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Some information on local attractions
and activities that we hope you will find helpful when
planning your trip.
| Exploris |
Portaferry |
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The Northern
Ireland Aquarium
10 minutes by ferry
www.exploris.org.uk
Photo courtesy of Exploris |
| Castle
Espie |
Comber |
wwt.org.uk/visit/castleespie |
WWT - Wildlife
and Wetland Trust
Throughout the year this tranquil and friendly centre is a real delight and a must for the whole family.
40 minutes |
| Downpatrick
Railway Museum |
Downpatrick |
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The only preserved
Irish Standard Gauge Railway in Northern Ireland
20 minutes drive
www.downrail.icom43.net
Photo courtsey of Downpatrick Railway Museum |
| Castleward
- National Trust |
Strangford |
www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
Interesting 18th-century
mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural
styles.
Castle Ward's 300 hectare (750 acre)
walled estate is in a stunning location overlooking
Strangford Lough. The mid-Georgian mansion is an
architectural curiosity of its time, built inside
and out in two distinct styles, Classical and Gothic.
The Victorian laundry, playroom, cornmill, leadmine
and sawmill give the full flavour of how the estate
worked. The grounds encompass woodland and lough-side
paths and horse trails, formal gardens, Old Castle
Ward, Temple Water and the Strangford Lough Wildlife
Centre. There are many spaces available for private
hire, a caravan site and a holiday cottage.
10 minutes drive |
| Mount
Stewart - National Trust |
Newtownards |
www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
Neo-classical
house and celebrated gardens.
The famous gardens at Mount Stewart were planted
in the 1920s and have been nominated a World Heritage
Site. The magnificent series of outdoor rooms and
vibrant parterres contain many rare plants which
thrive in the mild climate of the Ards Penninsula.
There are dramatic views over Strangford Lough from
the Temple of the Winds. The house tour includes
world-famous paintings and stories about the prominent
political figures to whom the Londonderry family
played host.
20 minutes drive form Portaferry |
| Rowallen
- National Trust |
Saintfield |
www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
Beautiful informal
garden of trees and shrubs, with plants from around
the world.
Much of the garden retains the natural landscape
of the surrounding area, into which many exotic
species have been introduced. There are spectacular
displays of azaleas and rhododendrons and a notable
rock garden with primulas, alpines and heathers.
The walled garden has mixed borders which include
the National Collection of Penstemons; there
are also several areas managed as wildflower
meadows.
30 minutes drive form Strangford |
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