Mourne Mountains

The popular coastal town of Newcastle is just 40 minutes drive from the hotel on the A24. Newcastle lies by the Irish Sea at the foot of Slieve Donard, the highest of the Mourne Mountains. The town offers beaches, amusements, forest walks, the world renowned Royal County Down golf courses as well as many other activities for families and friends to enjoy. 

Explore a chunk of the Mourne Mountains. The Mourne Mountains are the highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland, its summits crowned by granite tors. The Mourne upland is dominated by a compact ring of 12 mountains, each rising above 600m, with the highest peak, Slieve Donard, reaching 853m. There are walks and trails to suit walkers or all abilities. 

Castle Ward & Game of Thrones Locations

Castle Ward is one of the best things to do in Co Down for Game of Throne fans, located on the foot of Strangford Lough, just 20 minutes from Millbrook Lodge.  Castle Ward Estate was used extensively during the filming of Game of Thrones and any keen fan will enjoy visiting the site to see the location of Winterfell Castle. Here you will see sprawling medieval walls, an imposing castle tower gate, gorgeous surrounding landscapes, and never-ending views out across the nearby Strangford Lough.

Some of the tours on offer at Castle Ward  include meeting the real-life Direwolf Dogs and exploring over 20 key Game of Thrones filming locations, including Winterfell Castle,  the tower window Brian Stark "fell" from, The Winterfell Crypt and the courtyard where the Stark family greet King Robert.

Watch the sun go down over beautiful Strangford Lough. This is the largest sea lough in the British Isles. If you are looking for active adventures why not try your hand at kayaking, diving, canoeing or windsurfing here. If you prefer to explore on foot, there's plenty of walks you can head off on and take in the coastline castles, scenic views and much more. Or, sit back and see the Lough close up and personal, you can also hop on the ferry (it departs on the 1/2 hour) over to the pretty fishing village of Portaferry.

Downpatrick Cathedral – Place of St. Patricks Grave – St. Patricks Centre

Visit Down Cathedral ( the burial place of St Patrick )  You will find the cathedral standing proudly on the Hill of Down, overlooking the historic town of Downpatrick. It's here in the grounds that St Patrick is buried. Although the stone that marks his grave wasn't erected until 1900, it's though St Patrick died in 461. Drop into the Down Cathedral where there is a rare 18th century organ, beautiful stained-glass windows, 2 ecclesiastical stone figures dating back to 1150 and more inside its walls.

Dive into the story of St Patrick at the St Patrick's Centre. Next up and ready for more of St Patrick ! The St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick is the only permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to Ireland's Patron Saint.  Here you are given the opportunity to explore the life of St Patrick via award winning interactive galleries and an IMAX experience. The centre also has an art gallery, craft shop, coffee shop and facilities.

Down County Museum

Soak up some more history at Down County Museum. Full of the rich heritage of Country Down is brought to life via fascinating exhibitors, lively events, hand on activities, and award-winning education programmes.  This is museum is well worth dropping by.  

Dundrum Castle

Head to Dundrum Castle for a walk around. If you are looking for a cracking view and a bit of history, then your next stop has to be Dundrum Castle. The castle ,  is believed to have been built around 1177 , it was used to control the land routes from Drogheda to Downpatrick. Enjoy the beautiful views of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.

Murlough Beach

Head for a ramble along the magnificent Murlough Beach. There's no better way to start a morning or round off your day exploring than with a walk along this finely kept beach and sand dunes.  It is a 6 km Blue Flag beach that offers walks with incredible views of the Mourne Mountains and on a good day you can spot the Isle of Man. The Dune fields at Murlough are the most extensive example of dune heath in Ireland , with more than 720 species of butterflies and moths calling this home.

Castlewellan Forest Park

Lace up your walking boots and head for a stroll at Castlewellan Forest park.  This forest park is a 12 km  walking trail that features  breath-taking views out towards the Mourne Mountains. You'll also find one of NI most famous lakes, a Victorian Castle and a maze close to the lively village of Castlewellan. This village is filled  with quaint little shops and eateries not to mention some wonderful pubs.

Tollymore Forest

Gulp down the fresh air at Tollymore Forest. A car parking fee of £5 per car applies. Toilet facilities are located close to the car parking area. This park covers an impressive 630 hectares of land at the foot of the Mournes and is the perfect spot for walking, horse riding and orienteering. They is also a large  nature play area for the kids. There is 4 different trails that you can head off on from here.

