The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Belfast City Region, Northern Ireland

May 29, 2021 Marissa Gamble

Discover the best top things to do in Belfast City Region, United Kingdom including Marine Gardens Coastal Walk, Sentry Hill Historic House, Ulster Aviation Society, War Years Remembered (War Museum), The Echlinville Distillery, Mount Stewart, Bangor Marina, Castle Park, Crawfordsburn Country Park, North Down Museum.
Restaurants in Belfast City Region

1. Marine Gardens Coastal Walk

Pickie Fun Park, Bangor Northern Ireland +44 28 9127 0069
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 47 reviews

Marine Gardens Coastal Walk

Reviewed By deirodeir - Bangor, United Kingdom

This is part of a coastal walk from Donaghadee to Holywood, and is usually called just the Coastal Path by locals. Beautiful views of Belfast Lough, looking across to the Antrim Hills, from the undulating paved path. Popular with walkers (with and without dogs) and joggers, and some cyclists, the latter on mountain bikes who frequently treat it as a race course. Incredibly, there are plans to widen the path and encourage cycling, so make the most of the pleasnt path as it is now, in case this error of judgement comes to pass.

2. Sentry Hill Historic House

40 Ballycraigy Road bt36 4sx, Newtownabbey BT36 4SX Northern Ireland +44 28 9083 2363 [email protected] http://www.sentryhill.net
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 52 reviews

Sentry Hill Historic House

Sentry Hill is a 19th century Victorian farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The contents of this historic house in Northern Ireland provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sentry Hill was the home of the McKinney family, who came to Ireland from Scotland in the early 1700s. Remarkably the contents of the house have survived almost intact. Family furniture, books, paintings, personal diaries, letters, photographs and souvenirs from trips abroad all help to tell the story of the McKinney's, recording life at Sentry Hill and its surrounding areas. Over the years many guests have been warmly received at Sentry Hill by the McKinney family. The last of the family may now be gone but their welcome remains and the door is now open for you. The venue is a popular place to see in Co Antrim, especially during European Heritage Open Days. You can dander down the path through the sheltering trees and step inside the snug old farmhouse. As you cross this threshold you will stand where the past shakes hands with the present. Sentry Hill offers an entertaining day out to visitors of all ages with facilities including guided tours, attractive gardens, a cafe, gift shop and picnic area.

Reviewed By L5303WFjimd

A hidden history gem and a great wet weather plan this venue is a time capsule of artefacts well worth A small detour of the beaten track to visit very impressed

3. Ulster Aviation Society

94-B Halftown Road via Gate 3 - Maze Long Kesh, Lisburn BT27 5RF Northern Ireland +44 7724 896215 [email protected] http://www.ulsteraviationsociety.org/
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 317 reviews

Ulster Aviation Society

WHO ARE WE? A charitable society that is a diverse group of enthusiasts, working on a voluntary basis to further public education in the history of aviation. WHAT AIRCRAFT DO WE HAVE? Our heritage collection currently includes 41+ aircraft, ranging from vintage WWII fighters through Cold War era fast jets, Shorts designed & built aircraft, civilian aircraft, plus military helicopters, engines, artefacts and rare aviation reference materials, all with strong links to aviation within the island of Ireland. Our aircraft are housed within an ex-WWII hangar at Maze Long Kesh, outside Lisburn (on the site of the old prison). • Charitable association of Aviation Enthusiasts • Over 680+ members, including Europe & USA Ulster Aviation Society is a charitable association. N. Ireland. Charity No. NIC 100128. NI Charity Commission Registered. Associate member of Northern Ireland Museums’ Council

Reviewed By BoardingPass162734

Amazing collection, with a very knowledgeable and friendly staff and great opportunities for volunteers (young and old), to high-light this gem of a collection. I thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there and wish I was closer, as I'd be there volunteering too. Keep coming back as there is always something new and interesting to see - and the standard of restoration is top notch and a credit to high calibre of the team there, and giving youngsters many opportunities to help out and build those all important life skills. Please pass the word around and support this wonderful charity.and visit it soon.

