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  1. Views looking from scenic hills to the lough
    Views from Scrabo Tower
    Newtownards

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  1. 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
    Ward Park

    Bangor

    Address

    Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4LG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

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

    More Info

    Add Ward Park to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  2. Photo of walkway through leafy Castle Park
    Image of a walkway and woodland steps surrounded by leafy green trees and pink flowers
    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
    Photo of walkway through leafy Castle Park
    Image of a walkway and woodland steps surrounded by leafy green trees and pink flowers
    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
    Castle Park

    Bangor

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

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

    Price

    Free
    More Info

    Add Castle Park to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  3. View from the Coastal Path from Stricklands Glen direction coming into Bangor town
    Photo on a cool day overlooking the area where Stricklands Glen meets the Coastal Path
    View from the Coastal Path from Stricklands Glen direction coming into Bangor town
    Photo on a cool day overlooking the area where Stricklands Glen meets the Coastal Path
    Stricklands Glen

    Bangor

    Address

    Bryansburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3SU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

    More Info

    Add Stricklands Glen to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  4. Photograph of yachts on the water of Belfast Lough from Kingsland showing
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Photograph of yachts on the water of Belfast Lough from Kingsland showing
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Kingsland

    Bangor

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    A perfect area for a family day out. Picnic area, children's playground and views over Ballyholme Bay.

    More Info

    Add Kingsland to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  5. 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
    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

    Newtownards

    Address

    Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4278 8387

    mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

    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.

    More Info

    Add Mount Stewart to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs Welcome Inside

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Leisure Facilities

    • Wifi
  6. Photo of yellow gorse bush and Scrabo Tower peaking up from behind framed by blue sky
    Photo of person and dog sitting on bench enjoying the outstanding views from Scrabo hill
    Image of NIEA signpost entitled Scabo Country Park, caring for the environment
    Drone photo of Scrao Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking the countryside
    Close up image of yellow flowers and green leaves of shrub that grows around Scrabo
    Photo of yellow gorse bush and Scrabo Tower peaking up from behind framed by blue sky
    Photo of person and dog sitting on bench enjoying the outstanding views from Scrabo hill
    Image of NIEA signpost entitled Scabo Country Park, caring for the environment
    Drone photo of Scrao Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking the countryside
    Close up image of yellow flowers and green leaves of shrub that grows around Scrabo
    Scrabo Tower

    Newtownards

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    Scrabo Country Park is centred at the top of Scrabo Hill near Newtownards and boasts incredible views over Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside.

    More Info

    Add Scrabo Tower to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  7. A couple walking along the North Down Coastal Path
    Experience Ards and North Down Guided Tours

    Bangor

    Address

    Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Tower House, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

    The Experience Ards and North Down Guided Tours programme is a unique series of guided coach, boat and walking tours, which allow you to experience some of the unique sights and attractions the area has to offer.

    More Info

    Add Experience Ards and North Down Guided Tours to your Itinerary

  8. a photograph of waves hitting the rocks at the shore
    a photograph of people on a large grassy area with trees and a path
    a photograph showing the sea, some sand and a grassy area
    a photograph of some trees and a grassy area next to a sandy beach
    a photograph of two people riding their bikes on a grassy area
    a photograph of Crawfordsburn beach shown through some trees on a hill
    an arial photograph of the grassy area and some buildings next to the shore
    a photo of the beach on a cloudy day
    a photograph of waves hitting the rocks at the shore
    a photograph of people on a large grassy area with trees and a path
    a photograph showing the sea, some sand and a grassy area
    a photograph of some trees and a grassy area next to a sandy beach
    a photograph of two people riding their bikes on a grassy area
    a photograph of Crawfordsburn beach shown through some trees on a hill
    an arial photograph of the grassy area and some buildings next to the shore
    a photo of the beach on a cloudy day
    Crawfordsburn Country Park

    Helen's Bay

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9185 3621

    nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

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

    More Info

    Add Crawfordsburn Country Park to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  9. 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
    Photo of yellow flowers and green leaves, a shrub that grows around Scrabo
    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
    Photo of yellow flowers and green leaves, a shrub that grows around Scrabo
    Scrabo Country Park

    Newtownards

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9181 1491

    nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    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.

    More Info

    Add Scrabo Country Park to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
  10. Photo of two children with woolly hats on running through the autumn leaves of the park
    Photo of sign saying Ballymenoch Park with maintained flower bed in background
    Photo of two children with woolly hats on running through the autumn leaves of the park
    Photo of sign saying Ballymenoch Park with maintained flower bed in background
    Ballymenoch Park

    Holywood

    Address

    Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT19 6JF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

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

    More Info

    Add Ballymenoch Park to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  11. An aerial photo of the Country Park showing the expanse of forest, with Scrabo Tower in the background
    An aerial photo of Whitespots Country Park showing the wind turbines on site and the remnants of the old windmill
    Woodland area of the park
    A photo of the remnants of the Whitespots windmill surrounded by forest, with a moody sky in the backdrop
    An aerial photo of the Country Park showing the expanse of forest, with Scrabo Tower in the background
    An aerial photo of Whitespots Country Park showing the wind turbines on site and the remnants of the old windmill
    Woodland area of the park
    A photo of the remnants of the Whitespots windmill surrounded by forest, with a moody sky in the backdrop
    Whitespots Country Park

