Exciting Range of Tourism Experiences on Offer in Ards and North Down!

9th April 2024

Ards and North Down Borough Council has announced an exciting range of Tourism Experiences for 2024. From guided tours to unique immersive experiences, visitors are in for a treat with a range of activities designed to highlight the diverse tourism offering right across the Borough!

The guided walking tours and boat trips promise to be captivating, with local experts taking visitors on a journey through time as they explore the rich historical sites in the area. The Newtownards Historical Guided Walking Tour (25 May) and the Comber Historical Walking Tour (22 June) will give visitors the chance to discover the hidden gems of these towns, while the Step Back in Time Tour (17 August) will take visitors on a nostalgic journey around Bangor through the years. If you’d rather take to the sea, you can learn more about the crucial role Bangor played in preparation for the D-Day Normandy Landings by enjoying a guided tour of Bangor Bay as we commemorate 80 years since this momentous time in history; Bangor Bay D-Day Boat Trips (1 and 2 June).

For those looking for something more unique, a range of experiences are planned that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Visitors can enjoy a Posh Picnic in the Garden (18 May) in The Walled Garden Helen’s Bay, or you can kick back and enjoy some traditional music while taking to the waves in the Trad & Tide Event (16 June) in Strangford Lough.

For those who prefer to unwind and relax, a range of wellbeing activities are on offer. Helen’s Bay Walled Garden provides the perfect location for Felting with the Bees (27 April). You can enjoy some locally produced honey mead and find out how to make your own garden a haven for bees, before creating some felted 2D bee themed artwork with crafter Karen Stevenson. Wellness at the Wetlands at Castle Espie (9 June) will take you on a guided sound healing experience allowing you the opportunity to relax and unwind to the sounds of singing bowls, gongs, and drums. You will also enjoy a tour of the reserve, highlighting the unique sounds and calls of the sanctuary's wildlife. Bliss!

Enjoy the water by joining The Summer Solstice Voyage of Discovery (20 June) where you will cruise between the islands and inlets on Strangford Lough, while being entertained by stories of pagan folklore and enjoy traditional Irish music. Book Sunrise in the East (7 September) for a peaceful and unforgettable early morning trip to watch the sunrise from the most easterly point of the island of Ireland, departing from and returning to Portavogie Harbour.

There are also a range of experiences all the family can enjoy, such as Tea with the Bees and Cake with the Cows (8 June) a unique farm experience hosted at Ballyboley Dexters, Orlock. You can also book Mrs Maker's Mucky Ducks (6 May) for little ones this Bank Holiday Monday at Castle Espie. Children will create a fabulous rubber ducky keepsake and be encouraged to go wild with paint pens, sticky gem embellishments, showers of glitter and so much more!

Book your tickets now at visitardsandnorthdown.com/experienceAND

Photo caption: From historic guided tours, taster printmaking sessions, and Felting with the Bees in Helen's Bay Walled Garden, Mayor Jennifer Gilmour is encouraging everyone to discover what Ards and North Down has to offer with more than 40 fabulous experiences running between April and January. Image: Graham Baalham-Curry.