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Things to do in Ards and North Down

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Number of results: 129

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  1. Seasonal vegetables from local produce farmers at Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market
    An image of Ards Arts Centre, the old Town Hall, which is the backdrop to the weekly market in Conway Square
    Seasonal vegetables from local produce farmers at Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market
    An image of Ards Arts Centre, the old Town Hall, which is the backdrop to the weekly market in Conway Square

    Newtownards

    Address

    Conway Square, High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

    Telephone

    +44 7770 633287

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Market

    A weekly market catering for all your needs.

  2. A photo of Donaghadee from above showing the Motte
    The Motte Donaghadee
    The Motte Donaghadee
    The Motte Donaghadee
    A photo of Donaghadee from above showing the Motte
    The Motte Donaghadee
    The Motte Donaghadee
    The Motte Donaghadee

    Donaghadee

    Address

    The Motte, Castle Street via East Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0ED

    Telephone

    028 9182 6846

    Home to the only Camera Obscura on the island of Ireland. Seasonal opening 2025: Summer, May to September (See Opening Times).

  3. Bangor Market signage

    Bangor

    Address

    ASDA Car Park, Castle Square, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4SP

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 8006

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Market

    Bangor market has been a tradition for many years and the go to for local fresh produce.  Situated in ASDA car park every Wednesday from 8am to 1pm with stalls offering a wide selection of the fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh local fish, seasonal…

  4. Cairnwood Trail map
    Cairngaver walking Trail rising into the Beech trees, with views over the Ballysallagh reservoirs at Cairnwood
    Two people set off for a walk through Cairn Wood Forest
    Clearing visible off the Ballysallagh Trail for walking, wheeling and family cycling
    Sunlight shines through the tree trunks of Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver Trail and central access route at Cairnwood
    Trees in Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver walking Trail in Cairnwood
    Viewpoint towards Newtownards and Strangford Lough at highest point on the Boundary or Cairngaver Trail at Cairnwood
    Ballysallagh Trail in Cairnwood for walking, wheeling and family cycling
    Cairnwood Trail map
    Cairngaver walking Trail rising into the Beech trees, with views over the Ballysallagh reservoirs at Cairnwood
    Two people set off for a walk through Cairn Wood Forest
    Clearing visible off the Ballysallagh Trail for walking, wheeling and family cycling
    Sunlight shines through the tree trunks of Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver Trail and central access route at Cairnwood
    Trees in Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver walking Trail in Cairnwood
    Viewpoint towards Newtownards and Strangford Lough at highest point on the Boundary or Cairngaver Trail at Cairnwood
    Ballysallagh Trail in Cairnwood for walking, wheeling and family cycling

    Newtownards

    Address

    21 Craigantlet Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TE

    Telephone

    0300 013 3333

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Walking & Hiking

    The Woodland Pathways offer five scenic walks, starting from the car park and weaving through beautiful mixed woodland. These trails are a favourite among families and local dog walkers. With trail lengths ranging from 1.7 to 4.5 km, the routes…

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

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

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Ramp to main entrance - From car park level into woodland trailhead.
  5. a boy and his dad looking at a sea creature in the tank
    View of underwater tank to tunnel
    Penguins
    a little girl looking at a fish in the tank
    a photograph of two kids kneeling down and looking into the fish tank
    a photograph of someone holding a starfish
    a photograph showing the interior of the aquarium
    a photograph of two otters in the water
    Food from the Kraken Bar and Grill at Exploris Aquarium
    a boy and his dad looking at a sea creature in the tank
    View of underwater tank to tunnel
    Penguins
    a little girl looking at a fish in the tank
    a photograph of two kids kneeling down and looking into the fish tank
    a photograph of someone holding a starfish
    a photograph showing the interior of the aquarium
    a photograph of two otters in the water
    Food from the Kraken Bar and Grill at Exploris Aquarium

    Portaferry

    Address

    The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4272 8062

    Gradings

    • Five Star Quality Assurance
    Five Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Zoo / Aquarium

    Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An underwater Tunnel Experience, friendly sharks and a Dwarfcrocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wi-fi available
  6. Male and female couple at kitchen table with Tracey.  The male is pouring baking flour from bag into a bowl.
    Tracey with a male and female couple making soda bread at table in Tracey's kitchen
    group of 4 adults, 2 male and 2 female enjoying tea baked soda bread at a table in Tracey's Kitchen
    Tracey and guests in the external courtyard of the Farmhouse
    Ladies making soda bread on the griddle
    Male and female couple at kitchen table with Tracey.  The male is pouring baking flour from bag into a bowl.
    Tracey with a male and female couple making soda bread at table in Tracey's kitchen
    group of 4 adults, 2 male and 2 female enjoying tea baked soda bread at a table in Tracey's Kitchen
    Tracey and guests in the external courtyard of the Farmhouse
    Ladies making soda bread on the griddle

    Killinchy

    Address

    52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 7711 484 850

    Gradings

    • Five Star Quality Assurance
    Five Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Cookery School

    Tracey's cottage is located only 30 minutes from Belfast in a Marine Nature Reserve on Strangford Lough. Join her to make Soda and Wheaten Breads and to enjoy a feast of homemade treats around the Farmhouse Kitchen table. A hands on experience.

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Ramp / Level Access
    • Ramp to main entrance

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  7. 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
  8. 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.

