Things to do & places to visit in County Down, United Kingdom

County Down #67 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.52 based on 12.2k traveler reviews, of 39 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 22:42.

Top things to do (38)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Omeya Day Spa (1.118 reviews)
- Mermaid Toes!!!
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Spas

Just a step a way from the hustle and bustle of our busy High Street is the calm, tranquil luxury of Omeya, Bangor’s award-wining day spa. Everyone needs to be pampered sometime, but actually going to a spa may have seemed out of reach. But now everyone can experience the same sumptuous surroundings for even the smallest of treatments. Offering 7 treatment rooms, inc. 2 x Wax Bars and luxury Spray Tan Room. Each treatment room is beautifully decorated and individually colour themed throughout, all offering that peaceful, stress free environment we all crave… See more..
5.0 Soak Seaweed Baths (321 reviews)
- Absolutely bliss
Sunday: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spas

Head to Toe IndulgenceTreat your body and soul to a detoxing and invigorating seaweed sensation at Soak Seaweed Baths, the UK’s only seaweed bath house. Close the door of your private treatment room and listen to your favourite tunes as you melt all your troubles away in the steam room, before luxuriating in the amber goodness of the mineral-rich seaweed and hot seawater that make up a seaweed bath. Let the seaweed detoxify your body and enrich your skin with vitamins A – K, giving you a natural glow. Finally, close your pores with a freshwater shower and you’re ready to face the world again!Sessions last one Hour. Towels and hair drying facilities provided.Benefits Conditions Like• Arthritis• Rheumatism• Sports injuries• General muscle aches• Psoriasis• Eczema• Cellulite• Under active Thyroid • Stress• AcneVouchers AvailableGroups Catered for See more..
5.0 Royal County Down Golf Club (185 reviews)
- Royal County Down Golf Club
Golf Courses

One of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland with traditions dating back 100 years, this 18-hole Championship Course is rated among the best in the world. See more..
5.0 Clearsky Adventure Centre (158 reviews)
- A fun experience had by all
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sports Complexes

Based on the shores of Strangford Lough; just 45 minutes from Belfast. Come to Clearsky Adventure Centre for a wide range of activities on offer to everyone a€" from the young to the young at heart. The centre was also used extensively for the filming of Game of Thrones. As you drive down through the estate you soon realise why the HBO film location scouts chose here; the centres medieval walls and castle clock tower, the beautiful surrounding landscapes and far-reaching views across the water; it was the perfect place to create the fantasy 'Winterfell' - home of the Stark family Adventure days and courses for individuals to large groups. Canoeing, Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, Kayaking, Sea Kayaking, Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Coasteering, Raft Build and Racing, Archery, Crate Stacking and more. Experience Clearsky &€" inspiration, fun and enjoyment for everyone. See more..
5.0 Strangford Lough Activity Centre (143 reviews)
- SUP/kayak bundle
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

My brother booked this for a Christmas present for us. It was an amazing experience, in the beautiful setting of Strangford Lough. Josh our guide was friendly a genuinely nice guy who took time to chat with all members in the group and naturally made it feel safe and fun. Two of our party were on the SUP and two in kayaks we were able to stay together and enjoy it as a family. The only thing I would say is the lack of changing facilities made it a little awkward with teenage girls. However the morning was enjoyed by all and we would highly recommend it as a family experience or with friends. See more..
5.0 Mourne Mountains (123 reviews)
- Stunning
Mountains

The best known mountains in Ireland consist of 12 shapely summits rising above 2,000 feet on the eastern side, and the rugged peak of Slieve Donard that climbs steeply to 2,796 feet. See more..
5.0 NI Food Tours (77 reviews)
- Yummy morning out!
Sunday: Spent 2-3 hours Cooking Classes

We invite you to join us in a truly unique and memorable experience. I live in an area of "outstanding natural beauty" on the shores of Strangford Lough just 30 minutes from Belfast. Join myself and my lovely multi award winning Bread maker - Fred, and you will make a variety of traditional Northern Irish breads - soda bread, wheaten / brown bread, potato bread in the very relaxed surroundings of my home - an 18th century thatched barn. We will be offering traditional Christmas themed bread making sessions from mid November. You will be treated to an impressive choice of local foods to accompany your breads. There will also be some tray bakes - northern Irish sweet treats. Tea and coffee will be served in my best bone china - I love the excuse to use it! This is a great way to meet other visitors and the locals! There will be no more than 10 Guests in the session so that it's personal and that we can work with everyone individually. You will be given a copy of all recipes also. See more..
5.0 The Copeland Distillery (49 reviews)
- A hidden gem!
Sunday: Distillery Tours • Private Tours

