Top Things to do in County Down
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Top 10 Historic Walking Areas in County Down, Northern Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in County Down, United Kingdom including Marine Gardens Coastal Walk, Bloody Bridge, Castle Ward, Ards Peninsula, Grey Abbey, Kearney Historical Village, Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden, Hillsborough Fort, Balloo Woodland Nature Reserve, Hillsborough Forrest and Lake..
Restaurants in County Down
1. Marine Gardens Coastal Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
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. Bloody Bridge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A short walk down the path reveals views of an otherwise inaccessible coastline. View this sculpture by Ralf Sander at just the right angle to discover "The Smuggler" otherwise he blends into the landscape. The Bloody Bridge is named after a gruesome massacre. During the O'Neill's rebellion of 1641, the bodies of slain prisoners were thrown over the bridge into the river, turning it red.
3. Castle Ward
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 628 reviews
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.
Reviewed By shivaom6 - Castlewellan, United Kingdom
Beautiful location, fantastic scenery Forest walks The castle gardens Game of thrones fame as winterfell The tour of the old castle ward national trust was well worth a visit- historic old house well kept and maintained from the Victorian age Lovely gardens
4. Ards Peninsula
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
This picturesque coastline provides visitors with sweeping views of the sea, ancient graves and forts, pretty coastal villages and the "violent fjord," where four hundred million tons of water rush through a narrow land gap twice a day.
Reviewed By 816johna - Belfast, United Kingdom
On a beautiful sunny day with the sun low in a wintery sky there is nothing nicer than taking a leisurely drive down to the port village of Portaferry. The views on the drive across the lough were beautiful and the colours, even in midwinter, were lovely. Portaferry used to be a bit isolated but the powerful roll on toll off ferry across the Narrows to the village Strangford has made a round lough drive a good day out.
5. Grey Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Ulsterman - Ballymoney, United Kingdom
So much history and the small centre tells it well. The volunteers were very friendly and provided excellent information when asked, Such as lovely place on a good day.
6. Kearney Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By alisonrj63 - Newtownards, United Kingdom
This is one of my most favourite places in Northern Ireland. The village itself is an absolute joy to walk through. Its possible to walk from the village along the coast to Knockinelder Bay. Strong shoes advised. If the tide is right, seals can be seen sunbathing on rocks. The beach is a sandy, semicircular bay which is great to swim in. Great rock pools to have a hoke about in. Definitely worth a visit
7. Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden
8. Hillsborough Fort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By frankm654 - Banbridge, United Kingdom
There are about three ways into the Fort area.The main area is hectic and despite building a new car park you may need to park on the main road and walk in. Up the hill,opposite the the Royal building there is a gate to an avenue leading to the fort and lake and park,if you can get parking on the main street. But a better way is drive to bottom of town to War memorial at bottom of hill and turn right on the corner to park. You can walk up the beautiful church avenue to the top and turn right to access fort and park. Or there are side steps access to the same avenue of the paying car park. In the fort there is a courtyard,and toilets. The lake is just beside. Great spot for walks and dogs.
