Newtownards
Things to do in Newtownards, County Down
Photo © Henryk Musiał, Google Maps
Newtownards makes a solid base for exploring County Down's coast and countryside. The town itself has several draws: Exploris Aquarium offers an introduction to marine life, while Ark Open Farm and Happy Town provide family activities inland. Ballywalter Beach, rated 4.6 from over 500 reviews, gives direct access to the shoreline. The restaurant scene is notably strong for a town this size, with The Foxes Den and Brew & Yaki both highly rated, alongside several other established spots offering everything from casual dining to more refined meals.
The mix of attractions and restaurants means there's enough to occupy a few days without needing to range far. Access to the beach and farms makes it particularly suited to families, while the dining options suggest the town has developed beyond basic provisions.
Where to stay in Newtownards(4)
All hotels in Newtownards →About staying in Newtownards
Accommodation ranges from hotels to caravan parks. The Strangford Arms Hotel and The Old Schoolhouse Inn both have solid reputations, while Drumhirk House and Edenvale House offer smaller-scale lodging. For those with caravans or seeking that style of stay, Tara Caravan Park is well-established with thousands of reviews, and Woodland Caravan Park and Seaview Caravan Park provide alternatives. The choice between hotels and caravan sites suggests Newtownards works for different kinds of visitor: those wanting town amenities and those preferring a quieter, possibly coastal-oriented base.
Things to Do in Newtownards(4)
All attractions in Newtownards →
Where to Eat in Newtownards(11)
All restaurants in Newtownards →
Attractions Near Newtownards
All attractions in Newtownards →Worth the trip — within 50 miles of Newtownards.
3 mi
Eddie Irvine Sports
Bangor, County Down · ⭐ 4.4
3 mi
Dinos Den at Comber Leisure
Comber · ⭐ 4.2
4 mi
Drumawhey Junction
Donaghadee · ⭐ 4.9
4 mi
Airtastic Entertainment Centre Bangor
Bangor, County Down · ⭐ 4.4
4 mi
WWT Castle Espie
Comber · ⭐ 4.6
4 mi
Bangor Aurora
Bangor, County Down · ⭐ 4.0
Dundonald Ice Bowl
Belfast · ⭐ 4.4
5 mi
Clip n Climb Dundonald
Belfast · ⭐ 4.7
Camping in Newtownards(3)
All campsites in Newtownards →
The Pods at Streamvale
⭐ 4.9
Dundonald Touring Caravan Park
⭐ 4.1
Four Acres Farm
⭐ 4.9 · from £167/night
Seaview Caravan Park
⭐ 4.4
Woodland Caravan Park
⭐ 4.7
Ballywhiskin Caravan and Camping Park
⭐ 4.3 · from £20/night
Ganaway Caravan and Camping Park
⭐ 3.4 · from £19/night
Ballyferris Holiday Park
⭐ 3.8
Self-Catering Cottages in Newtownards
All cottages in Newtownards →
Common questions about Newtownards
How many campsites are there in Newtownards?
We list 3 campsites in and around Newtownards.
Where can I stay in Newtownards?
We list 4 hotels, B&Bs and guest houses in and around Newtownards.
What is there to do in Newtownards?
We list 4 attractions and things to do in and around Newtownards.
Where can I eat in Newtownards?
We list 11 restaurants, pubs and cafes in and around Newtownards.
Staycation ideas for Newtownards
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