Location: Newtownards
Top Things to do in Newtownards
10 Things to Do in Newtownards That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Mount Stewart House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 803 reviews
Remarkable 18th-century house and 98-acre garden that reflect the rich history of the Stewart family who played a leading role in British social and political life.
Reviewed By Al94
House and grounds superb but let down by the worst by far of all the cafes at National Trust properties in Northern Ireland which are generally of a high standard. Too small, badly laid out - nothing flows, not particularly clean. Tables uncleared, average food, totally chaotic today and it's not Easter yet! Come on NT, you can do so much better at one of your flagship properties.
2. Clip 'n Climb Dundonald
Overall Ratings
5 based on 207 reviews
Clip n Climb is based at the Dundonald International Ice Bowl. Pass reception and head left into the main arena where you will find our reception desk on your left along with the Starbucks coffee dock. We are closed on Monday's, but we are open all day on every bank holiday and school holidays. We will also open up out of hours for groups of 10 or more climbers.
Reviewed By Sara M
Went evening midweek which was perfect for the two 7 year olds as it was quiet. This meant they nearly got one to one with the instructor. Kathy was so encouraging to the children, guiding them to the walls that would suit them best as...MoreGreat to hear you had good experience with us and you were lucky enough to have Kathy guiding your two 7 year olds on our walls. Thank you and we will hopefully see you again soon.
3. Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
4. Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 810 reviews
Explore thatched cottages, farms, schools and shops as you experience life from over 100 years ago. Chat to costumed visitor guides as they demonstrate traditional crafts and meet farm animals in the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum. Discover more than 500 original artefacts at TITANICa, climb on and off majestic steam locomotives and explore horse drawn carriages, electric trams, boats, motorbikes, fire-engines and vintage cars in the Transport Museum.
Reviewed By Paul S
The folk and transport museums are separate.
From stepping into the old sweetshop, to the labourers houses, to seeing how the priest and bank manager lived in relative luxury, it was eye opening to see how differently people lived in the same community. Allow three hours to do the full tour but there are plenty of shortcuts you can take if you need to. There are usually local experts like the printer and the wicker man, but I would have loved to see a carrier or a blacksmith.
The transport museum is a transporters heaven but it is fun for normal people as well. They understandably make a big deal of the Delorean and other cars built in NI but I would have liked to have seen more on motorbikes, racing, and aviation.
5. Titanic Belfast
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
The Titanic Belfast visitor attraction extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition. Drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features you will explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day in the Ocean Exploration Centre.
Reviewed By Maddy R
I have been to several museums but NONE like this one. The building itself is a fascinating build with a reason behind every design choice. The structure perfectly compliments the grandeur that the Titanic once was and the city truly celebrates its shipbuilding successes.
The first part covers early days in Belfast and how it because the world leader in ship building. It then covers in great detail the rise and fall of the Titanic using inventive ways to keep you interested.
There is a ride you can chose to go on (included in the cost) which lets experience what it was like building the ship. There is also a cinema screening near the end of the museum which shows how they discovered the Titanic shipwreck. You can also look up names on the official deceased record.
The ticket also includes entry to the ship Nomadic located across the road from the museum. This boat played an important role in both World Wars and is well worth a visit.
The museum took about 2 hours and I would recommend the audio tour and you get told extra facts and keeps you move and a pace.
6. Scrabo Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By RCPO - Vancouver, Canada
This site, hard by sunset, is a photographer’s delight. Lines, colours, horizon, subject matter, rule of 3’s, on and on.
A good clamber upward warns your spirit and provides context for the importance of this tower.
And the views of the slough & general aviation Airport are stunning.
7. Crawfordsburn Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By Anne S - Belfast, United Kingdom
I am lucky enough to live near this great amenity. I use it on a very regular basis to walk my dogs. The park offers lots of amenities including a exhibition centre and Cafe.
There are running trails and woodland walks. Two beautiful Beaches complete the picturesque area
8. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By ballyd0rn - Belfast, United Kingdom
Just back from a visit. There is no heat and the Visitors' Centre is very cold indeed. I felt sorry for the staff. There appears to be a problem with the heating system which was sourced from Eastern Europe. The local firm which installed it are no longer in business. In the cafe they are handing out blankets to customers - although we weren't offered any. ( A thought :: why should they have blankets in the cafe? Is it a longstanding problem?)
This is a delightful spot in the summertime. But if you are thinking of going in the near future you should ring ahead and find out if they have got the boiler working.
9. Hydro-Ease
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
We are the ONLY specialist floatation centre in Ireland, we also offer 1-1 work around Neuro Linguistics, Hypnotherapy, Time line therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and many other approaches to life coaching/change management
Reviewed By DenisWilliam - Belfast, United Kingdom
I have now had 2 floats and the third one booked. It is a wonderful experience. You leave completely refreshed and relaxed. The hour goes in so fast. This place is very clean and well organised. Give it a go !Thank you for your lovely feedback, look forward to seeing you for float No3 :)
10. Somme Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 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 Robin H - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
Was not aware of this Centre until neighbours advised us to visit. Excellent exhibition from start to finish. We were in the capable hands of guide (Andy) who explained everything in detail, told true stories and answered any question. He has an excellent knowledge of...MoreThank you so much for taking the time to review your recent visit to the Somme Museum, we're glad you enjoyed the tour with Andy, he is an excellent guide who really enjoys his work. Thanks also for visiting our newly reopened coffee shop. Claire
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