Categories: Plan Your Trip, Inspiration, Things To Do

It is time to wind down as you discover 115 miles of scenic coastline along the edge of Belfast Lough, the Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough. All within an hour of Belfast you will find stunning beauty spots, fascinating heritage sites and savour award-winning local food and drink. Our Ards and North Down Sustainable Giants – Green Tourism Network is a group of local people who care deeply about this place and are passionate about reducing negative impacts on the environment. 

Here’s a little inspiration...

Kick off your stay at the seaside in Bangor with a stroll along the pier and then relax in comfort at Princetown Guesthouse or The Salty Dog Hotel and Bistro both located just a short stroll from the impressive marina. With delicious dishes created using local fresh produce you can rest assured that there is a focus on minimizing waste and food miles.

Connect with nature as you follow the North Down Coastal Path via the stunning Crawfordsburn Country Park to Holywood. Book a unique experience in the grounds The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay and whilst there explore the recently planted native wildflower meadow. If you are looking for ‘less screen, more green’ activities for kids during the summer, nearby Clandeboye Estate runs a Forest Rangers scheme where children become immersed in the broadleaf woodland as they play in the mud, explore trees, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Get out onto the water...

Our watersports providers help visitors have fun on the water while learning about the
leave no trace ethos.  Why not book a fun Stand Up Paddle-boarding lesson with SupHubNI, or learn about region’s rich biodiversity whilst kayaking with Mobile Team Adventure? Do your bit for the environment as you relax in the tranquility of the water’s edge with Strangford Lough Activity Centre’s  ‘Paddle with a Purpose’ beach and island clean up.

Learn more about this area’s rich history

Enjoy a guided tour or coastal walk on the Ards Peninsula with passionate conservationist Brigid from Sustainable Journeys Ireland. For family fun, it is just a short drive to picturesque WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre near Comber where you can feed the birds and learn all about looking after wetland habitats.

Calling all foodies...

A warm welcome awaits at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen in an idyllic setting near Killinchy on the shores of Strangford Lough where a traditional breadmaking class is fun for everyone.  Feeling inspired by your time in the kitchen, Indie Fűde deli in Comber is the perfect place to pick up delicious locally sourced treats.

The Ards and North Down Sustainable Giants collaborate to create unique experiences. Booking a short break here is an opportunity kick back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you will be supporting the local community and nature- bringing you closer to both. Find out more at visitardsandnorthdown.com/sustainable.

Please note – Pre-booking may apply – contact providers before travelling.