It's time for something different, so make for the water and head for Strangford! To help you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Co.Down we've pulled together a few suggestions to get your short break started.
To find out more about some of our top attractions, eateries and places to stay around Strangford, scroll down for the map plotting where everything is and click on the product listings below that for more information.
To start creating your itinerary add in the dates of your short break, how long you're planning on staying, where you're starting off from and how you'll be travelling. Then hit the "Start Planning" button to see your itinerary all plotted out, with drag and drop options to tailor it to your preferences.
Please check availability and opening times ahead of arriving, and where possible book online.
Create your trip with our recommendations
Bangor
A place apart. Clandeboye Lodge is the warm welcome of Northern Ireland. The comfortable and cosy corner you won’t want to leave. Charm and service from dawn until dusk.
Newtownards
Mount Stewart is a stunning estate in the beautiful scenic area of Strangford Lough. The Formal Gardens are ranked as one of the top ten in the world and the within the house there are collections of national and international significance.
Killyleagh
The Mews are 18th century stable conversions overlooking the Lough.
Portaferry
Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An underwater Tunnel Experience, friendly sharks and a Dwarfcrocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.
Strangford
Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline.
Killinchy
In Tracey’s Kitchen, people make friends as well as bread. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and start mixing and kneading dough for the soda and wheaten breads you'll be learning to make - and then eating! - all in the comfort of Tracey's delightful farmhouse.
Killinchy
Limber up as the sun comes up. Glide across the peaceful waters of Strangford Lough at dawn and greet the day ahead with a guided yoga flow.
Newtownards
At the top of Scrabo Hill, overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down, is Scrabo Tower. The tower, which was built in 1857, is one of Northern Ireland’s best known landmarks and the views from the top are spectacular.
Downpatrick
Step into the wild with an expert bushman. Do you have the skills to survive in the wild? Do you know what’s good to eat in the woods and how to find it? It’s time to find out. Join one of Finnebrogue’s bushcraft or foraging experiences and put yourself back in touch with nature.
Strangford
The Cuan is situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, on the Village Green in the beautiful tranquil village of Strangford. The Cuan is the perfect setting for a mid-week break, weekend getaway or an activity led holiday with the family.
Downpatrick
The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin and 35 minutes south of Belfast beside Saint…
Newtownards
This stunning 18th century cottage on the shores of Strangford Lough, combines luxury with cosiness and comfort. It is a rural getaway, where guests are invited to relax and enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Kircubbin
Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their spirits, before settling down to relax and enjoy them in the bar.
From | To | Distance * (metric) |
---|---|---|
Clandeboye Lodge Hotel (54.63538,-5.71991) | Mount Stewart (54.55166,-5.602) | 10.83 |
Mount Stewart (54.55166,-5.602) | Strangford View Mews - Sketrick (54.43178,-5.64311) | 12.25 |
Strangford View Mews - Sketrick (54.43178,-5.64311) | Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary (54.38167,-5.54895) | 7.44 |
Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary (54.38167,-5.54895) | Castle Ward (54.36771,-5.58054) | 2.31 |
Castle Ward (54.36771,-5.58054) | Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen Experience (54.46363,-5.65278) | 10.49 |
Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen Experience (54.46363,-5.65278) | Sunrise SUP & Island Yoga Experience (54.4811,-5.6458) | 1.8 |
Sunrise SUP & Island Yoga Experience (54.4811,-5.6458) | Scrabo Tower (54.58031,-5.71544) | 10.73 |
Scrabo Tower (54.58031,-5.71544) | Finnebrogue Woods Bushcraft (54.35927,-5.70875) | 22.15 |
Finnebrogue Woods Bushcraft (54.35927,-5.70875) | The Cuan (54.37079,-5.55661) | 8.96 |
The Cuan (54.37079,-5.55661) | The Saint Patrick Centre (54.32754,-5.71911) | 10.43 |
The Saint Patrick Centre (54.32754,-5.71911) | Horseshoe Cottage (54.46363,-5.65278) | 14.17 |
Horseshoe Cottage (54.46363,-5.65278) | The Echlinville Distillery (54.46903,-5.51048) | 8.3 |
Total Distance * | 119.85 miles | |
Estimated Journey Time | 3.86 hours |
* Approximate distance by road
Create your trip with our recommendations