Explore and Play Family Itinerary

Who: Families 
Where: Exploris, Cloughey Beach and Ards Blair Mayne Leisure and Wellbeing Complex 
Duration: Full Day

Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry, BT22 1NZ

A sunken galleon, friendly sharks and adorable otters all-star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre. Located one hour from Belfast on the shores of Strangford Lough you will be wowed with a diver’s view of marine life from around the world. 

See a variety of sea creatures close up. From the native fish of Strangford Lough to the colourful coral reefs of the Tropical Oceans and even the Amazon Rainforest where you can see some of its reptilian inhabitants. Check out the rehabilitation work with common and grey seals in the nursery pens and outdoor pools and enjoy the playful antics of our resident otters.

Frump in the Stump, Corrog Wood, BT22 1PW

4 mins from previous

Heading back along the peninsula why not stop and get a photograph at the Frump in the Stump. Situated on the Deerpark Road, the ‘Frump’ is craftily carved into a tall wooden stump. Commissioned by the Woodland Trust to create something in wood, to draw attention to the Trust’s new 14-acre plantation of young trees at Corrog. The “Frump” is really a dryad, a nymph from Greek mythology, inhabiting a tree, she, or it, supposedly jumped into the tree to guard it from being cut down! 

Cloughey Beach, BT22 1JB

12 mins from previous

After, enjoy a picnic on Cloughey Beach. This breath-taking beach offers beautiful views and miles of unspoilt beach to play on or simply sit and enjoy. Blow away the cobwebs with a walk and maybe even a paddle. 

Ards Blair Mayne Leisure and Wellbeing Complex, Newtownards, BT23 4DB

30 mins from previous

Finish the day at the Ards Blair Mayne Leisure and Wellbeing Complex with in the water fun - the aqua zone gives you the choice from three pools including children’s splash pool with spray cannons, water jets, a slide and cascades. Pre-booking may be necessary, especially for children's play area. Age restrictions apply.

Note – Please check with individual attractions for opening hours before travelling.

Let our Visitor Information Centre team help plan your visit. Contact them for expert advise!