The official website of Visit Ards and North Down
En

Family Fun

Plan your trip
  • Stay
  • What's On
  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Shopping
Accommodation Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
I'm interested in...
Things to Do Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
What's On Search
Dates
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
Food & Drink Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
Shopping Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:

Refine By

Refine Your Search Further:

Type
Attraction
Activity
Entertainment
Location

Number of results: 48

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Cairnwood Trail map
    Cairngaver walking Trail rising into the Beech trees, with views over the Ballysallagh reservoirs at Cairnwood
    Two people set off for a walk through Cairn Wood Forest
    Clearing visible off the Ballysallagh Trail for walking, wheeling and family cycling
    Sunlight shines through the tree trunks of Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver Trail and central access route at Cairnwood
    Trees in Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver walking Trail in Cairnwood
    Viewpoint towards Newtownards and Strangford Lough at highest point on the Boundary or Cairngaver Trail at Cairnwood
    Ballysallagh Trail in Cairnwood for walking, wheeling and family cycling
    Cairnwood Trail map
    Cairngaver walking Trail rising into the Beech trees, with views over the Ballysallagh reservoirs at Cairnwood
    Two people set off for a walk through Cairn Wood Forest
    Clearing visible off the Ballysallagh Trail for walking, wheeling and family cycling
    Sunlight shines through the tree trunks of Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver Trail and central access route at Cairnwood
    Trees in Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver walking Trail in Cairnwood
    Viewpoint towards Newtownards and Strangford Lough at highest point on the Boundary or Cairngaver Trail at Cairnwood
    Ballysallagh Trail in Cairnwood for walking, wheeling and family cycling

    Newtownards

    Address

    21 Craigantlet Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TE

    Telephone

    0300 013 3333

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Walking & Hiking

    The Woodland Pathways offer five scenic walks, starting from the car park and weaving through beautiful mixed woodland. These trails are a favourite among families and local dog walkers. With trail lengths ranging from 1.7 to 4.5 km, the routes…

    Dates

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Ramp to main entrance - From car park level into woodland trailhead.
  2. Close up photo of the ripples of sand on Ballyholme Beach with the promenade and bathers in backdrop
    Ballyholme Esplanade during the day showing the waters splashing against the seawall.
    Photo of bathers and a kayaker enjoying the sparkling waters of Ballyholme Beach on a sunny day
    Close up photo of the ripples of sand on Ballyholme Beach with the promenade and bathers in backdrop
    Ballyholme Esplanade during the day showing the waters splashing against the seawall.
    Photo of bathers and a kayaker enjoying the sparkling waters of Ballyholme Beach on a sunny day

    Bangor

    Address

    Bank's Lane, Groomsport Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  3. Bangor Castle Walled Garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, walkway to fountain
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, fountain
    a photograph of a metal sculpture in the bangor walled garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, opening times
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, walkway to fountain
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, fountain
    a photograph of a metal sculpture in the bangor walled garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, opening times

    Bangor

    Address

    Valentine Road, Castle Park, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

    Telephone

    +44 (0)28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Nov 2024to31 Mar 2025
    From:
    1 Apr 2025to31 May 2025

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  4. View from the Coastal Path from Stricklands Glen direction coming into Bangor town
    Photo on a cool day overlooking the area where Stricklands Glen meets the Coastal Path
    View from the Coastal Path from Stricklands Glen direction coming into Bangor town
    Photo on a cool day overlooking the area where Stricklands Glen meets the Coastal Path

    Bangor

    Address

    Bryansburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3SU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  5. Image of the NIEA signpost entitled Scrabo County Park, caring for the environment with Scrabo Tower in background
    Drone photo of Scrabo Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking countryside
    Image of the NIEA signpost entitled Scrabo County Park, caring for the environment with Scrabo Tower in background
    Drone photo of Scrabo Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking countryside

