There are parks where you can stretch your legs, wildlife sanctuaries where you can watch rare species of birds in specially protected environments and even soak up the local history of some of the area’s biggest towns.
And for fitness buffs, there are plenty of walking and cycling paths allowing you to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the nature of the Ards Peninsula. Pass through quaint villages and journey along the coast to discover the borough’s unique sights, all while working out your muscles and taking in the fresh air.
Don’t let the cost of living crisis impact spending time with your loved ones, check out our 11 free things to do across Ards and North Down.
Check out other things to do around the Ards and North Down area by going to visitardsandnorthdown.com
5. North Down Coastal Path
From Bangor to Holywood, this idyllic path passes through sixteen miles of coastline and parkland. Whether on a marathon stroll or a short step, be sure to keep your eyes open for Stena Line ferries, resident grey seals and Guillemot birds. If you have kids in tow, be sure to stop off at Pickie Funpark for some free amusements, before heading to Skippingstone Beach to explore its rockpools. If you’re feeling particularly courageous, continue on to Brompton Bay, where brave souls venture into the waters. Carry on through Carnalea, Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn. Photo: contributed
6. Whitespots Country Park, Newtownards
A walk through this park gives an insight into the lead mining which took place here from the late 18th century until the 1910s. At its height, around 40 per cent of all of the lead produced in Ireland came from these mines. Today, the remains of the mine shafts and buildings are now protected industrial heritage remains. In the 1850s, 400 men and boys were employed at Whitespots. Boys, some as young as seven or eight years old, worked 11-hour days hammering ore from the mined rock, while other boys worked at the underground pump-machine circulating fresh air around the mine. Its windmill stump will be familiar to fans of Game Of Thrones, appearing in two episodes of season three. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains, Strangford Lough, the Ards Peninsula, and even the Isle of Man and Scotland on a clear day. Photo: contributed
7. Groomsport Beach
Best known for its postcard-perfect harbour, Groomsport also boasts one of Northern Ireland’s only fully accessible beaches for all abilities and ages, thanks to the work of the Mae Murray Foundation. This barrier-free environment also boasts beach mobility equipment that can be pre-booked for free. The scheme guarantees movement right across the sand up to the water’s edge, also including beach walkers, wheelchairs and matting. To book the equipment, go to maemurrayfoundation.org Photo: contributed
8. Donaghadee Moat and Camera Obscura
Known locally as The Moat, this motte was constructed by the Anglo-Normans in the late 12th century. In 1821, a charming castle was constructed on the motte as an ammunition depot while the harbour was being built. The motte is one of the largest in Ulster, while the Gunpowder Store houses Ireland’s only accessible Camera Obscura - an ancient optical device that utilises a slit of light to project a reversed image on the other side. The Store was restored last year by the Donaghadee Townscape Heritage Initiative. A maximum number of six visitors are permitted at any one time. As space is limited, please be aware that during busy periods, visits to the camera obscura will be limited to 10 minutes. Photo: contributed