Top Things to do in Bangor
What to do and see in Bangor, Northern Ireland: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Bangor, United Kingdom including Bangor Marina, Castle Park, Crawfordsburn Country Park, Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Ward Park, Crawfordsburn Beach, Helen's Bay beach, Pickie Family Fun Park, Ballyholme Beach, Sunken Gardens and North Pier.
Restaurants in Bangor
1. Bangor Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
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.
2. Castle Park
3. Crawfordsburn Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
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.
4. Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By Sid8775 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
Whilst at the Starbucks a short hop up the road at the retail park we saw this on the map. So glad we came, it was beautiful, and also the car parking was plentiful and free. The gardens are kept tip top & looked amazing. There are benches around the outside where we sat for a while in the warm sun shine. Another nice thing was there was no issue with young children playing on the grass and running around, great to hear the laughter. There’s a small cafe with toilets too. If you are up for relaxing with a coffee, with a book and sitting in the sun this is right up your alley.
5. Ward Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Tripandyto - Belfast, United Kingdom
It is very tranquil and one can watch the ducks or feed them. There are several paths around the park with lovely flower beds. In July and August on Sunday afternoons you can listen to music played in the bandstand with deck chairs provided or bring your own chair. There is a bowling green in the park.
6. Crawfordsburn Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Anto_L69 - Bangor, United Kingdom
One of several great beaches in the area. Backs onto the wonderful Crawfordsburn Country Park with many walks, ample parking, public toilets and a cafe. The beach sits on the North Down Coastal Path which provides a beautiful walk from Hollywood to Bangor. There is a massive green area for families to picnic and BBQ and on warm days there's usually an ice cream van there.
7. Helen's Bay beach
8. Pickie Family Fun Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 320 reviews
Pickie Fun Park was extensively redeveloped in 2012. Children can play in the adventure playground,enjoy the watery fun of the splash pads, enjoy a ride on the electric car track or climb aboard the Pickie Puffer for a narrow-gauge railway journey around the colourful landscape. All the family can pedal a giant Swan around the shallow waters of the lovely Lagoon, compete with each other in our mini golf course or take a break in the cafe. The fun park is at the gateway to the Marine Gardens, a delightful stretch of coast for leisurely walks. There are panoramic views of Bangor Bay and the hills of Antrim beyond. Just take a seat, relax and marvel at the wonders all around, or eat your picnic before making your way round to Wilson's Point. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the views over Belfast Lough.
Reviewed By LisaMarieOR - Dublin, Ireland
Great place for kids. Lots of activities. Lovely setting. Very close parking. Huge Playground is free!
9. Ballyholme Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By nialuaninis - Bangor, United Kingdom
Beautiful walk along Bangor esplanade. Lovely view out to sea. Plenty of coffee shops to stop and have a break. You can bring your dog.
