Experience Ards and North Down · Except where specified to the contrary, all tours are organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council. ... the 1798 rebellion and W.G. Lyttle, whose

1For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call 028 9127 0069 / 028 9182 6846

Experience Ards and North Down.....through a series of guided bus, boat and walking tours

visitardsandnorthdown.com

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“Nothing becomes real until it is experienced”

John Keats


“Nothing becomes real until it is experienced”

John Keats

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Experience Ards and North Down tours are a unique series of coach, boat and walking tours, which allow you to experience some of the wonderful sights and attractions the area has to offer, including new opportunities to explore the history, heritage and mystery of the area.

Drawing on the local knowledge of our experienced team of guides, we invite you to tap into a wealth of heritage, history and culture in scenic surroundings that resound with historical significance.

Children can enjoy learning about the world around them during nature trails, hunting for mini beasts and sea creatures, discovering the wildlife and birds that make their home in the area. Or you can sit back and relax on a coach trip to one of the Borough’s beautiful stately homes, find out more on an historical walk, or take to the water in a boat trip on Belfast or Strangford Lough. Experience Ards and North Down Tours have something for everyone.

How to Book Your Tour• All tours are on a ticket only basis.

• Tickets for all the tours should be booked in advance over the counter or by telephone from Ards, Bangor or Portaferry Visitor Information Centres. Tickets may also be purchased online at visitardsandnorthdown.com or visitstrangfordlough.co.uk

• All major debit and credit cards (except American Express) are accepted. Cash and cheques, however, can only be used for over the counter bookings.

• Tickets can be emailed, posted (£1.50 administrative fee applies) or collected from the Visitor Information Centres.

• A maximum of four tickets per person can be purchased.

• Tickets, once purchased cannot be refunded or exchanged unless a tour is cancelled by the organiser (e.g.in the case of extreme weather). Where possible, all participants will be informed by telephone and refunds will be made by cheque (for cash and cheque payments) and by card (for debit or credit card payments). Refund cheques will normally be posted within ten working days of the original tour date.

Experience it all in Ards and North Down!


Useful InformationAccessibilityThe walks and tours mainly cover flat, accessible ground and are suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. Some tours cover uneven surfaces or steep inclines which may prove difficult for those with additional access needs. Should you have any specific access or mobility requirements, please speak to the Visitor Information staff, who will endeavour to meet your needs.

Clothing and FootwearIt is recommended that warm clothing and sturdy footwear is worn, particularly for the boat trips and all walking tours.

ChildrenAll tours are suitable for children, unless otherwise stated, and concession prices apply.

OrganisationExcept where specified to the contrary, all tours are organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council. Every effort is made to deliver the tour as described but occasionally, usually due to circumstances outside our control, changes have to be made to the planned itinerary. We reserve the right to make these changes.

Brochure AccuracyThe information in this guide was correct at the time of going to print. Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy. However; we cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes which may occur.

Alternative formatsThis publication is available in alternative formats and languages upon request.

For more information contact:

Ards Visitor Information Centre Bangor Visitor Information Centre31 Regent Street Tower House, 34 Quay StreetNewtownards BangorBT23 4AD BT20 5ED028 9182 6846 028 9127 0069

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Date Tour Start Time Price(Adult/Child)

Theme

JulySat 2 Remembering the Somme, Somme

Car Park - Clandeyboye10am & 2pm £3 Historical Tour

Sat 2 Kids’ “Sea Creatures” Nature Trail, Millisle Beach

2pm Free Nature Trail

Sun 3 Remembering the Somme, Somme Car Park - Clandeyboye

10am & 2pm £3 Historical Tour

Tues 5 Nautical Past, Belfast Lough 7pm £10 Boat TourWed 6 Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour 6.30pm Free HorticulturalSat 9 Strangford Lough Boat Trip,

Portaferry2pm £8/£4 Boat Tour

Sun 10 Kids’ “Mini-beasts” Nature Trail & Bird Box Making, Crawfordsburn Country Park