My sister & I were out for a walk around the commons & the lighthouse when the rain came on - it was running for shelter we spied the Copeland Distillery cafe. We had lovely flat white coffees in a very original setting! It's amazing to see the distillery up close. The staff are extremely friendly & welcoming We'll definitely be back! Well worth a visit! See more..
4.5 Ulster Folk Museum (1.044 reviews)
- FEEL What It Was Like to Live in the 1800's
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

First opened in 1964, the Ulster Folk Museum is a remarkable living museum and environmental resource situated at Cultra, three miles east of Belfast. The museum is home to a rich collection of heritage buildings and objects, which it uses to actively preserve and demonstrate traditions, stories and skills passed down through many generations of people in Ulster. Our talented team of demonstrators, visitor guides and first-person interpreters are here to take you on a journey to discover the past and how it connects to our present. Beyond the town area, wander the rolling hills of the countryside and conservation areas, where there's also a working farm. The museum offers a place to think about how we, as the current generation, are still adapting to change and how we might find meaning and inspiration from the many generations before us to help build a cleaner, greener and prosperous future. See more..
4.5 Mount Stewart (1.030 reviews)
- A must see in Northern Ireland
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership. The garden reflects a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry that was the hallmark of Edith, Lady Londonderry. The mild climate of Strangford Lough allows astonishing levels of planting experimentation. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season. Mount Stewart House re-opened after our 3 year long restoration project. We've brought back the elegance and charm of the house when it was home of the 7th Marchioness Edith, Lady Londonderry and her family in the early 20th century and we look forward to welcoming you to enjoy in all its splendor. Six kilometers of walking trails wind through a landscape ‘lost in time’ and establishes Mount Stewart’s reputation as one of the best-preserved Irish country demesnes. See more..
4.5 Tollymore Forest Park (780 reviews)
- Truly amazing place - worth spending several hours soaking up the magic
Parks

This is a place not to be missed if you’re anywhere near Newcastle / Belfast. The entrance alone is magical with an ancient gatehouse and a wondrous line of Lebanon Cedars along the road. No wonder they used this area as settings for the ‘Game of Thrones’ series on TV. The entrance fee of £5 per car is worth every penny. The three different walks (Black, Red, Yellow) are all well signposted and take you into a world of wonder. Trees, streams, bridges, forests, hideaways - all wonderful. A great day out for adults and children alike. Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Castle Ward (652 reviews)
- Location, history and beauty in one place
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings

Castle Ward will take you on a journey of discovery. The 18th-century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, classical and Gothic, will entice you to explore further. This truly beautiful 332-hectare (820-acre) walled demesne, with walking trails, exotic garden, stunning vistas and picturesque farmyard, will unlock your imagination through family history, leisure pursuits, events and industrial heritage. A children's pastimes centre and laundry room are a short walk from the house in the stableyard, alongside a gift shop, second-hand bookshop and tea-room. See more..
4.5 Castlewellan Forest Park (397 reviews)
- Beautiful place to walk
Parks

Please ignore reviews that complain that there is no toilet block in the middle of a forest. Why would there be? People that require having facilities always within 5 mins need to avoid big beautiful expanses of nature. That said, I imagine this is the ideal place for those on mobility scooters to visit as the path around the lake is large, flat and very well kept. It’s outstandingly beautiful. It was very peaceful. Would love to go back and explore more by venturing into the forest rather than just walking the lake. See more..
4.5 Bangor Castle Walled Garden (396 reviews)
- 1 way system currently in operation
Gardens

The walled garden has recently opened up from COVID lockdown and is in full bloom. The place is a welcome break for the bleakness of the times. There is a 1 way system in operation around the gardens which help to keep people distanced and reduce unnecessary contact between visitors. The great Coffee Cure cafe is open (note its cash only) and so it is possible to get back into enjoying this wonderful garden in all its glory as you usually would. See more..
4.5 Crawfordsburn Country Park (393 reviews)
- Crawsfordburn Country Park Walks
Parks

