If you’re not sure how to spend a winters day, let us help guide you…
Visit the tranquil setting of the Bangor Castle Walled Garden which for the first year ever is staying open throughout the cooler seasons. This welcome, permanent, change means more opportunity to visit this gem of a location.
After a visit there, why not pop into North Down Museum for a bite to eat in the café and explore the many galleries displaying the history and heritage of the area.
If it’s something more fast paced you are looking for whilst in Bangor, try go kart racing at Eddie Irvine Sports, or swoop down the slides of the Leisure Waters in Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex –suitable for all - the young kids and those who are young at heart 😉
Just down the road in Holywood be transported to bygone days at the fabulous Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum.
For the crafty amongst you, create something to take home from Eden Pottery in Millisle.
And for the animal lovers, a visit to The Ark Open Farm in nearby Newtownards and to Northern Irelands only Aquarium, Exploris, Portaferry are on the ‘must’ list.
Or why not blow away the cobwebs and work up an appetite with a walk, exploring the outdoors, here are a few suggestions:
Island Hill, Newtownards (pictured)
Cairn Wood, Newtownards
Redburn Country Park, Holywood
Crawfordsburn Country Park, Bangor
Killynether Country Park at Scrabo, Newtownards
Nugent’s Wood, Portaferry
Our eateries, many of them award winning, scattered in our towns and villages, will top you up with warm cups and delightful treats making sure you are fueled for your winter's day out. Find out more about how food is an integral part of Ards and North Down | Taste Ards and North Down
Find out more about our walking spots in the area and for more things to do check out our full list of things to do in Ards and North Down
Plan your day – make one stop, or more – see you soon!
As always, be aware of what current local COVID-19 restrictions are in place and please follow public health guidance. For information visit, nidirect and the Public Health Agency website.
To avoid disappointment, when planning to visit an attraction in the area please continue to check individual provider websites before you leave the house to confirm if they are open, closed or if pre-booking is required.
With tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing natural retreat.
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.
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.
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.
Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.
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 legends!
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.
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.
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.
