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
1. Crawfordsburn Country Park
This peaceful park on the shore of Helen’s Bay has more variety of landscape than you may think - sandy beaches and the sea to dip your feet into, along with a geo-park for the children and a waterfall for stunning photograph opportunities. Visitors can also explore the wide variety of wildlife - hedgehogs, rabbits, badgers, herons, guillemots, and Brent geese while also checking out Grey Point Fort, which was built in 1907 to defend Belfast from sea attack. Photo: contributed
2. North Down Museum, Bangor
Explore the fascinating history of Down in this hidden museum, located on the picturesque grounds of Bangor Castle. Among the displays are the Ballycrochan Swords, forged in 500 BC, along with a handball used when Bangor was one of the most important monasteries in Ireland. A replica Viking longship showcases the conditions of sailors, while the raven maps detail what life was like for the Scottish planters. The Jordan Collection, a collection of decorative Asian objects, also unveils the surprising ties between North Down and the Far East. A special gallery chronicles the saga of Sir John Newell, who served as a leading diplomat to China in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and witnessed the overthrow of the imperial dynasty. You can also follow the stories of local veterans of both World Wars, including Victoria Cross winner Barry Bingham, who grew up at Bangor Castle. Photo: contributed
3. Nugent’s Wood, Portaferry
On the shore of Strangford Lough, this wood of mature mixed broad-leafed trees offers beautiful views towards Castle Ward and Audley’s Castle. The walk itself (around 1.5 miles) promises sightings of red squirrels, bluebells, honeysuckle and stitchwort - their scent mingling with the sea air. Also be on the lookout for carvings of magical woodland creatures. Photo: contributed
4. Scrabo Country Park, Newtownards
If you love walking, be sure to check out the hazel woodlands of Killynether, where, in the spring, the forest floor is carpeted with bluebells and word anemones. Scrabo has also served as a magnet for geologists, with its quarries housing the famous peach-coloured Scrabo stone. Millions of years ago, molten lava erupted through the limestone and horizontal ‘sills’, eventually cooling and hardening to form dolerite. Ravens and jackdaws now call the quarries home, along with kestrels and the famously fast-moving Peregrine falcons. When it’s open, also don’t forget to visit Scrabo Tower, constructed in 1857 by the 3rd Marquis of Londonderry, and now an iconic symbol of Northern Ireland. Photo: contributed