    Newtownards

    Address

    203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9181 1491

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    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.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
  6. ariel view of WWT Castle Espie
    Flock of light-bellied Brent geese in flight.
    Mother and son learning bird ID in the Brent Discovery Hide
    Exterior of Castle Espie visitor centre - a white building surrounded by grass and trees.
    A Teal duck on a lake
    A family handfeeding geese with a keeper.
    View of a lagoon and the Crannog roundhouse - a circular building with a thatched roof.
    Two visitors enjoying a coffee and traybake in the cafe.
    Aerial view of the Limekiln Observatory - a glass building overlooking Strangford Lough
    Whooper swan taking flight out of the water.
    ariel view of WWT Castle Espie
    Flock of light-bellied Brent geese in flight.
    Mother and son learning bird ID in the Brent Discovery Hide
    Exterior of Castle Espie visitor centre - a white building surrounded by grass and trees.
    A Teal duck on a lake
    A family handfeeding geese with a keeper.
    View of a lagoon and the Crannog roundhouse - a circular building with a thatched roof.
    Two visitors enjoying a coffee and traybake in the cafe.
    Aerial view of the Limekiln Observatory - a glass building overlooking Strangford Lough
    Whooper swan taking flight out of the water.

    Comber

    Address

    Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9187 4146

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday, reconnect with nature, and experience the wonder of wetlands on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough.

    Visit Castle Espie all year round and discover new…

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  7. a photograph of a group of people standing next to a lake
    an image of a path
    a photo of a group of people walking on a path
    a photograph of a group of people standing next to a lake
    an image of a path
    a photo of a group of people walking on a path

    Bangor

    Address

    Close to Signal Business Growth Centre, Innotec Drive, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7PG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9045 4094

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    Accesible to all and perfect for a family stroll while looking at the local flora and fauna the area is maintained by Ulster Wildlife.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  8. a boy and his dad looking at a sea creature in the tank
    View of underwater tank to tunnel
    Penguins
    a little girl looking at a fish in the tank
    a photograph of two kids kneeling down and looking into the fish tank
    a photograph of someone holding a starfish
    a photograph showing the interior of the aquarium
    a photograph of two otters in the water
    Food from the Kraken Bar and Grill at Exploris Aquarium
    a boy and his dad looking at a sea creature in the tank
    View of underwater tank to tunnel
    Penguins
    a little girl looking at a fish in the tank
    a photograph of two kids kneeling down and looking into the fish tank
    a photograph of someone holding a starfish
    a photograph showing the interior of the aquarium
    a photograph of two otters in the water
    Food from the Kraken Bar and Grill at Exploris Aquarium

    Portaferry

    Address

    The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4272 8062

    Gradings

    • Five Star Quality Assurance
    Five Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Zoo / Aquarium

    Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An underwater Tunnel Experience, friendly sharks and a Dwarfcrocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wi-fi available
  9. a photograph looking up at a windmill with a blue sky in the background
    a photograph of a mural of farmers in the field
    a photo of some rocks and posters on display in a museum
    a side view photo of a windmill
    Ballycopeland Windmill aeriel view
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Ballycopeland Windmill Exhibition
    a photograph looking up at a windmill with a blue sky in the background
    a photograph of a mural of farmers in the field
    a photo of some rocks and posters on display in a museum
    a side view photo of a windmill
    Ballycopeland Windmill aeriel view
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Ballycopeland Windmill Exhibition

    Millisle

    Address

    Windmill Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2DS

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Type

    Type:

    Windmill

    Late 18th-century tower mill in use until 1915 and still in working order. Take a virtual tour and discover this unique building.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Parking (free)
  10. Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Image of generic golf ball and hole
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Image of generic golf ball and hole

    Bangor

    Address

    Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 5622

    Type

    Type:

    Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

    One nine hole pitch and putt course. Two 18 hole putting greens. 4 Tennis courts.
    There is also putting and pitch and putt equipment for hire.
    For booking information, please contact Bangor Sportsplex.

  11. An image of the Groomsport Information sign

    Groomsport

    Address

    Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JP

    Telephone

    028 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Groomsport has one of Northern Ireland's few fully accessible beaches for all ages and abilities, located close to Bangor in County Down.