10.30am £5 Nature Trail

Thurs 14 Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour 7pm £3 Historical TourThurs 21 Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour 7pm £3 Historical TourSat 23 Kids’ Nature Trail, Castle Park,

Bangor10.30am Free Nature Trail

Sat 23 From an Abbey to a Stately Home Coach Tour

1pm £18/£9 Historical Tour

Sat 23 Nautical Past, Belfast Lough 2pm £10 Boat TourSun 24 Strangford Lough Boat Trip, Portaferry 2pm £8/£4 Boat TourThurs 28 Newtownards Historical Walking

Tour7.00pm £3 Historical Tour

Sat 30 Crawfordsburn & Helen’s Bay Walk 10.30am £3 Historical Tour

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Key

Nature Trails

Historical Walking Tours

Living History Walking Tours

Horticultural Tours

Boat Tours

Tours at a Glance


Date Tour Start Time Price(Adult/Child)

Theme

AugustMon 1 Step Back in Time 2.30pm £5 Historical TourSat 6 Kids’ “Mini-beasts” Nature Trail,

Killynether Wood, Newtownards10.30am Free Nature Trail

Sun 7 Historic Bangor Walk 2.30pm £3 Historical TourWed 10 Kids’ “Sea Creatures” Nature Trail,

Crawfordsburn10.30am14.30pm

Free Nature Trail

Thurs 11 Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour 7pm £3 Historical TourSun 14 Strangford Lough Boat Trip, Portaferry 2pm £8/£4 Boat TourWed 17 Kids’ Nature Trail, Castle Park,

Bangor10.30am Free Nature Trail

Wed 17 Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour 6.30pm Free Horticultural Tour

Thurs 18 Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour 7pm £3 Historical TourSat 20 Nautical Past, Belfast Lough 2pm £10 Boat TourTues 23 Bangor Christian Heritage Walk 2.30pm £3 Historical TourSat 27 Strangford Lough Boat Trip, Portaferry 6.30pm £8/£4 Boat Tour

SeptemberWed 7 Historic Holywood & Ulster Scots

Connections Walk2.30pm £3 Historical Tour

Sat 10 Ulster Scots - Dander Round the Dee 2.30pm £3 Historical TourSat 17 Secrets of a Walled Garden.

Bangor Castle andBallywalter Park11am £25 Historical Tour

Sat 22 Flush Hall Murder Mystery Tour,Newtownards

7.30pm-9pm £6/£4 Historical Tour

OctoberSat 8 Tea with the Lord, Ballywalter Park 1pm £18 Historical TourWed 26 Halloween Walking Tour,

Newtownards 7.30pm £6/£4 Themed Tour

NovemberSat 19 Murder Mystery Night, Somme

Centre, Newtownards7.30pm £18 Themed Tour

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July

NEW Remembering the SommeSaturday 2 July 10am-12.30pm & 2pm-4.30pmSunday 3 July 10am – 12.30pm & 2pm – 4.30pmStep back 100 years to 1916 and the Battle of the Somme. Learn of the gallant contribution of the soldiers from the 36th Ulster Division and follow in their footsteps as you walk through their training camp to Helens Tower.Tickets £3Tour departs from The Somme Centre, 233 Bangor Rd, Newtownards, BT23 7PH

Kids’’ “Sea-Creatures” Nature TrailMillisle BeachSaturday 2 July, 2pm – 4pmJoin local naturalist “Woody” on a beachcombing adventure to uncover the numerous types of sea creatures who live on the shores, see how and where they live and what salty treats they like to eat.Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required)Tour departs from area just in front of public toilets at the Ballywalter Road car park.

