Top Things to do in Whitehead
10 Things to Do in Whitehead That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Whitehead, United Kingdom (UK) including The Gobbins, Blackhead Path, Whitehead Railway Museum, The Bank House, Brown's Bay, Whitehead Library, Portmuck Harbour, Whitehead Conservation Area, The Gallery Whitehead, Victoriana Floral.
Restaurants in Whitehead
1. The Gobbins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
The Gobbins is a dramatic, two-mile-long cliff-face path which includes spectacular tubular and suspension Bridges, a staircase, caves and tunnels carved through the rock. A fully accessible cliff-top path will provide breathtaking views of the rugged North Coast.
Reviewed By bunnyrabbit812
We had originally planned to visit during the latter part of our holiday but found out it would be closing September 3rd until next February 2018. They're doing maintenance and upgrades to the entire cliff path. Much of it is finished, but there's still more to "renovate" during this closure period. It is quite an impressive engineering feat to accomplish.
The staff are excited to share all they know and then some. Our tour guide was Gerald, who was knowledgeable, witty, and charming. The tour groups are small (maximum of 15), but with the loud crashing waves against the shore, it's difficult to hear. Gerald made sure we all had an opportunity to hear the stories of The Gobbins and was an absolute pleasure to speak with.
The cliff path is very steep in parts and is wet either from the weather or the crashing waves. There are stainless steel chains and handrails all along the cliff path but the steep walk down only has railing/chains on small sections. You're not allowed to bring walking poles, tote bags, or anything that would prevent you from holding onto railings/chains. The steps are tall and steep in places, but the railings/chains aid in maneuvering. The path is quite narrow in places too. It was quite foggy the day we were there, but on clear days Scotland is just across the Irish Sea. The nesting seabirds are all gone in September, so we certainly have just another excuse to return during nesting season. I believe Gerald said it was between April and August with June/July being the best. The birds are right there on the path mere inches away tucked into small holes in the rock face. Make Reservations as slots fill quickly.
2. Blackhead Path
Overall Ratings
5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
Its a good idea to bring binoculars when you walk the Blackhead Coastal Path. I saw rabbits, a heron, a lizard, guillemots, razorbills, an oystercatcher, rows of rainbow bands refracting through the lighthouse lenses, plunge-diving gannets, cormorants, gulls, a mystery bird hopping about in a cave, an elephant hawk moth caterpillar, plus much more. Add the sea, and spectacular rock formations, and it’s a walk like no other. Free. Free car park at the start. Shelters at intervals if you need them, and many benches where you can appreciate the view.
3. Whitehead Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland are proud to announce the launch of the new Whitehead Railway Museum in March 2017. The museum, which will combine traditional displays and exhibits with new multimedia and interactive displays will allow our audience to experience steam trains in action, as well as educate them on the history of the steam train industry in Ireland.
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
There has been great excitement here. They built a movie set for a biographical film being made of the life of soccer goalkeeper Bert Trautmann. I was able to sit in their excellent café, watching while set decorators repainted bricks that were actually just printed images on added prefab walls. I’ll post a photo, its difficult to explain in words. With real steam trains and loads of period machinery and props this place is an ideal movie set. There’s also several big, free parking areas very close by, and the movie-makers’ lorries were parked in them for a few days.
My meal was the Baby Wellington, served on Colcannon Potato with a Roast Onion and Mustard Jus. All that was just £6.50. They do restaurant meals at café prices! It was really good, and I have eaten here many times and it is always really good. I had their Blueberry and White Chocolate Muffin for dessert; a great choice.
On another visit in June 2017 I tried their Spaghetti Carbonara & Garlic bread. It was very nice, and only £4.95. That’s a ridiculously low price for good food. I had some fancy tomato soup as a starter. On a third date I had their Cornish Pastie. The side salad with it was really varied.
They have loyalty cards. Go six times and you get a hot drink for free. The restaurant is only open at the moment Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; from 10:15am to 3:45pm. This place only opened this year, and I recommend it most highly.
4. The Bank House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
A shop with an orchestra? Partly true, once. The Bank House added a Deli in July 2017, which serves fine cheeses, meats, olives and olive oils, and homemade soups. Their hygiene score is a perfect 5 out of 5. The staff are extremely cheerful, and...MoreThank you Steve - you have spent a lot of time on your review!
