ready to welcome someone to sit
    A photo of Helen's Bay beach on a beautiful summers day with green grass and yellow flowers on the shore
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    a photograph of a sandy beach

    Helens Bay

    Address

    Crawfordsburn Country Park, Helens Bay, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities, all within twenty minutes drive of Belfast.

    Price

    Free
  18. Image of the NIEA signpost entitled Scrabo County Park, caring for the environment with Scrabo Tower in background
    Drone photo of Scrabo Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking countryside
    Image of the NIEA signpost entitled Scrabo County Park, caring for the environment with Scrabo Tower in background
    Drone photo of Scrabo Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking countryside

    Newtownards

    Address

    203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9181 1491

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    This charming park is situated around the upper slopes and top of Scrabo Hill, near the area of Newtownards. When visitors come and explore, they will be able to view the panoramic sights of Strangford Lough as well as the surrounding countryside.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
  19. Photo of the brightly coloured bandstand where live music takes place in the summer months
    Photo of the war memorial in Ward Park, framed by leafy trees
    Close up image of green grass covered in white daisy flowers and green leafy trees in Ward Park
    Photo of the Ward Park duck pond and wooden bridge, surrounded by leafy green trees mid summer
    Photo of bowlers in action at the Ward Park Bowling Green
    Photo of the Ward Park Bowling Green and Club house surrounded by flora and fauna
    Photo of the Ward Park Aviary beside the duck pond
    Photo of the brightly coloured bandstand where live music takes place in the summer months
    Photo of the war memorial in Ward Park, framed by leafy trees
    Close up image of green grass covered in white daisy flowers and green leafy trees in Ward Park
    Photo of the Ward Park duck pond and wooden bridge, surrounded by leafy green trees mid summer
    Photo of bowlers in action at the Ward Park Bowling Green
    Photo of the Ward Park Bowling Green and Club house surrounded by flora and fauna
    Photo of the Ward Park Aviary beside the duck pond

    Bangor

    Address

    Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    A perfect park in the centre of Bangor. An ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife and feed the ducks.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  20. 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
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