  12. Photo of museum exterior and grassland to front
    Photo of staged set that depicts soldier life in the war. The image shows a map, headphones, a gas lamp and some gear
    A staged set with a dummy model of a soldier in gear in ditch holding a gun over sandbags on alert
    Image of staged bunker set showcasing life in war, featuring uniforms, sleep set up and dining set up as well as everyday items used to survive the wa
    Photo's of an officers office setting featuring signs and posters encouraging men to enlist to the war, as well as featuring gear and accessories of t
    Photo of green hut exterior where some of the museum displays are featured
    Photo of staged bunker set showing bed, soldiers headwear and a table and chair for dining and writing
    Photo of museum exterior and grassland to front
    Photo of staged set that depicts soldier life in the war. The image shows a map, headphones, a gas lamp and some gear
    A staged set with a dummy model of a soldier in gear in ditch holding a gun over sandbags on alert
    Image of staged bunker set showcasing life in war, featuring uniforms, sleep set up and dining set up as well as everyday items used to survive the wa
    Photo's of an officers office setting featuring signs and posters encouraging men to enlist to the war, as well as featuring gear and accessories of t
    Photo of green hut exterior where some of the museum displays are featured
    Photo of staged bunker set showing bed, soldiers headwear and a table and chair for dining and writing

    Newtownards

    Address

    233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 3202

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    The Museum examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  13. Vintage double decker bus
    Vintage double decker bus
    The earth and moon sculptures from the Our Place in Space trail.
    A man and boy looking at a vintage train
    A car lit up
    A family enjoying the Transport Museum exhibit
    Vintage car and surf boards
    Vintage plane
    The famous DeLorean car, as featured in the Back to the Future movies
    Two girls view the Titanic exhibit
    Vintage double decker bus
    Vintage double decker bus
    The earth and moon sculptures from the Our Place in Space trail.
    A man and boy looking at a vintage train
    A car lit up
    A family enjoying the Transport Museum exhibit
    Vintage car and surf boards
    Vintage plane
    The famous DeLorean car, as featured in the Back to the Future movies
    Two girls view the Titanic exhibit

    Holywood

    Address

    153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9042 8428

    Price

    Price from: £11.50 Activity

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Celebrate the history of invention and innovation through engineering, design, and technology at the Ulster Transport Museum. Check out the famous DeLorean, a Ferguson tractor and the motorbikes of some of Northern Ireland's biggest road racing…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to28 Feb 2025Various Opening Times

    Price

    Price from: £11.50 Activity

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  14. Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum
    Horses at work ploughing a field
    Children enjoying the autumn leaves in the museum grounds
    A little girl enjoying one of the working displays
    Children sitting on a wall within the village of the Museum
    A spinner at work
    A weaver at work
    Ballycultra Village within the museum
    One of the museum characters at work
    Ballycultra Village replica homes
    Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum
    Horses at work ploughing a field
    Children enjoying the autumn leaves in the museum grounds
    A little girl enjoying one of the working displays
    Children sitting on a wall within the village of the Museum
    A spinner at work
    A weaver at work
    Ballycultra Village within the museum
    One of the museum characters at work
    Ballycultra Village replica homes

    Holywood

    Address

    153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9042 8428

    Price

    Price from: £11.50 Per Ticket

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2024to28 Feb 2025Various Opening Times
    From:
    1 Mar 2025to30 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

    Price

    Price from: £11.50 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  15. Image of the Ark Open Farm's small replica of Noah's Ark with animal statues including giraffe
    Photo of beautiful highland cow at the Ark Open Farm
    Photo of Chicks at the Ark Open Farm
    Photo of grazing goat peaking over fence to say hello
    Image of a Reindeer in stalls at Ark Open Farm
    Image of playground area at Ark Open Farm
    Photo of winding path that take you to the Fairy Trail and Jurassic Ark at the Ark Open Farm
    Image of the Ark Open Farm's small replica of Noah's Ark with animal statues including giraffe
    Photo of beautiful highland cow at the Ark Open Farm
    Photo of Chicks at the Ark Open Farm
    Photo of grazing goat peaking over fence to say hello
    Image of a Reindeer in stalls at Ark Open Farm
    Image of playground area at Ark Open Farm
    Photo of winding path that take you to the Fairy Trail and Jurassic Ark at the Ark Open Farm