5. Brown's Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By sayderobinson - Whitehead, United Kingdom
brown's bay is a lovely place to bring your kids for the day ,or even spend a weekend camping ,lots of people bring their dogs for a good walk, even better if you have a boat and sail around the bay ,their is a shop nearby and usually see ice-cream vans its well worth a visit .Sadie robinson
6. Whitehead Library
Overall Ratings
5 based on 36 reviews
Public Library. Whitehead Library Opening Hours: Monday: Closed on Monday Tuesday: 10:00am - 1:00pm 1:30pm - 7:00pm Wednesday: 10:00am - 1:00pm 1:30pm - 5:00pm Thursday: Closed on Thursday Friday: 10:00am - 1:00pm 1:30pm - 5:00pm Saturday: 10:00am - 1:00pm 1:30pm - 5:00pm Sunday: Closed on Sunday
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
The people here are excellent. The new member of staff, Danielle, helped me find the Beatrix Potter books. She’s one of my favourite watercolour artists (Beatrix, not Danielle!). The place has computers, newspapers, printers and a toilet. The building is wheelchair friendly, and sited at the town’s main crossroads. Dog, baby buggies and all sorts can be put in the spacious porch area. The other day they had speakers in giving yet more interesting historical talks, and ‘Victorian Story Time’ for the kids. Yes, the opening hours have returned to normal:
Sunday, Monday, Thursday – closed.
Tuesday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and 1.30-7 p.m.
Weds, Frid and Sat 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; and 1.30-5 p.m.
7. Portmuck Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Hanni_LR43 - Whitehead, United Kingdom
A long little winding road takes you here. There should be more parking spaces, it is a very popular place on a sunny warm day. The beach, the harbour wall, the toilet and tables are all right there. It seemed to be a very inspiring place for children to be roaming about in wet suits, and running about in the waves or digging in the sand. I always see it like a nice rough bit of the west of Ireland moved over here. We saw one lady who was very brave to go out and swim so far out in the cold sea water. She wasn't even wearing a wet suit! We had been a little foolish and brought a picnic. It wasn't just the pleasure it was meant to be because of the wind off the sea. I think the place is lovely - the weather you can't help!
8. Whitehead Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
So many interesting features to see about the conservation area. Many houses have stained glass windows, with Victorian style symmetrical floral designs. Inside people’s Porches are acid-etched pictures on inner doors. Terraced houses often have lines of decorative bricks, like the egg and dart design. Lots of places still have century-old porch tiles. In the heart of the town the design of buildings changes radically from villa to villa. Lots of houses around the town are painted blue. Different addresses have house names that came from battles of the Boer War, when they were constructed. Standout buildings include the lighthouse, coastguard station, The Old Tea House, The Bank House and the different churches. Visitors can take a four pound tour of one Edwardian house, The Gallery Whitehead. Great to take a walk around.
9. The Gallery Whitehead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Hanni_LR43 - Whitehead, United Kingdom
I was in the heart of Whitehead and took a friend with me to see the present show at The Gallery Whitehead. Every month there's a new exhibition from a visiting artist. Ballycarry Art Club are the group whose pictures are there for March 2015....MoreThank you Hannni for that lovely review of my gallery and the current exhibition.
10. Victoriana Floral
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Hanni_LR43 - Whitehead, United Kingdom
Here is a place where you can get individually quirky orders for flowers and bouquets. They use the Victorian language of flowers, tailored to suit your special occasion. Their main window is constantly redecorated for the seasonal. Inside you will find a treasure-house of antiques, ornaments, glasses' cases, vintage items, greeting cards, and paintings. They run classes in flower arranging, partnered with Maggie's Working Kitchen to provide catering for the our courses. They have been shortlisted in the 'Best Retailer' and 'Best digital initiative' categories in the Carrickfergus Business Awards 2017. They have won prizes for the way they decorate their business, both the attractive window displays and also the way they display flowers outside in the Sunshine to draw the eye of passers-by. The Victoriana theme really suits the quaint heart of Whitehead, a very scenic coastal village.
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