Valleyfield Cottage - Stranraer

Fun Days Out

No recommended Fun Days Out found within 30 miles of this property.

Beach

No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.

Biking & Hiking

No recommended Cycling & Hiking found within 30 miles of this property.

Golf & Sports

No recommended Golf & Sporting Activities found within 30 miles of this property.

Nature Reserves

No recommended Nature Reserves found within 30 miles of this property.

Gardens & Woodlands

Logan Botanic Gardens - 17.5 Miles (28 KM)

Logan lies at the South-Western tip of Scotland, and it is unrivalled as the country's most exotic garden. This is a showcase for some truly remarkable flowers.

Galloway Forest Park - 27.3 Miles (43.7 KM)

A beautiful park, in the heart of Galloway Forest. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around this beautiful area or simply sit with a good book and a picnic soaking up the stunning scenery. Alternatively spend some time at the excellent visitor centre and pop in for a warm beverage in the tea room.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden - 29.8 Miles (47.7 KM)

Bangor Castle Walled Garden is highly regarded and recognised for its highly esteemed horticulture, the gardens are located in Castle Park and extend to 2.5 acres. It is a very popular spot owing to its beauty and charm and the peace and tranquillity if offers. The garden is split into four areas each with a different horticulture theme. The gardens date back to the 1840s when they were designed by the Ward family but, were private and open open to the public and deemed to be a secret garden. Haven been taken over by the council and loving restored they were opened for public view from April 2009 and have been an extremely popular attraction since. The gardens hold many awards and you can arrange a formal tour of these beautiful gardens by appointment. The gardens are open daily and there is no charge for entry. When in bloom the gardens are simply sunning, a riot of colour and the most fabulous floral aromas linger in the air. There is a cafe located nearby that serves a good selection of wholesome food that is well priced, the staff are friendly and the cafe is warm and inviting, a nice place to stop for a coffee and a cake after walking the gardens. Bangor Castle Walled Garden are beautiful regardless of the time of year and make for a very pleasant walk in lovely peaceful surroundings.

Castle Park - 29.8 Miles (47.7 KM)

Castle Park is an exquisite park that is conveniently situated in the town of Bangor and plays an important recreational role for the people of Bangor. Extending to acres of beautiful woodland and rolling hills there are numerous walks and trails to enjoy in this oasis of peace and tranquillity. Each season offers different things to see as you stroll around, in addition to the resident squirrels and birds. If you call to the North Down Museum you can obtain a Castle park Nature Trail Guide and follow the routes they have set out. Within the boundaries of the park are the Town Hall located in the stunning Bangor Castle, whilst here take a look at the sundial located in the forecourt it is thought to date to the 8th century and be of monastic origin, also worth a look is the Arboretum found on the south side of the Town Hall, here you will find a lovely collection of mature conifers and deciduous trees. Children love all the open spaces that they can explore, run around in as well as the opportunity to climb trees. The 19th century Walled Garden is also worth a visit whilst here, it is very pretty. The cafe located close to the Walled Garden sells a nice selection of beverages and snacks that are not too expensive. The real attraction of Castle Park is the peace and quiet it offers perfect for those who enjoy walks and lovely scenery.

Local Attractions

Blackhead Path - 26.4 Miles (42.2 KM)

Blackhead Path takes you along a route that extends from Whitehead Boat Club to Sunshine House and is about two to three miles in distance along the Antrim Coast. As you meander along this route you come across beach, coastal and woodland, known as the "Magic Wood" that is home to a variety of wildlife. A particular point of interest along the walk is the Blackhead Lighthouse that is reached by climbing up some steep steps. The remainder of the walk is mixed some sections are pretty level and easy going other areas made up of the craggy coastal path. The area is stunning with some picturesque views out over Bangor and on a clear day you can see for miles with views of the Isle of Man and Scotland. The walk includes some information boards along the way that detail the history of the area and some old photos, that are interesting and informative. Blackhead Path is an ideal walk whatever the weather as it has a number of shelters along the route where you can take cover, it also has lots of local wildlife to see and if you look out over the sea you might see a dolphin, a walk with lovely views that everyone can enjoy.