Nautical Past Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough Tuesday 5 July 7pm – 8.30pmDiscover the rich nautical history of Belfast Lough, as you head towards Orlock and the Copeland Islands you will learn about the history of the area and its nautical past. Learn more about significant landmarks on the coastline and be sure to look out for the fascinating variety of wildlife.Tickets: £10Tour departs from The Jetty, Pickie Funpark, Bangor, BT20 5AG

Bangor Castle Walled Garden TourWednesday 6 July 6.30pm – 8pmGain an insight into the garden’s history, its restoration and the vast array of plants, fruits and vegetables which are grown there.Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required)Tour departs from the bandstand in the Walled Garden, Bangor, BT20 4UT

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Strangford Lough Boat TourSaturday 9 July 2pm-4pmTake time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough. See where Saint Patrick first came ashore, view landscapes used in Game of Thrones filming and hear of Viking raiders.Tickets: £8 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £4)Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry, BT22 1PE

Kid’s ‘Mini-beasts’ Nature Trail and Bird Box MakingCrawfordsburn Country ParkSunday 10 July 10.30am – 12.30pmJoin local naturalist “Woody” for a creative exploration of Crawfordsburn Country Park. Look out for the ‘mini-beasts’ that make the park their home, find out about the flora and fauna of the park and make your very own bird box to take home.Tickets: £5Tour departs from the Education Centre in Crawfordsburn Country Park, BT19 1JT

Bangor Abbey Graveyard TourThursday 14 & 21 July 7pm – 8pmUncover the history behind Bangor Abbey’s most famous graves and memorials, including a memorial to John Simpson, surgeon on the Titanic and the graves of Archibald Wilson, hanged after the 1798 rebellion and W.G. Lyttle, whose novel “Betsy Gray” captured the spirit of the time.Tickets: £3Tour departs from Bangor Abbey, BT20 4JF

Kids’’ Nature Trail Castle Park, BangorSaturday 23 July, 10.30am – 12.30pmJoin this fascinating interactive nature trail led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and bird expert Dot Blakely, who will teach you all about the natural habitat of the birds and animals who live in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park. Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required)Tour departs from North Down Museum, Bangor, BT20 4BT

From an Abbey to a Stately Home Saturday 23 July 1pm – 4.30pm View one of the finest Georgian country houses in Ireland, the present Grey Abbey House is the third house to be built on the site. A resident will guide you around and join you for tea and scones. You will visit the Cistercian Abbey founded by Lady Affreca, the wife of John DeCourcy.Tickets: £18 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £9)Tour departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre, 31 Regent Street, BT23 4AD

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Nautical Past Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough Saturday 23 July 2pm – 3.30pmDiscover the rich nautical history of Belfast Lough, as you head towards Orlock and the Copeland Islands you will learn about the history of the area and its nautical past. Learn more about significant landmarks on the coastline and be sure to look out for the fascinating variety of wildlife.Tickets: £10Tour departs from The Jetty, Pickie Funpark, Bangor, BT20 5AG

Strangford Lough Boat Tour Sunday 24 July 2pm-4pmTake time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough. See where Saint Patrick first came ashore, view landscapes used in Game of Thrones filming and hear of Viking raiders.Tickets: £8 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £4)Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry, BT22 1PE

Newtownards Historical Walking Tour Thursday 28 July 7.00pm – 8.30pmSituated at the northern end of Strangford Lough, Newtownards has a wealth of historical treasures waiting to be discovered from medieval happenings to Oliver Cromwell’s reign and the 1798 Rebellion. You will find evidence of how some of history’s most notable civilisations including the Normans, Celts and Vikings shaped the town. Tickets: £3Tour departs from the Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP

Crawfordsburn to Helens Bay Walk Saturday 30 July, 10.30am – 12.30pm This walk takes you on a journey through the beautiful village of Crawfordsburn to Helen’s Bay. Hear all about the historic sites, stories and characters that have shaped these villages to the places we know and love today. This tour involves visiting the two villages of Crawfordsburn and Helen’s Bay. Due to the combined walking distance the walk will take place in two parts.Part 1: A walk of Crawfordsburn village before returning to your vehicle and making your way the short distance to Helen’s Bay where part 2 of the tour will continue.Part 2: A walk of Helen’s BayTickets £3Tour departs from Glen Park, car park on Cootehall Road.