4. War Years Remembered (War Museum)

Avondale Drive Unit 16B Dennison Industrial Estate, Ballyclare, Newtownabbey BT39 9EB Northern Ireland +44 28 9335 4125 http://www.waryearsremembered.co.uk
Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 158 reviews

War Years Remembered (War Museum)

Reviewed By argylltraveler

This war museum is a must for any war historian all the items covering the 1st & 2nd world wars are all original its has vechicles weapons uniforms & so much more it takes around 2hours to get round it all very interesting I just loved it

5. The Echlinville Distillery

62 Gransha Road Echlinville House, Newtownards BT22 1AJ Northern Ireland +44 28 4273 8597 [email protected] http://echlinville.com
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 46 reviews

The Echlinville Distillery

Field-to-glass distillery crafting award winning spirits in the heart of County Down, Northern Ireland. Home to Dunville's Irish Whiskey, Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin, Jawbox Gin and Bán Poitín.

Reviewed By MarkH9406 - Newtownards, United Kingdom

Was bought a tour for Christmas and visited in January. Starts with tea/coffee and scones / buns and health and safety briefing with some history. Tour takes you from process start to finish showing gin poteen and whiskey distillation and the differences. Right through to the storage. Post tour you can use your voucher for some drams of the distillery's own whiskies or exchange them against value of some products and merchandise in the on site shop.

6. Mount Stewart

Portaferry Road, Newtownards BT22 2AD Northern Ireland +44 28 4278 8387 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 992 reviews

Mount Stewart

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.

Reviewed By 174eleanora

Yet another great family day at mount stewart. Joined last year and we have had the best picnics,walks and good fun here.the freedom for the kids to run and learn about all the habitat.adventure play area and den building is a real hit for kids!!and competitive adults!!such beautiful lake walk and has been a pleasure enjoying all the changing seasons.halloween was great for the kids and staff are friendly and helpful.thanks to all who keep it one of the most beautiful places we are lucky to have.

7. Bangor Marina

Bangor Northern Ireland +44 28 9145 3297 http://www.quaymarinas.com/our-marinas/bangor-marina/
Excellent
53%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 193 reviews

Bangor Marina

Reviewed By TamaraW6

My friend and I stayed at the Marine Court Hotel for a week. From this convenient location, we were able to tour Bangor on foot, including the Marina. The Eisenhower Pier wraps its arm around the marina and, along with its interesting WWII history, boasts walking path along the wall with views out to the channel, inlaid mosaic art, and the iconic little red lighthouse at pier's end. I enjoyed a morning stroll along both sides of the marina, including little beach covered in smoothly rounded pebbles and seagrass and the path past Pickie Fun Park to the coastal walkway (which, unfortunately, I didn't have time to do). We watched a young rowing team practicing in the bay. The Red Berry coffee, snack and ice-cream shop is on the corner by the Marina with outdoor seating. We enjoyed the night lights and activity of the city streets at dusk and the fog rolling in or bright sunshine for breakfast. We weren't moored there, but we heard from locals the friendly hope that those who do will spend time in Bangor in addition to their other Northern Ireland activities. Close to train and bus routes to Belfast, coastal village routes and a main road into the Mourne Mountains.

8. Castle Park

Bangor BT20 4BN Northern Ireland +44 28 9127 0069 http://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/things-to-do/castle-park
Excellent
44%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Castle Park

9. Crawfordsburn Country Park

Bridge Road South Helen's Bay, Bangor BT19 1JT Northern Ireland +44 28 9185 3621 http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/crawfordsburn-country-park
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 385 reviews

Crawfordsburn Country Park

Reviewed By Y4712ZCnicholasd - Larne, United Kingdom

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.

10. North Down Museum

Town Hall The Castle The Castle, Bangor BT20 4BT Northern Ireland +44 28 9127 1200 [email protected] http://northdownmuseum.com
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 111 reviews

North Down Museum

North Down Museum tells the story of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day through a series of rooms, each dedicated to a particular era of history. Key artifacts on display include the Bronze Age Ballycroghan Swords, the Bangor Bell from the hugely important Bangor Abbey settlement, and the Raven Maps, the only complete folio of Plantation era maps in Ireland. North Down Museum is situated at the rear of the Town Hall, Bangor Castle, on Castle Park Avenue. The Castle, built for the Hon. R.E. Ward in 1852, had a courtyard and stables and the Museum has developed around these. North Down Museum is a FREE attraction in the heart of Bangor. Here you can also rest and enjoy a meal or snack in Coffee Cure, the Museum café.

Reviewed By Stephendavies1957

The museum is very engaging.As a military buff the screen showing the dead of WW1 including several sets of brothers was moving.The Viking long house and monks cell are great.The staff are all lovely.Friendly.Heplful.Charming.The cafe was superb.Again the service was great and good value.

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