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  9. 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
  10. Photo of people enjoying rides on the Giant Swans pedal boats on the blue waters of the man made pond at Pickie Funpark
    Photo of the Pickie Funpark Beach huts used for changing after enjoying the splash pad area
    Giant Swans pedal boats
    Photo of people enjoying rides on the Giant Swans pedal boats on the blue waters of the man made pond at Pickie Funpark
    Photo of the Pickie Funpark Beach huts used for changing after enjoying the splash pad area
    Giant Swans pedal boats

    Bangor

    Address

    1 Marine Gardens, Queens Parade, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9145 0746

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Enjoy a fun day out at Pickie Fun Park. Try out the 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train, children's play area, children's electric car track and more.

    Special Offers

    • Unlimited Pass

      From £15 

      All day wristband for £15.  The wristband entitles the visitors to all the attractions as many times as they want. (Hook a Duck and Aqua Blaster excluded).   T&C's apply - available weekends and holidays. Height restrictions apply to some attractions.

      Unlimited pass can be bought at park on day of visit.

      More offers like this - Family Fun Offers, Attractions Offers

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking - There is a public car park on Queen’s Parade which is a short walk round the marina. There are also limited disabled car parking spaces adjacent to Pickie Funpark which can be accessed via Marine Gardens.

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  11. Killinchy

    Address

    Braddock Reach, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PY

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 7909 721 898

    Type

    Type:

    Health & Wellbeing

    Limber up as the sun comes up. Glide across the peaceful waters of Strangford Lough at dawn and greet the day ahead with a guided yoga flow.

  12. Photo of two golfers in play with stunning scenery to the background
    Image of a golfer in play
    Photo of two golfers in play with stunning scenery to the background
    Image of a golfer in play

    Portaferry

    Address

    15 Ardminnan Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4277 1321

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland Golf Course

    Situated in a scenic spot overlooking the Irish Sea and five minutes from both Portaferry and Kircubbin, this nine hole treat is perfect for starting a day’s touring with a quick round featuring water hazards, challenging holes and other parkland.

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on site
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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)
  16. Cockle Row Cottages
    A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of some museum articles on display. Items from the 1910's era commonly used by the fisherman and his family who lived in Cockle Row Cottages.
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay
    Cockle Row Cottages
    A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of some museum articles on display. Items from the 1910's era commonly used by the fisherman and his family who lived in Cockle Row Cottages.
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay

    Groomsport

    Address

    The Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR

    Telephone

    +44 (0)28 9109 3038

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Take a step back in time with a visit to the lovingly restored Cockle Row Cottages located beside the harbour, Groomsport.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  17. Helicopter
    Stunning views of north coast
    Helicopter
    Helicopter
    Stunning views of north coast
    Helicopter

    Newtownards

    Address

    61 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9181 1971

    Type

    Type:

    Sightseeing

    Heli Power is a well established Helicopter flight training school for beginners or experienced flyers. We also offer tours of Northern Ireland, transport for wedding and golf parties and many more tailor made packages.

  18. Photo of Mahee Castle, with bridge way and water to forefront

    Comber

    Address

    Mahee Island, Ringneill Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EP

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    This ruined Tower House commands a position at the north end of Mahee Island in Strangford Lough. The house was built in 1570 by an English soldier called Captain Browne. Today, it is badly ruined but still of considerable interest.

    Price

    Free
  19. A photo from a distance showing Eisenhower Pier on a sunny day, framed by a leafy tree branch
    Photo of large orange and navy coloured Life Bouy on display located at the start of the Eisenhower Pier
    Photo of the light beacon that sits at the end of the Eisenhower Pier alongside a mosaic mural depicting the boroughs role in WWII
    Image of the mosaic mural on the wall at the end of Eisenhower Pier which depicts the boroughs role in WWII
    A photo from a distance showing Eisenhower Pier on a sunny day, framed by a leafy tree branch
    Photo of large orange and navy coloured Life Bouy on display located at the start of the Eisenhower Pier
    Photo of the light beacon that sits at the end of the Eisenhower Pier alongside a mosaic mural depicting the boroughs role in WWII
    Image of the mosaic mural on the wall at the end of Eisenhower Pier which depicts the boroughs role in WWII

    Bangor

    Address

    The Seafront, Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Marinas

    At the seafront in the City of Bangor in Ards and North Down, a short stroll from the promenade, past Bregenz House (Headquarters to HM Coastguard), takes you to the Eisenhower Pier

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  20. Tour group admire the stills within the Copeland Distillery
    Three barrels stacked in a triangle on Donaghadee Pier with the lighthouse in the background
    A close up side view photo of the Copeland Distillery venue sign
    A close up image of brewing in process in the copper distils
    Image of the brewing equipment
    Image of someone tending to the brewing distils
    Image of behind the scenes at the distillery
    A couple enjoying a tasting
    A man standing in front of Copeland premises signage
    Tour group admire the stills within the Copeland Distillery
    Three barrels stacked in a triangle on Donaghadee Pier with the lighthouse in the background
    A close up side view photo of the Copeland Distillery venue sign
    A close up image of brewing in process in the copper distils
    Image of the brewing equipment
    Image of someone tending to the brewing distils
    Image of behind the scenes at the distillery
    A couple enjoying a tasting
    A man standing in front of Copeland premises signage

    Donaghadee

    Address

    The Copeland Distillery, Manor Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9162 4000

    Price

    Price from: £25.00 Per Ticket

    Type

    Type:

    Brewery/Distillery Tour

    Truly immerse yourself at The Copeland Distillery, where you’ll hear tales of secret smugglers, savage battles and remarkable voyages, all while soaking up our coastal spirits of whiskey, gin, coffee liqueur and rum. Whether you come for the…

    Price

    Price from: £25.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

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

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
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