The Gallery Whitehead - 26.5 Miles (42.4 KM)

The Gallery is located on the ground floor of a delightful Edwardian home within the conservation area of Whitehead. It is an unusual environment but works very well, the gallery sits well amongst the grace and charm of the house. The Gallery houses the work of the owner a talented artist who specialises in contemporary and abstract work and two rooms of the house are used to display her work. The Conservatory Gallery exhibition space is allotted to other artists with a different artist on show each month, so it is a continually changing exhibition of works. Open daily from 12.00pm to 5.00pm. There is also the opportunity to have a tour of this lovely house for a small charge of €4 per person, tours can be arranged by email or via their Facebook page, full details are on the website. All art on display is available for sale and there is always a great variety of art on sale covering a vast range of styles and subjects. If in the area do call in to see what is on show you won't be disappointed by the great works or the lovely gallery.

Brown's Bay - 26.6 Miles (42.6 KM)

Brown's Bay Beach extends to 300 metres and is lined with rocks and loose boulders but is mainly sandy. The beach is vast, both long and wide, it is a quiet and peaceful spot and is found at the northern end of Islandmagee and enjoys a rural setting that gives an escape from the hustle and bustle of it all. You get the most fabulous views out across the horizon where you can see five headlands that stretch up along the Antrim coast. The beach is clean and has public toilets that are also clean. It is perfect for swimming in as the waters tend to be calm and are quite shallow. At times you can spot jellyfish here, examine the rock pools and possibly see seals in the waters.  There are nice coastal walks that you can take from here. Although it is popular on a nice day it never gets overcrowded. There is a shop located just along the road where you can buy refreshments. Brown's Bay Beach is a perfect day out for all, families can enjoy the amenities here and everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, it is a heavenly place, that has won the Seaside Rural Award.

Whitehead Public Library - 26.7 Miles (42.7 KM)

Whitehead Public Library is located in Whitehead, Antrim, it is a bright and modern building that houses a vast and varied collection of books, media items, research items as well as equipment available for your use. The library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.00am closing times vary so best to check the website. They also organise a number of literary and fun events, as well as focusing on historic events that are aimed at the local community and all ages again all details are on the website. It has a lovely welcoming atmosphere and the staff are great, really friendly and helpful. You don't have to be a member to get involved with the events and activities they are available to everyone.

The Bank House - 26.7 Miles (42.7 KM)

The Bank House is located in a classic historic building that once served as a bank, within the centre of the charming and quaint village of Whitehead. It is home a delightful variety and selection of local art and artisan crafts as well as items of stationery and basketry, paintings, ceramics and much more. It also serves as a gallery and has a good selection of works by local artists.  The goods are high quality and there are many unusual and and quirky items for sale, you are sure to find something to appeal to all tastes here. It is well laid out and all items are clearly displayed. The store opens Monday through to Saturday from 9.30 am till 5.30pm with late night opening on a Thursday. There is a lovely coffee shop where you can relax with a nice beverage and one of the delicious cakes they sell, so tasty! They organise a range of different events and classes making it a real part of the community. The Bank House has a lovely welcoming atmosphere and the staff are so friendly and helpful too. The Bank House has lots to offer and should not be missed if you are in the area lots to see and even get involved with a real gem of a shop.
 

Pickie Family Fun Park - 29.4 Miles (47 KM)

Pickie Family Fun park is a well established family attraction in the town of Bangor, next to the Marina. It is in the process of undergoing a big renovation project to improve its facilities. There is lots to keep the whole family entertained here with a Kid's Electric Car Track, Pedalo Swans, Disco Ducks, 18 Hole Links Mini Golf, Water Walkers, Narrow Gauge Railway, Play Park, Splash Pads, some of the attractions are free and others incur a cost. You can also avail of the delightful coastal walk that can be accessed from the park it extends from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east where, you will take in coastline and parkland, you might even see some grey seals frolicking in the waves, a lovely walk on a dry day. The park is open Saturday and Sunday from 9.00am through to 4.00pm, there are a number of family pass options and special offers available so it is worth checking the website for these deals. There is a cafe that is warm and comfy and it serves a nice selection of hot and cold meals and accompanying beverages, the food is tasty and home cooked and offers excellent value. Pickie Family Fun Park makes for a great day out for everyone and with its free attractions doesn't have to be expensive, definitely worth a visit if you are in the area and should also look at taking the walk along the coast.