Step Back In TimeBangor Monday 1 August, 2.30pm – 4.30pmGain an insight into the history of the Ward Family who built Bangor Castle in 1852 and discover what life was like as a Victorian servant. Take this rare opportunity to tour Bangor Castle and the Walled Garden followed by afternoon tea in Coffee Cure @ The Museum.Tickets: £5Tour departs from North Down Museum, Bangor, BT20 4BT

Kid’s ‘Mini-beasts’ Nature Trail Killynether Wood, NewtownardsSaturday 6 August, 10.30am – 12.30pmJoin local naturalist “Woody” for a creative exploration of Killynether Wood. Look out for the ‘mini-beasts’ that make the wood their home, find out about the flora and fauna.Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required)Tour departs from Killynether Carpark

Historic Bangor Sunday 7 August, 2.30pm – 4.30pmJoin us on a walk through the past discovering Bangor’s varied history, from Bronze Age settlements to Viking invasions and two World Wars, visiting North Down Museum and Bangor Abbey. You may even meet some of

the town’s most famous residents from past times.Tickets: £3Tour departs from Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Tower House, BT20 5ED

Kids’’ “Sea-Creatures” Nature TrailCrawfordsburn Country ParkWednesday 10 August 10.30am – 12noon 2.30pm - 4pmJoin local naturalist “Woody” on a beachcombing adventure to uncover the numerous types of sea creatures who live on the shores of the park, see how and where they live and what salty treats they like to eat.Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required)Tour departs from the Education Centre in Crawfordsburn Country Park, BT19 1JT

Bangor Abbey Graveyard TourThursday 11 August 7pm – 8pmUncover the history behind Bangor Abbey’s most famous graves and memorials, including a memorial to John Simpson, surgeon on the Titanic and the graves of Archibald Wilson, hanged after the 1798 rebellion and W.G. Lyttle, whose novel “Betsy Gray” captured the spirit of the time.Tickets: £3Tour departs from Bangor Abbey, BT20 4JF

August

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Strangford Lough Boat TourSunday 14 August 2pm – 4pmTake time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough. See where Saint Patrick first came ashore, view landscapes used in Game of Thrones filming and hear of Viking raiders.Tickets: £8 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £4)Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry, BT22 1PE

Kids’’ Nature TrailCastle Park, BangorWednesday 17 August 10.30am – 12.30pmJoin this fascinating interactive nature trail led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and bird expert Dot Blakely, who will teach you all about the natural habitat of the birds and animals who live in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park. Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required)Tour departs from North Down Museum, Bangor, BT20 4BT

Bangor Castle Walled Garden TourWednesday 17 August 6.30pm – 8pmThis popular guided tour provides an insight into the garden’s history, its restoration and the vast array of plants, fruits and vegetables which are grown there.Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required)Tour departs from the bandstand in the Walled Garden, Bangor, BT20 4UT

Bangor Abbey Graveyard TourThursday 18 August 7pm – 8pmUncover the history behind Bangor Abbey’s most famous graves and memorials, including a memorial to John Simpson, surgeon on the Titanic and the graves of Archibald Wilson, hanged after the 1798 rebellion and W.G. Lyttle, whose novel “Betsy Gray” captured the spirit of the time.Tickets: £3Tour departs from Bangor Abbey, BT20 4JF

Nautical Past Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough Saturday 20 August 2pm – 3.30pmDiscover the rich nautical history of Belfast Lough, as you head towards Orlock and the Copeland Islands you will learn about the history of the area and its nautical past. Learn more about significant landmarks on the coastline and be sure to look out for the fascinating variety of wildlife.Tickets: £10Tour departs from The Jetty, Pickie Funpark, Bangor, BT20 5AG

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Bangor Christian Heritage WalkTuesday 23 August 2.30pm – 4.30pmTrace the steps of canons, priests and pilgrims in a tour that encompasses visits to Bangor Abbey, St Comgall’s Roman Catholic Church, First Bangor Presbyterian Church and the North Down Museum, where you can explore a life-size reconstruction of a monk’s cell.Tickets: £3Tour departs from Bangor Abbey, BT20 4JF

Strangford Lough Twilight Boat TourSaturday 27 August 6.30pm – 8.30pmEnjoy the colours of the summer evening and take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and soak up the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough on this evening cruise.Tickets: £8 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £4)Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry, BT22 1PE