Lovely day trip to Crawfordsburn Forest Park and Helen's Bay on the North County Down Coast near Bangor. The latest Saturday excursion by me and my brothers during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions took us around muddy pathways, Autumnal leaf covered walkways and strolls along the sandy beaches on an unusual warm sunny day in November. We walked around the different terrains of the park for nearly two hours, exploring the whole of the park lands and also taking our time to admire the views from coastline looking towards the County Antrim coastal towns of Carrickfergus and Whitehead. Highly recommend people to visit the area with their families, friends and dogs and it is such an easy place to get to with great road links from Belfast and also a train station nearby on the Bangor - Belfast train line. I'll think i'll plan a summer visit next year. See more..
4.5 Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs (374 reviews)
- outstanding beauty
Dams

The reservoir itself is located at the mourne mountains which makes the overall scenery of the place an outstanding beauty. We climbed the Moolieve mountain so we were able to see the reservoir from the top. There are different walking routes which you could follow and there is a map for it on the reservoir. We didn’t follow any routes when we visited and just made our own. They have toilet facilities, picnic areas, cafe and play area. They have car park which can fit 63 cars and its first come-first serve basis. To see video of our travel, click the link on the website section of my account/page. See more..
4.5 Hillsborough Castle and Gardens (367 reviews)
- Fabulous Christmas Experience
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Castles • Gardens

Explore Northern Ireland’s royal residence. Located just 20 minutes from Belfast, the restored and re-imagined Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has something for everyone. Inside the castle, discover the fascinating history of the re-presented State Rooms still used by the royal family. Enjoy delicious food and drink in our relaxing café and explore 100 acres of beautiful gardens, including the newly-restored Walled Garden, the previously unseen Lost Garden, meandering waterways and picturesque glens. See more..
4.5 Murlough National Nature Reserve (329 reviews)
- Lovely Beach near Newcastle
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Its a very lovely Beach near Newcastle with views of the beautiful Mourne Mountains. During high tides, water can reach to the rocky part of the beach as shown on the picture but during low tides it would expose a long and wide sandy dunes. You have to pay for car parking £3 or £5 per day depending on the month. They have toilet in the car park. From the car park to the beach itself, it has a boardwalk which is accesible for those who have babies as they can use the pram... Some visitors though just leave their garbage or let the bins overflow so probably need more trashcans/bins. See more..
4.5 Slieve Donard (309 reviews)
- Lovely stay
Mountains

Great location. From checking in to checking out the experience was great. Staff are friendly, courteous and very helpful. Very Covid conscious, felt really safe. The bedrooms are very good, clean and comfortable, beds really cosy and the pillows blissful, really good nights sleep. Tea coffee making facilities placed in the dresser giving you more space to place any accessories. Bathroom well equipped, toiletries are very good quality. Breakfast is well organised, showed to your table and given orange juice and menu which covers the cold buffet and hot breakfast, the service was slower than usual but considering the COVID restraints very well done too all the staff, not easy in these times. Breakfast was really enjoyable and no problem getting a second pot of coffee. Great stay, will be back. We ate in the Percy French great meal and service too. See more..
4.5 The Saint Patrick Centre (236 reviews)
- An amazing and educational experience.
Sunday: Speciality Museums

The Saint Patrick Centre is a marvel of beautiful architecture and is a monument to the preservation of Irish history and culture. The staff was lovely and well mannered, the cafe upstairs serves delicious food and Dr. Tim is an authority of the story of Saint Patrick and Irish history. If you are interested in learning about the history of the area and the story of Saint Patrick, the Saint Patrick Centre is a must-see. See more..
4.5 The Ark Open Farm (227 reviews)
- Fantastic day at the Ark Farm. Be back soon!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos • Farms • Playgrounds

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. We opened the farm back in 1990 as one of the first open farms in Northern Ireland specialising in rare breeds of farm animals. Over the years we have added to our collection as well as developing our facilities to include indoor & outdoor play areas, quad & tractor rides and a really cool fairy-tale forest. The Ark Open Farm is a family run business and our team consists of passionate, animal loving folks who strive to make your experience on the farm extra special. There is something for everyone; animals, activities, lovely food and friendly people. See more..
4.5 Kilbroney Park (215 reviews)
- Beautiful Park and Forest
Parks

Beautiful place to spend a day there. Here quiet many trails to walk, also the place is great for hiking lovers. On the top of the hill opens nice views. Highly recommend to visit the forest park See more..
4.5 Bangor Marina (199 reviews)
- Nice to see a UK resort that isn’t rundown these days
Marinas

