There are countless things to do in Ards and North Down, in every corner, town and village; new things to discover and old things to come back to time and time again because, well, they never become old – the fun and memories they hold are dear, like days spent at Pickie Funpark or riding the Strangford Ferry to Portaferry. And the added bonus is, things don't have to cost a lot to make those days fun and those memories precious.
Find out more about what Ards and North Down has in store for you. Read on for ideas, inspiration, ticketed events, places to go, things to do and free ways to make the most of your time in our place...
Nestled between sea and land, our place provides an abundance of family fun making it the perfect spot to spend a day, or a few days, over the autumn half term break.
The thing about autumn half term is, the colours of the land may change and the air is cooler but all the fun of summer doesn’t go away (even the beach days!). The forests invite you in to explore their crunchy paths of freshly fallen leaves in hues of burnt orange and brown, the crashing waves, or 'white horses', of the coast draw you to the seaside. The big thing of course at this time of year is the excitement of being off school and, for many, Hallowe'en.
Hallowe'en and Half Term Events:
Looking for Halloween themed events? Here is how we stack up; these are just some things you could get up to - themed to the season and, or, timed just right for the school holidays…
The Ark Open Farm, Conlig - Pumpkin Patch
15 Oct - 1 Nov
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Pickie Funpark, Bangor – Pumpkin Patch
21 - 31 Oct
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Hallowe'en at Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry - Pumpkin Patch and more!
21 - 31 Oct
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Galaween, Portaferry
21 - 31 October
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The Mighty Pumpkin Hunt, Newtownards
21 - 31 Oct
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Hallowe’en Funfair at McKee Clock Arena, Bangor
21 Oct - 6 Nov
The funfair will open at 5pm on Friday 21 October, operating thereafter as follows:
2pm-10pm, week days and 12noon-10pm, weekends
It will close at 10pm on Sunday 6 November.
Donaghadee Family Hallowe'en Tour
25 Oct
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Newtownards Family Hallowe'en Early Tour
26 Oct
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Spooky Scavenger Hunt, Distillers' Rest Cafe and Echlinville Pathways, Kircubbin
26 Oct - 6 Nov
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Website | Facebook
Market Fresh 'Hallowe'en at the Haunted Hub', Bangor
29 Oct
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Ballycopeland Windmill Hallowe'en Party
29 Oct
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Hallowe'en at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra
29 - 31 Oct
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Happy Hallowe'en at Mount Stewart, Newtownards
29 - 31 Oct
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Dracula The Panto! at The Portico of Ards, Portaferry
29 Oct
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FREE children's activities at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport
30 Oct
2pm-4pm
Sandart returns;
Create your own spider and mask decorating with Boom Studios;
Mobile Team Adventure will be providing taster sessions on the water;
And, in true Hallowe'en style, there will be a ghost hunt! Can you find them all?
Fancy dress is encouraged!
Plus, courtesy of the Ulster Scots Agency, there will be music with Pipes and Drums, and the NI School of Falconry will be bringing along some special birds; get an up-close view of these beautiful creatures.
The Ulster-Scots Agency and Ards and North Down Borough Council, working in partnership with one another.
Cockle Row Cottages are currently closed, keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.
Drumawhey Junction Railway, Newtownards
30 Oct
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Ards Puppet Festival: The Enchanted House of Puppetry, Newtownards
30 and 31 Oct
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Half Term Fun at Mount Stewart, Newtownards
1 - 6 Nov
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*Castle Espie, update [10 Oct 2022]: Castle Espie Wetland Centre is closed temporarily in line with UK government requirements - as a precautionary measure to protect the birds in our care and prevent the spread of Avian Influenza. Please check their website for up to date details on this situation.
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Great days out
Don’t worry though if you haven’t managed to grab tickets for certain events, there is so much more you could be getting up to…
Have a read at our Blog's - they may be set in summer but summer doesn't have to keep all the fun to itself - with attractions and nature spots open all year round, in all seasons, we truly offer... ‘Great Family days out with the kids’ no matter the time of year.
And, fun doesn’t have to cost a lot. For loads of ideas for FREE things to do in Ards and North Down have a read at this blog... from days out in forest parks, to cycling the greenway; there are trails, opportunities to discover and explore, to connect - both with nature and with eachother.
So layer up, get the welly/walking boots and the woollies on, take a flask of hot chocolate and snacks along for the ride, for a cheap, or a free, day out. Your body, mind and (maybe even your bank balance) will thank you for it!
Explore
Go on adventures through the woods, finding mini beasts along the way, taking in the sounds of the forests, or the sea, of the bird life, and the giggles of pure fun as the kids muck about in natures playground.
National Trust's 50 Things to do before you're 11 and 3/4 activity list
Highlight walks
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Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower in Newtownards - the view alone is worth it!
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Castle Park in Bangor, where you will also find a real gem of ours - Bangor Castle Walled Garden. Stop in the garden's cafe or even explore North Down Museum and grab a bite at Coffee Cure.
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Nugent's Wood in Portaferry overlooking the exquisite still waters of Strangford Lough. *Please note that Nugent’s Wood will be closed for access to the public from Monday 24 October for approximately two weeks as path maintenance works are undertaken.
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And of course the National Trust's Mount Stewart House and Gardens in Newtownards which offers trails through the woods, around the lake and a natural play area for the little ones. A great way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Find more walks in the region.
Spooky happenings
In an online article recently published on northernirelandworld.com, by Conor McAteer, that WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, listed amongst the '10 of the most haunted places in Northern Ireland'?
The article stated that, in 2019, this seemingly innocuous marshland made a list of the UK’s most haunted heritage sites that had been compiled by Spectrum Paranormal Investigations. Aside from being the home of Ireland’s largest collection of exotic and native water birds, a woman in Victorian dress has been sighted walking through the wetlands holding a baby and a lantern. It has been claimed the woman cries out at night...looking for shelter and warmth.
More information about the centre. Read the article in full here.
Find an offer
Always check our offers section for discounted rates or little extras that can make more of your day trip or staycation.
No matter the season, fun is aplenty! Add those extra layers, dig out the wooly hats, and get out and explore.
Happy autumn half term!
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Please note, this listing is meant as a guide only. Information correct at time of publication. Events are subject to change and availability. If you would like to submit information on Halloween events and activities please email marketing@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
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.
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.
Home to the only Camera Obscura on the island of Ireland. Seasonal opening 2024: Summer, May to September (See Opening Times).
This relatively flat scenic coastline known as the North Down Coastal Path extends from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east. The path passes through coastline and parkland. Historic relics and flora and fauna are found in abundance, including the grey seals which can be spotted offshore.
Late 18th-century tower mill in use until 1915 and still in working order. Take a virtual tour and discover this unique building.
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.
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 (except on particular holidays). Please see opening hours.
