Sarah's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Grab a huge cup of tea and wonderful desert at the woodlands coffee shop. Once you are fuelled up take a walk on the coastal path as far as you want to go. Go left on the coastal path towards Helen’s bay. If you feel brave you can take a dip in the water or watch the daily paddle boarders.
Just after Helen’s bay you will find Grey Point Fort which is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.
35 locals recommend
Crawfordsburn Country Park
32 Bridge Rd SGrab a huge cup of tea and wonderful desert at the woodlands coffee shop. Once you are fuelled up take a walk on the coastal path as far as you want to go. Go left on the coastal path towards Helen’s bay. If you feel brave you can take a dip in the water or watch the daily paddle boarders.
Just after Helen’s bay you will find Grey Point Fort which is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.
One of our favourite walks is from ballyholme beach to groomsport.
It’s a little rocky but but so worth it for the views. Pack a lunch and once you get to groomsport you can enjoy while watching the boats.
8 locals recommend
Ballyholme Beach
Groomsport RoadOne of our favourite walks is from ballyholme beach to groomsport.
It’s a little rocky but but so worth it for the views. Pack a lunch and once you get to groomsport you can enjoy while watching the boats.
Adults love the swans just as much as the kids
This is a great little spot to entertain kids.
16 locals recommend
Pickie Funpark
Marine GardensAdults love the swans just as much as the kids
This is a great little spot to entertain kids.
Considered to be one of the most outstanding gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is the most visited National Trust mansion house property in Northern Ireland.
38 locals recommend
Mount Stewart
Portaferry RoadConsidered to be one of the most outstanding gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is the most visited National Trust mansion house property in Northern Ireland.
WWT Castle Espie
78 Ballydrain RdThe Ward family designed the Bangor Castle Walled Garden in the 1840s. It was previously closed to the public and was considered by many as a secret garden. The local council restored this beautiful garden and it was officially opened as a visitor attraction in April 2009.
The garden is divided into four different sections, each with its own horticultural personality.
11 locals recommend
Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Valentine RoadThe Ward family designed the Bangor Castle Walled Garden in the 1840s. It was previously closed to the public and was considered by many as a secret garden. The local council restored this beautiful garden and it was officially opened as a visitor attraction in April 2009.
The garden is divided into four different sections, each with its own horticultural personality.
Exploris Aquarium
1 Castle StBelfast
Ward Park
Titanic Belfast
1 Olympic WayUlster Museum
Botanic GardensNational Trust Castle Ward
W5
2 Queens QuayIf it’s a rainy day W5 will keep the kids and adults entertained all day long.
Queen's University Belfast
University RoadIsland Hill
Ringcreevy RoadThe Echlinville Distillery
62 Gransha RdHMS Caroline
Queens RoadIf Buildings Could Talk - Belfast Walking Tour
9 Donegall Square NorthLinen Hall Library
17 Donegall Square NUlster Folk Museum
153 Bangor RdUlster Transport Museum
153 Bangor RdSketrick Castle
Sketrick IslandFood scene
We love taking a Saturday afternoon walk to Crawfordsburn village. We always stop off in loaf pottery which is a social enterprise supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. They have the most stunning pottery and you can take a class with them.
We love to order a pizza all made fresh and from the pizza oven. Sit in the garden surrounded by wild flowers and take some time away.
Once you have been fed and watered take a walk back to the house via Crawfordsburn country park. The path for the park is just before the garage and after the old inn on the right.
Loaf Pottery and Coffee Shop
24 Main StreetWe love taking a Saturday afternoon walk to Crawfordsburn village. We always stop off in loaf pottery which is a social enterprise supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. They have the most stunning pottery and you can take a class with them.
We love to order a pizza all made fresh and from the pizza oven. Sit in the garden surrounded by wild flowers and take some time away.
Once you have been fed and watered take a walk back to the house via Crawfordsburn country park. The path for the park is just before the garage and after the old inn on the right.
The market is a must for foodies. Every Saturday and Sunday the market is filled with arts and fresh food. Live music is played every weekend.
You can get here by taking the train from Carnalea (bottom of the road) to Lanyon place. The market is 5 minutes walk from the train station.
167 locals recommend
St. George's Market
12 East Bridge StThe market is a must for foodies. Every Saturday and Sunday the market is filled with arts and fresh food. Live music is played every weekend.
You can get here by taking the train from Carnalea (bottom of the road) to Lanyon place. The market is 5 minutes walk from the train station.
For a great night out the cathedral quarter is lined with quint bars and fabulous restaurants. One of the best areas in the city for food. Stop off in est. coffee shop for a wonderful coffee.
25 locals recommend
Cathedral Quarter Belfast
18-22 Royal AveFor a great night out the cathedral quarter is lined with quint bars and fabulous restaurants. One of the best areas in the city for food. Stop off in est. coffee shop for a wonderful coffee.
One of the best cinnamon scones I have ever have. Bay tree is such a wonderful fit for dinner, lunch and breakfast. It’s been our go to place for years.
6 locals recommend
The Bay Tree
118 High StOne of the best cinnamon scones I have ever have. Bay tree is such a wonderful fit for dinner, lunch and breakfast. It’s been our go to place for years.
Once a year date night happens in the boat house. We feel so spoilt when we go to the boathouse. Always do the wine pairing!
The Boat House Dining
1A Seacliff RdOnce a year date night happens in the boat house. We feel so spoilt when we go to the boathouse. Always do the wine pairing!
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn
15-25 Main StThe Artisan Cookhouse
4 Kildare StBerts Jazz Bar
16 Skipper StThe cocktails and atmosphere is the best in the city.
Tuk Tuk Asian Bistro
6 William StOne of our favourite thai restaurants
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn
15-25 Main StShortcross Gin & Whiskey - Rademon Estate Distillery
65 Church RdThe Copeland Distillery LTD
43 Manor StTaste and Tour
54 Bloomfield AveClandeboye Lodge Hotel
10 Estate RdCulloden Estate and Spa
Bangor RoadHarrisons of Greyabbey
35 Ballybryan RdOur favourite little bar and restaurant. Situated on an island this little spot is truly wonderful. We advise going to watch the sun set over the water.
30 locals recommend
Daft Eddy's | Bar & Restaurant
1 Sketrick IslandOur favourite little bar and restaurant. Situated on an island this little spot is truly wonderful. We advise going to watch the sun set over the water.
If you want a relaxing breakfast this is the spot. They have the best tray bakes.
Creative Gardens Donaghadee
34 Stockbridge RoadIf you want a relaxing breakfast this is the spot. They have the best tray bakes.
Traveler advice
Getting around
The annex is located 5 mins walk from carnalea station.
Take the train to city centre Belfast