While we were in Belfast, we decided to take the train to spend a few hours in Bangor as we had never been the town before. What a pleasant surprise when we reached the seafront after walking from the railway station. It was nothing like I had imagined it to be and seemed to be a thriving resort and well maintained with a marina, the public toilets were open and clean unlike a lot of the UK resorts with all the cut backs. The gardens seemed to be well looked after with a small children’s area at the one end of the waterfront next to the marina. We’ll have to revisit again in the future allowing more time to explore the area and possibly even find accommodation and base ourselves there to travel around Northern Ireland. See more..
4.5 Dundrum Castle (198 reviews)
- Overnight stay at Dundrum
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Mountains • Castles

Dundrum Castle is a castle, situated above the town of Dundrum, County Down, Northern Ireland, It was constructed by John de Courcy, sometime near the beginning of the 13th century,[2] following his invasion of Ulster. The castle, built to control access into Lecale from the west and south, stands on the top of a rocky hill commanding fine views south over Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains, the lands west towards Slieve Croob and the plains of Lecale to the east. Spent a lovely night in our Motorhome, local chipper will deliver. See more..
4.5 Montalto Estate (195 reviews)
- History Can Be Informative and Fun
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

Montalto Estate offers a 5* visitor attraction. Slow down and take comfort in the natural beauty around you. When you visit Montalto, you will truly feel as though you are stepping into another world. You'll leave feeling happy, reconnected with nature, making memories on each and every visit. The offering includes a stylish 120 seat cafe offering flavoursome and beautifully presented food and a shop that offers exceptionally designed items See more..
4.5 Down County Museum (187 reviews)
- Charming and helpful staff
Sunday: 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM History Museums

Down County Museum is based in an old gaol of 1796 and has 10 galleries covering the archaeology and history of County Down, Early Christian archaeology from the Time of St Patrick, the history of the gaol (including original gaol cells), and the farming and maritime collections from the County of Down. There are hands-on activities for children, a Digital Film Archive (Northern Ireland Screen), full access to the site, audio features and lifts to all areas. The Cathedral View Tearoom offers a wide range of meals, scones, coffees and teas, and has a unique view from its windows of Down Cathedral on the Hill of Down, Inch Abbey, the River Quoile and the ancient Mound of Down fort. See more..
4.5 Inch Abbey (184 reviews)
- Run Down lockdown Inch Abbey
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Visited recently on a 5k run out of Downpatrick. Easy to get to. Under 10 minute drive. Decent car park and well signposted. The site was reasonably quiet in the evening I visited. You need less than an hour. Very informative site. Lovely clean well maintained site and not forgetting the ruins themselves. See more..
4.5 Donaghadee Harbour (176 reviews)
- The Donaghadee Rocks on the Harbour
Bodies of Water

Loving the Donaghadee Rocks at the Harbourside along the pier towards the Donaghadee Lighthouse. So many rocks and some talented artists who have painted them, it looks like everyone in the village have played there part and probably alot of tourists visiting the area and there's even a Facebook Page dedicated to it. I'll have to paint some myself for the next time I visit the area. See more..
4.5 Somme Heritage Centre (172 reviews)
- Excellent museum
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Somme Museum The Somme Museum opened in 1994, it examines Ireland's role in the First World War, with special reference to local cross-community involvement in the three volunteer Divisions raised in Ireland: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions, and the 36th (Ulster) Division. The Museum is fully registered and accredited and houses an extensive collection of material from the Great War period which is displayed on a rotational basis. The collection includes uniforms, medals, weapons and personal items which tell the stories of those who served, fought and experienced the First World War. Visitors to the Museum have an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the First World War as they make their way from the Home Rule Crisis to the Recruiting Office and on to the trenches of the Western Front. Audio visual displays and experienced and knowledgeable guides bring the experience to life. See more..
4.5 Delamont Country Park (151 reviews)
- Fresh air and fun
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Parks

They say that fresh air and exercise is a good way to keep away from the virus so this is a great way to keep safe. The walks of varying lengths allow you to combine forest paths with spectacular views over Strangford Lough. There is a large car park but it can fill up at the weekend. However the long paths and grass areas allow for social distancing. For children there is a miniature steam train ride which looks a lot of fun. The restaurant is currently closed inside but serves coffee, ice-cream etc via a hatch. See more..