National Trust – Rowallane Gardens

Rowallane Gardens, set in 50 acres, were created in the mid 19th century by the Rev John Moore but were further developed by Hugh Moore, a famous plantsman in the early 1900s. Rowallane Gardens are famous for its large collection of rhododendrons, which can be seen in full bloom from mid-April until the end of May. There is much else to see including wildflower meadows, snowdrops, an interesting rock garden and a walled garden with many rare plants including the National Collection of Penstemon. In the Autumn, the Gardens comes alive with a good display of Autumn tints. There is a farmland trail to the summit of Trio Hill. Worth a visit to see one of the best gardens in Northern Ireland.

Ards Peninsula

Explore the  magnificent  Ards Peninsula. The peninsula separates Strangford Lough from the North Channel of the Irish Sea and is called home to several villages and towns.

Mount Stewart is a 19th century house and garden owed by the National Trust, located on the Ards Peninsula, just 20minutes drive from Portaferry. It is situated on the east side of the Strangford Lough, a few miles outside the town of Newtownards and near Greyabbey. It was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family. Booking ahead is advisable. This property hosts a shop, tea room, second hand book shop, a lake walk, Ploughman's Hill, Demesne Walk, Formal Gardens, Rose Garden, Red, Blue, Green and Yellow Trails (including natural play area ) so plenty to do while visiting this beautiful property both inside and out.

Scrabo Tower

Enjoy one of the finest views in the county from Scarbo Hill. Walk to the summit of Scarbo Hill where you'll find Scrabo Tower, which is built in 1857. From here , you'll be treated to spectacular views out over Stangford Lough and North Down.

Portaferry Aquarium 

Portaferry Aquarium located on the shores of Strangford Lough you will be wowed with a diver's view of marine life from around the world. Your journey at Exploris Aquarium will begin with a focus on the lough and the Irish Sea where you  will get "hands on " with their native species as you tickle the belly of a small shark and feel the spikes on a sea urchin, along with hearing about the Viking heritage of Strangford Lough. A must visit with the children especially on a rainy day.

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and Northern Ireland. Titanic Belfast, named the World's Leading Tourist Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards in 2016, is located beside the Titanic Slipways, the Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices and Hamilton Graving Dock, the very place where Titanic was designed, built and launched in 1912.

Titanic Belfast tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to its maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. The self-guided Titanic Experience extends over nine interpretive and interactive galleries, which explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people who made her. 

In order to ensure a safe environment for visitors, Titanic Belfast is required to manage the number of people visiting the museums at any one time. To avoid disappointment and for safety reasons visitors are encouraged to pre-book tickets and timeslots online.

Canoe and Cake

52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

This is a day with two experiences in one. John from Mobile Team Adventure. takes you out on the canoes to beautiful Ballymorran Bay, on the shores of Strangford Lough. 

You’ll paddle around the little islands on the Lough – and there are in excess of 300! You will be immersed in the beauty and tranquillity of your surroundings. Strangford Lough.

After all that hard work you’ll have worked up an appetite and upon your return Tracey from Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen will be at the shoreline as you disembark. You’ll take a 2-minute walk to her home where she will have warm breads as they come off the griddle and her homemade jams and butters on the table waiting for you. A taste experience not to be missed.

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Main Street, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

Enter into the royal gardens, which are a joy to explore and include ornamental grounds, peaceful woodlands, meandering waterways and picturesque glens.

These special gardens are a delightful place to spend an afternoon and offer countless places to unwind, contemplate, socialise and seek inspiration. The Walled Garden produces fruit and vegetables that are served in the award-winning cafe.

Then a visit to the Castle is a must with its fascinating history and stunning State Rooms. From a grand family home to a charming royal residence, Hillsborough Castle has welcomed the world and witnessed pivotal moments in history for over three hundred years.

Finnebrogue Woods Bushcraft

Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 9BL

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? Join Finnebrogue’s bushcraft and foraging experiences and get back in touch with nature.

You’ll be cooking your lunch on a campfire with a full-day experience that includes a tasty lunch pack with our very own Finnebrogue Dexter burgers and sausages, plus a brownie to keep up your strength, all provided by Fodder, their very own onsite tipi café and farm shop.

Learn the rules, principles, and background of foraging. Find out about the sort of kit you need and how to stay safe. Discover how to identify what’s good to eat and what’s not.

Montalto Estate & Gardens

Spa Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8PT

Go visit our next door neighbours at the beautiful privately owned Montalto Estate that offers a range of seasonal walks, trails, and gardens.

In addition to the splendid grounds, there’s also an awe-inspiring natural play area for children, a well-appointed, award-winning café and a shop filled with expected delights.