Location: Newtownards
Top Things to do in Newtownards
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What to do and see in Newtownards, Northern Ireland: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Newtownards, is a large town, townland and civil parish in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies at the most northern tip of Strangford Lough, 10 miles (16 km) east of Belfast, on the Ards Peninsula. It is situated in the civil parish of Newtownards and the historic baronies of Ards Lower and Castlereagh Lower. Newtownards is the largest town in the former Borough of Ards. It is known colloquially by locals as "Ards". It had a population of 28,039 people in the 2011 Census.
Restaurants in Newtownards
1. The Echlinville Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
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.
2. Scrabo Golf Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Caine118 - Bexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom
What can I say...the motto “we arrived as visitors and left as friends” couldn’t possibly be any truer!! Within 30 seconds of arriving at the bar after a solo round cut short by the weather during a work trip, I was welcomed by Joe and having been introduced to another half a dozen people was subsequently invited to join them in their social roll up the following day. ☺️ Not bad for a rain drenched Englishman!! Several beers and stories later I felt completely at ease with these guys. Unfortunately I won’t be able to return on this visit, but will most certainly be rejoining Joe, Robert, Frank, Marty and all the others when I return in October. If you want to test your skills on an immaculate, yet tough, course with some of the most breathtaking views in Northern Ireland then this is the place for you. See you soon guys. ????️♂️????????
3. Mount Stewart
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 992 reviews
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.
4. The Ark Open Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
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.
Reviewed By sjw142015 - Bangor, United Kingdom
Went to the Ark farm today with my husband, daughter, son in Law and one year old grandson. We had a wonderful day, there was so much to do and the tractor trailer ride to the Fairytale forest was a great hit. There were lots of play areas for little ones to run around and explore, a large variety of animals to see. There were one way systems in place and lots of hand washing facilities as well as plenty of hand sanitizer. We had lunch in the cafe which was good value and enjoyable. What made the day extra special was the wonderful staff who as well as keeping everywhere clean ensured everyone had an enjoyable day.
5. Somme Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 257nigelk - Belfast, United Kingdom
Great spot that accurately describes the conditions, the weather and the lives of so many who left their families and homes and did not return had to endure in the trenches and blood soaked killing fields of the front line during the Battle of the Somme and other local engagements. First time I noticed my great grandfathers name engraved on a wooden plinth dedicated to both himself and others from the Donegal Rd area of Belfast. My grandmother, bless her remembered him leaving and never coming home, killed on 1st July 1916. RIP
6. Scrabo Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By petersZ2177QX - Wakefield, United Kingdom
Nice walk from the car park to the tower it's free to have a look around lots of step to climb to the top there a rooms with information about the tower and the local area you can see for miles along the Ards peninsula nice area to sit and eat your own sandwiches and watch the view its brilliant when the air show is on
7. The Parlour Bar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By bringoment456
We booked a table recently for a Christmas get together. The food was outstanding. For starters, we had prawn cocktail, brie and battered mushrooms. All were amazing. For mains, we had the Christmas Dinner, beef burger and the chicken goujons. Again, the food was outstanding. The staff were an absolute credit to the bar and were so attentive and hardworking. We will definitely be back soon!
8. Kiltonga Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 257nigelk - Belfast, United Kingdom
Kiltonga and the duck pond is such a beautiful serene hidden gem on the edge of Newtownards. Easy accessible, flat paths that surround the lake are designed for all comfort levels of fitness and disabled travellers and/or visitors will find all routes accessible and not a single part out of bounds for them, despite any disability. MAny soecies of bird and other widlife are in abundance and ever present and very well used to contact with humans and children. Great wee spot for all the family and well worth a visit or ten.
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