Off the beaten track, away from the main hubs of Bangor and Newtownards, walks, water sports and coastal drives will allow you to better appreciate an area of distinctive beauty, all within easy reach from Belfast.
There is plenty of fun to be had in the countryside aside from the city fixtures, with activities held all throughout the stunning scenery, from the coastline to the woodlands.
9. Eden Pottery
In the heart of the Ards Peninsula, Eden Pottery makes colourful sponge printed pottery by hand. You can come along and create your own masterpiece in the studio. Decorating pottery is fun and easy in the Paint Your Own studio, where they make hundreds of sponge patterns to suit everyone; including birds, flowers, animals, tractors and cars; here they introduce new shapes regularly making each visit different. There are lots of items to choose from including mugs, jugs, bowls and plates, as well as unusually shaped plaques. Once you have finished your pot it will be glazed, ready to be collected the following week. Pick your hand cut sponges from Eden’s vast selection; Harry Potter, Star Wars, woodland creatures, flowers, cars and many more! Photo: Contributed