Summer 2023- Schools Out and the Ards and North Down Visitor Servicing Team is Here to Help!

3rd July 2023

Get set for a summer with help from the Ards and North Down Visitor Servicing Team!

Now that the summer holidays are here, the helpful team at our Visitor Information Centres in Ards and Bangor is here to help with inspiration for things to see and do across Ards and North Down!

We can help you plan a short stay or day trip to enjoy  miles of coastline, stunning scenery, wonderful outdoor, exciting attractions and many award-winning cafés and eateries across the Borough.

We’re here to help you make special memories with family and friends this summer. To plan the perfect day trip ot short break, grab a copy of our latest 62-page visitor guide and handy map both available now from Ards and Bangor Visitor Information Centres, Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport, and Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry.

Our Visitor Servicing Team is full of ideas and can advise on what’s on across the Borough. 

Great value adventures

Money may be a little tighter this summer, but that doesn’t have to limit the adventures and fun! Keep it simple and head to the beach for some rock pooling, explore tranquil woolands, or discover picturesque parks - perfect spots for imaginative play like fairy hunting and games.

Take the opportunity to let the kids get close to nature as they explore Ward Park in Bangor and Kiltonga Nature Reserve in Newtownards.  Throw the bikes into the boot of the car and head to the Pump Track in Killinchy village for an adrenaline rush; or get the walking boots on for a relaxing walk in the beautiful Bangor Castle Walled Garden. Park up at Killynether and explore Scrabo Country Park and stretch the legs on the gentle climb up to Scrabo Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views across Strangford Lough.

The visitor servicing team is here to help with lots of ideas. Here are just a few…

For FREE Sunday afternoon fun, call to Cockle Row Cottages between 2pm – 4pm, there is a programme of entertainment throughout the summer Sundays (July and August- seasonal opening). From traditional crafts and music to friendly pirates, a dinosaur and his friends to tales of a local mermaid. Find out more

‘Picnic in the Park’ is a free live music event programmed by Open House Festival and supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council Sunday afternoons 3 – 5pm (July and August) in Ward Park, Bangor with different artists in the bandstand each week – pack a picnic and enjoy the tunes. Find out more

Award-winning attractions

Family fun is guaranteed with a day out in Bangor at Pickie Funpark. Jump on the iconic pedal swans, take a ride on the Pickie Puffer train or and let the kids enjoy a spin on the disco ducks. A stroll along the pier with an ice-cream is also a must!

Enjoy a trip along the edge of Strangford Lough taking in the stunning scenery along the Ards Peninsula to Portaferry where you can enjoy a family day out at Exploris- Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal sanctuary. See the cute sea otters and new penguin area and enjoy delicious food and drink in the Kraken eatery on-site!

As well as providing lots of expert guidance adising you on things to see and do in the Borough, the friendly staff in the Visitor Information Centres in Ards and Bangor can also help you explore everything Northern Ireland has to offer. From the many National Trust properties to the museums or forest parks, they can help you extend your visit to Ards and North Down to vibrant Belfast city and beyond.

Find out more about the tranquillity of the Fermanagh Lakelands, the fascinating walls of Derry/ Londonderry, to the breathtaking beauty of the Causeway Coastal Route and Giant’s Causeway, and everywhere in between!  

The Visitor Information Centres feature beautiful displays of local gifts and souvenirs for sale – giving you the opportunity for you to pick up the perfect memento of a time well spent.

A personal and knowledgeable service

To meet our friendly visitor servicing team, and get their expert guidance on planning your visit to Ards and North Down, call in or call today:

Ards Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846

Open: Mon – Fri 9.15am – 5pm & Sat 9.30am – 5pm

Bangor Visitor Information Centre

34 Quay Street, Bangor, BT20 5ED

T: 028 9127 0069

Open: Mon – Fri 9.15am – 5pm & Sat 9.30am – 5pm

Cockle Row Cottages

The Harbour, Groomsport, BT19 6JR

T: 028 9127 2269

Open: Thurs – Sunday 11am – 5pm

Portaferry Local Visitor Information Point with visitor literature available is located at Exploris Aquarium.