Historical & Heritage Sites

Steam Train Rides - 29.2 Miles (46.7 KM)

Steam Train Rides are located at Whitehead Excursion Station, being the home of RPSI, Ireland's last existing mainline steam engineering depot. This is where all the locomotives and carriages associated with the RPSI's Northern Ireland stock are housed. In addition it is where all repair and maintenance work is carried out as well. Located here is a station building, a platform and a short running line for the purpose of shunting stock and public presentations. Located in the station is a small shop but this only opens on Summer Steam days, it sells a nice selection of railway themed souvenirs. Past the station are the sheds that keep the engineering equipment and everything else necessary to keep Irelands mainline steam fleet trains, as well as cranes and engines. RPSI do a fantastic job in keeping these wonderful machines working and operating. A ride on one of these gorgeous trains will take many on a trip down memory lane, with the lovely clunk sound the doors make when they close, the old style carriages and windows are lovely, with all the rich wood and the noise the steam makes is wonderful, not the mention the sound of the whistle, for younger visitors it a unique and new experience. The cost to take a steam train ride is very reasonable, great value for money. They operate special local as well as all over the island of Ireland tours, so there is a trip to suit everyone. In addition they run special days throughout the year and it is definitely worth keeping an eye out for these on their website, especially if you have children whether or not they are interested in trains, there is loads to amuse and entertain them. The staff throughout are amazing, so friendly, helpful and knowledge, they really enhance the whole experience and they are all volunteers. Whatever your age or interest you can't help but enjoy a trip on a steam train as the thunders down the tracks, it is a relaxing and mesmeric experience. 

Tower House - 29.4 Miles (47 KM)

Tower House is a 17th century tower that together with the connected Tower House serves as Bangors's Tourist Information Centre, it is located on the seafront. The building has a long and varied history, it was first built in 1637 to serve as a Custom House and is an unusual design for the region, it has had many purposes over the years but is now protected and serves as a reminder of the town's sea-faring history. It is a lovely building that has been well preserved and makes for a great photo opportunity. The tourist centre is open daily except during the winter season when it is closed on a Sunday, you will find the staff to be friendly and helpful and will be able to get all the information you need on the town and local area.

North Down Heritage Centre - 29.8 Miles (47.7 KM)

North Down Heritage Centre is a compact museum but has managed to pack a lot into it. The museum is easily located in Castle Park in an old stable block, it covers the history of the Bronze age through to the current day, through a series of rooms. There is is a vast collection of items and artefacts, pictures and photos and lots more covering all eras of history, there are permanent as well as temporary exhibits. Some of the items of particular importance here are the Bronze Age Ballycroghan Swords, the Bangor Bell and the Raven Maps, the sole entire folio of Plantation time maps in Ireland. The exhibits are well displayed and very informative. Another attraction is the little cinema that shows films of Bangor during the 40's and 50's, very interesting. The museum is open Tuesday through to Sunday, as well as bank holiday Mondays and all Mondays in July and August, there is no charge for entry and it is accessible to all. There is a Museum Shop that sells a nice range of gifts, toys and souvenirs as well as a choice of books covering local history. The Museum Cafe is warm and comfy and serves a great selection of beverages as well as lunches and snacks, homemade and well priced. The staff are lovely, really friendly and helpful and happy to impart their knowledge about the museum and local points of interest etc. North Downs Heritage Centre is a terrific little museum, it holds loads of interesting items and information and certainly worth a visit.

U.S. Rangers Centre - 29.8 Miles (47.7 KM)

Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Centre is located in a traditional thatched Ulster-Scots farmhouse that was constructed in the 1750's and is ideally situated close to the picturesque town of Boneybefore. The cottage itself is unique in that it was one of twelve of these style of cottage built at this time and was occupied by the same family until 1979, they came here from Scotland. Today the cottage has been sympathetically renovated to its original state complete with traditional features such as open fireplace, wattle and daub walls and hanging crane and has simple but again traditional furnishings. The house comprises of two rooms set up historically and the third room has a video presentation. The centre serves to focus on the life of Andrew Jackson who was the 7th president of the United States of America, his parents emigrated from the area in 1765. You will find a notable collection on his life and career. In the ground of the cottage you will find the US Rangers Centre, a museum devoted to the men of the first battalions of the exclusive American Army Unit the US Rangers a unit that were based here in 1942 during WWII. There are a number of displays that consist of documents, uniforms and photographs as well as other material relevant to this renowned combat unit. There is no admittance charge to this lovely attraction. The guides are in costume, are very friendly and knowledgeable and will happily explain the items on display and answer any questions that you might have. The cottage only opens at certain times so best to check the website or call in advance to arrange an appointment to see the cottage. A charming and interesting way to see the history of this battalion and the humble beginnings of an American president.