    Newtownards

    Address

    296 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 0445

    Type

    Type:

    Open Farm

    The Ark Open Farm is a fantastic family day out; the farm itself is set in 40 acres of beautiful countryside between Newtownards and Bangor. It’s home to a huge selection of farm animals and some that are a little more exotic.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  16. Photograph of yachts on the water of Belfast Lough from Kingsland showing
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Photograph of yachts on the water of Belfast Lough from Kingsland showing
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay

    Bangor

    Address

    1 Marine Gardens, Queens Parade, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5HA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    A perfect area for a family day out. Picnic area, children's playground and views over Ballyholme Bay.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  17. a photo of a group of adults on a small train surrounded by snow and trees
    a group of children and adults on a small train
    a group of adults on a small train
    a photograph of lightup sculptures of deer
    a photograph of a group of people riding the small train
    a man dressed as santa on the small train
    a group of men on the small train
    a photo of a group of adults on a small train surrounded by snow and trees
    a group of children and adults on a small train
    a group of adults on a small train
    a photograph of lightup sculptures of deer
    a photograph of a group of people riding the small train
    a man dressed as santa on the small train
    a group of men on the small train

    Donaghadee

    Address

    60 Upper Gransha Road, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0LZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9446 1272

    Type

    Type:

    Miniature Railway

    This 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway has about 2km of track with a variety of routes including bridges, cuttings, embankments, gradients and a twin-track tunnel. There is a station, picnic tables and the ticket office includes a small shop.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  18. An image of Helen's Bay beach from the shore with a bench ready to welcome someone to sit
    A photo of Helen's Bay beach on a beautiful summers day with green grass and yellow flowers on the shore
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    An image of Helen's Bay beach from the shore with a bench ready to welcome someone to sit
    A photo of Helen's Bay beach on a beautiful summers day with green grass and yellow flowers on the shore
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    a photograph of a sandy beach

    Helens Bay

    Address

    Crawfordsburn Country Park, Helens Bay, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities, all within twenty minutes drive of Belfast.

    Price

    Free
  19. Photo of the brightly coloured bandstand where live music takes place in the summer months
    Photo of the war memorial in Ward Park, framed by leafy trees
    Close up image of green grass covered in white daisy flowers and green leafy trees in Ward Park
    Photo of the Ward Park duck pond and wooden bridge, surrounded by leafy green trees mid summer
    Photo of bowlers in action at the Ward Park Bowling Green
    Photo of the Ward Park Bowling Green and Club house surrounded by flora and fauna
    Photo of the Ward Park Aviary beside the duck pond
    Photo of the brightly coloured bandstand where live music takes place in the summer months
    Photo of the war memorial in Ward Park, framed by leafy trees
    Close up image of green grass covered in white daisy flowers and green leafy trees in Ward Park
    Photo of the Ward Park duck pond and wooden bridge, surrounded by leafy green trees mid summer
    Photo of bowlers in action at the Ward Park Bowling Green
    Photo of the Ward Park Bowling Green and Club house surrounded by flora and fauna
    Photo of the Ward Park Aviary beside the duck pond

    Bangor

    Address

    Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    A perfect park in the centre of Bangor. An ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife and feed the ducks.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  20. Photo of people enjoying rides on the Giant Swans pedal boats on the blue waters of the man made pond at Pickie Funpark
    Photo of the Pickie Funpark Beach huts used for changing after enjoying the splash pad area
    Photo of people enjoying rides on the Giant Swans pedal boats on the blue waters of the man made pond at Pickie Funpark
    Photo of the Pickie Funpark Beach huts used for changing after enjoying the splash pad area

    Bangor

    Address

    1 Marine Gardens, Queens Parade, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9145 0746

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Enjoy a fun day out at Pickie Fun Park. Try out the 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train, children's play area, children's electric car track and more.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
View Maps and Visitor Guides
View of what Ards and North Down has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Ards and North Down newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss