Places to visit

Mount Stewart House and Gardens

The lake, a beautiful walk at Mount Stewart.

One of the best gardens in the National Trust's portfolio. 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.

Take a step back in time @ Folk Museum

Step back in time in and uncover a way of life from 100 years ago. Discover cottages, farms, schools and shops as you wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum chatting to costumed visitor guides demonstrating traditional crafts. Climb on and off majestic steam locomotives or experience the sensation of flight in the Transport Museum bursting with horse drawn carriages, electric trams, motorbikes, fire-engines and vintage cars.

Across the road is the Transport Museum with many rare exhibits

Watch demostrations of traditional crafts

A SPECIAL festival - Bangor 400 - has been launched to mark the 400th anniversary of the formal creation of Bangor. 

The festivities were announced at the North Down Museum where a new exhibition, on display until April 28, has been created to celebrate the origins and growth of Bangor.

Taking centre place at the exhibition is the Bangor Royal Charter, signed by King James I on March 18, 1613, which declared: “and forever hereafter shall be one entire and free Borough of itself, by the name of the Borough, and be nominated and called from henceforth the Borough of Bangor.”

Other festivities that Bangor resident can expect include a 400 themed carnival parade on April 1, when over 300 local children and young people will take to the streets followed by King James who will be carrying the Town Charter.

Theatre lovers are in for a treat as there will be a production of Shakespeare’s tragic love story Romeo & Juliet held in the surroundings of Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden on July 25