Escape from the stresses of daily life by making the most of your weekends and taking the opportunity to relax and recharge. And what better way to have a much-needed digital detox than to pack a bag, grab your walking boots and hop in the car for a wonderful weekend break?
What’s more – you don’t have to go far to enjoy fresh open spaces and the calming ambience of nature. Indeed, located less than an hour’s drive from Belfast, Ards and North Down is packed with peaceful places just waiting to be explored...
This is Rural Retreat Day One, planning for Day Two? Go to Rural Retreat Day Two.
Millisle
Located on the Ards Peninsula, Millisle takes its name – which means ‘the meadow of the mill’ – from the mills once resplendent in this pretty seaside village. Today, Ballycopeland Windmill remains functional and draws many visitors. Indeed, this late 18th century tower mill is an impressive piece of architecture and as the only working mill in the East Down area, is well worth seeing.
At Millisle Beach Park you can enjoy a stroll along the sands and breathe in that fresh sea air. Meanwhile, the lagoon is the perfect place for a refreshing dip, if you really want to awaken the senses. The popular Eden Pottery is also worth checking out, both for its café serving up home-baked treats, as well as the pottery-painting sessions available in the studio. A great way to switch off on your weekend away.
Ballywalter
Drive a little further along the coast and you’ll come to Ballywalter, a former fishing village popular with locals and visitors alike, thanks to its award-winning beaches and scenic views. With three sandy beaches to choose from, you can stroll to your heart’s content. The north shore route is great for swimming, as a large reef keeps back the bigger waves. Meanwhile, the south shore will lead you further along the coastline and on to Roddens townland, if you really want to stretch those legs (although walking around the headland is dependent on the tides).
The village also has a working harbour and neighbouring Ballywalter Park provides additional opportunities for walking, if you book in advance. Home to Lord and Lady Dunleath, the estate includes a Grade A* listed stately home, along with 30 acres of pleasure grounds to explore. If you prefer to stick to the village itself, however, there’s still plenty to see, with the 18th century lime kilns at the end of the south shore a point of interest, as well as offering great views of the coast.
Ballyhalbert
In Ballyhalbert you’ll find another scenic coastal retreat where you can enjoy a stroll along the sandy beach and relax in tranquil surroundings, overlooked by a Bronze Age hill fort and Norman motte. History is all around in this seaside village, which has a Victorian harbour popular with watersports enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Glastry Nature Reserve in the village offers a more unique walking route, with this former clay pit site now home to ponds that are popular with anglers, the land recently seeded with wildflowers. If you want to hike a little further, however, then it’s worth making the trip over to Burr Point, the islands most easterly point, where you can enjoy magnificent sea views.
Portavogie
Another village with a rich fishing heritage, Portavogie is renowned for its delicious seafood – particularly the popular Portvogie prawns. With plenty of beaches, bays and sandy coves to explore, you don’t have to look very far to find scenic walking routes in and around the village. And, if you’d like to follow in the footsteps – or boat trail – of the fishermen, then at low tide you can also walk out to McCammon Rocks. This reef is where the fishing boats used to be anchored, though now you’re more likely to come upon basking seals.
East shore in the village is great for walking, with numerous bays to explore and a long promenade running alongside the beach. Meanwhile, the south shore on the other side of the harbour affords great views of Kilwarlin Lighhouse on South Rock, as well as Green Isle.
If you’re into racing, then Kirkistown Race Track nearby is another point of interest, with car and motorcycle races popular there during the summer.
Cloughey
Complete your Saturday excursion with a visit to the picturesque Cloughey, which boasts a beautiful sandy beach and yet more stunning sea views. Part of the Mourne Coastal Route, Cloughey is also a great place to see unique wildlife, with the sand dunes a designated Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI). The south end of the beach is particularly rich with sea birds, with waders abundant in winter, and attracts many birdwatchers. The beach can be accessed by boardwalks at the north and south ends and is a lovely spot to spend some time, whether walking, swimming or just sitting and taking in the sights.
For those interested in the village’s historic past, there’s also the 17th century Kirkistown Castle nearby, along with the Cloughey windmill stump on Kirkistown Castle Golf Course – both prominent local landmarks.
Note – Please check with individual attractions for opening hours before travelling.
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When it comes to eating, drinking, travelling and experiencing, here, in Ards and North Down, we embrace a slower pace. Away from the crowds, carve your path back to nature and create your family's staycation stories in this unique part of the world.
***Temporary Suspension of Normal Ferry Service **** Essential health and safety work will be carried out at slipways in Portaferry and Strangford, 14 October 2024 and last for 5 weeks. Alternative arrangements intended for passengers include a passenger only ferry operating a reduced timetable.