    Newtownards

    Address

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

    Telephone

    028 9182 6846

    ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

    Whitespots has a fascinating industrial heritage and a walk here gives an insight into the lead mining which took place here from the late 18th century until the 1910s.  In the mid 19th century, around 40% of the total lead produced in Ireland was…

    More Info

    Add Whitespots Country Park to your Itinerary

  12. a photograph of a group of people standing next to a lake
    an image of a path
    a photo of a group of people walking on a path
    a photograph of a group of people standing next to a lake
    an image of a path
    a photo of a group of people walking on a path
    Balloo Nature Reserve

    Bangor

    Address

    Close to Signal Business Growth Centre, Innotec Drive, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7PG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9045 4094

    naturereserves@ulsterwildlife.org

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    Accesible to all and perfect for a family stroll while looking at the local flora and fauna the area is maintained by Ulster Wildlife.

    More Info

    Add Balloo Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  13. Trees
    The view from Redburn over Holywood and across Belfast Lough
    Trees
    The view from Redburn over Holywood and across Belfast Lough
    Redburn Country Park

    Holywood

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9185 3621

    nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    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.

    More Info

    Add Redburn Country Park to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  14. a photograph of a water fountain in the bangor walled garden surrounded by metal arches and colourful flowers
    a photograph of the water fountain in the bangor walled garden shot through a metal sculpture
    a photograph of a metal sculpture in the bangor walled garden
    Photo of Bangor Castle Walled Garden arches and flowers. The Garden is located within Castle Park grounds.
    a photograph of a water fountain in the bangor walled garden surrounded by metal arches and colourful flowers
    a photograph of the water fountain in the bangor walled garden shot through a metal sculpture
    a photograph of a metal sculpture in the bangor walled garden
    Photo of Bangor Castle Walled Garden arches and flowers. The Garden is located within Castle Park grounds.
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden

    Bangor

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0)28 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Nov 2022to31 Mar 2023
    From:
    1 Apr 2023to31 May 2023
    More Info

    Add Bangor Castle Walled Garden to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  15. Two people undertaking aerial trekking
    Ganaway Activity Centre

    Millisle

    Address

    Ganaway Training and Activity centre,, 268 Ballywalter Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2LZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9186 1297

    info@ganaway.co.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Activity Centre

    Ganaway is situated on a 13 acre site just outside the village of Ballywhiskin and is an excellent position to facilitate a wide range of outdoor activities.

    More Info

    Add Ganaway Activity Centre to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  16. Island Hill
    Island Hill & North Strangford Nature Reserve

    Address

    County Down

    Type

    Type:

    Walking & Hiking

    Accessible at low-tide, this walk around Rough Island provides magnificent views of Strangford Lough and is an excellent view point for bird watching.

    More Info

    Add Island Hill & North Strangford Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  17. The National Trust sign for Orlock Point
    Rock tunnel at Orlock Point
    The National Trust sign for Orlock Point
    Rock tunnel at Orlock Point
    Orlock Point

    Address

    County Down

    Type

    Type:

    Walking & Hiking

    Rocky coastal path with some steep steps.

    More Info

    Add Orlock Point to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  18. A view from old espaliered apple and pear trees
    View of Old Mill House the property adjacent to the Walled Garden
    The garden is being created and restored with love
    You'll not get far on this old bike!
    We love our native Black Irish bees who not only pollinate our vegetables fruit and flowers but provide us with delicious raw Walled Garden honey
    A box full of delicious organic vegetables picked from the garden
    A view from old espaliered apple and pear trees
    View of Old Mill House the property adjacent to the Walled Garden
    The garden is being created and restored with love
    You'll not get far on this old bike!
    We love our native Black Irish bees who not only pollinate our vegetables fruit and flowers but provide us with delicious raw Walled Garden honey
    A box full of delicious organic vegetables picked from the garden
    The Walled Garden Helen's Bay

    Helen's Bay

    Address

    The Walled Garden, 47 Craigdarragh Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1UB

    Telephone

    07704456109

    info@thewalledgardenhelensbay.com

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    The Walled Garden,Helen's Bay, was built in 1886 by Belfast cotton and muslin manufacturer,Thomas Workman, to supply fresh fruit and vegetables for his household in nearby, Lanyon designed, Craigdarragh House.

    We bought this "secret" kitchen…

    Indicative Availability

    Book The Walled Garden Helen's Bay Online (opens in a new window)

    More Info

    Add The Walled Garden Helen's Bay to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs Welcome Inside

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
  19. Helen's Bay beach
    A woodland path along the Coastal path shore
    a photograph of Crawfordsburn beach shown through some trees on a hill
    Compass locator along located along the Coastal path coming into Bangor
    The Coastal path near Pickie Funpark in Bangor
    View of Bangor harbour and Marina from Coastal path
    Photo of nearby Ballyholme beach
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    Helen's Bay beach
    A woodland path along the Coastal path shore
    a photograph of Crawfordsburn beach shown through some trees on a hill
    Compass locator along located along the Coastal path coming into Bangor
    The Coastal path near Pickie Funpark in Bangor
    View of Bangor harbour and Marina from Coastal path
    Photo of nearby Ballyholme beach
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    North Down Coastal Path

    Address

    County Down

    Telephone

    028 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking & Hiking

    Relatively flat scenic coastline

    More Info

    Add North Down Coastal Path to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
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