Historic Holywood and Ulster Scots Walk Wednesday 7 September 2.30pm – 4pmEnjoy an informative stroll through Holywood’s colourful history from the establishment of a monastic settlement on the site of the Old Priory Church to the Motte where King John is said to have spent the night. Learn more about the Praegers’ and Robert Sullivan’s influence on the town and how the Scottish settlers influenced local affairs from architecture to place names.Tickets: £3Tour departs from outside the Maypole Bar, High Street, Holywood, BT18 9AB

Ulster Scots Dander Round the DeeSaturday 10 September 2.30pm - 4pmStep back through the ages as you are lead around the history-rich town of Donaghadee. Discover the stories behind the buildings and hear how Hugh Montgomery and his followers arrived at the harbour in 1606 to help shape present day Donaghadee.Tickets: £3Tour departs Donaghadee Library, BT21 0BL

Secrets of a Walled Garden Saturday 17 September 11am – 5pm Discover the secrets of two wonderful walled gardens and how they provided for gentry in years gone by and are still providing produce today. You will visit Bangor Castle’s Walled garden and hear of the ‘modern’ garden and the produce grown there, then travel back in time and visit the Victorian Walled Garden at Ballywalter Park which is still using Victorian methods to supply produce to the house guests today. Tickets: £25 (includes light lunch) Tour departs from Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Aurora entrance.

Flush Hall Murder Mystery Tour Saturday 22 September 7.30pm – 9pmIn a murder mystery tour with a difference, Valhalla Street Theatre will lead you on an investigation of the true story of young Willie Quinn who was brutally murdered in the grounds of Flush Hall. Become members of the jury as you traverse the streets of Newtownards meeting key witnesses, before moving to the court room where the prosecution and defence barristers will sum up the proceedings, leaving you to decide the fate of the accused! Please bring paper and a pen to note down your verdict.Tickets: £6 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £4)Tour Departs from Ards Art Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

September

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Tea with the Lord Saturday 8 October 1pm – 5pm Embrace this superb opportunity to visit Ballywalter House, the beautiful stately home of the Dunleath family for over 150 years. Become a member of the gentry for the afternoon as the affable Lord Dunleath guides you around his remarkable home and joins you for a chat over tea and cake, in the historic conservatory. Tickets: £18 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £9) includes light refreshmentsTour departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

Halloween Walking TourWednesday 26 October 7.30pm - 9.30pmPrepare to be scared as you uncover the ghostly goings-on of Newtownards. Be on the lookout for other ghosts and ghouls who might sneak up on you during the run up to All Hallows Eve!Tickets: £6 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £4)Tour departs from the Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP

Captain Craig’s Final OrderMurder Mystery at the Somme CentreSaturday 19 November 7.30pm – 10pm One fateful night in November 1917, Captain Alexander gathered his troops around him in a shell-scared trench to inform the men that at daybreak he would issue an order for them to go over the top. Several of his aides’ expressed their dismay as headquarters had instructed them to wait for the arrival of support tanks, but Craig seemed set of seeking personal glory at any cost. Daybreak revealed Captain Craig shot dead in his bunk and a whole squad of suspects who might be responsible for this act of treachery. Join Valhalla Theatre Company in the trenches of the Somme Centre and uncover who killed the Captain.Tickets: £18 (includes light supper) Meet at the Somme Museum, 233 Bangor Rd, Newtownards, BT23 7PH

October November

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www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk

Ards Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent StreetBT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846

Bangor Visitor Information Centre

Tower House, 34 Quay StreetBT20 5EDLocated opposite Bangor Marina

T: 028 9127 0069

Cockle Row Cottages (Seasonal)

Main Street, GroomsportBT19 6GH T: 028 9127 2269

Portaferrry Visitor Information Centre (Seasonal)

The Stables, Castle StreetBT22 1NZ T: 028 4272 9882

Experience Ards and North Down · Except where specified to the contrary, all tours are organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council. ... the 1798 rebellion and W.G. Lyttle, whose

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