One of my favourite spots for a walk. Seapark is great as it offers a lovely park in and of itself…read morewith play facilities for kids as well as parking (limited when it gets really busy) and can also be used as the starting point for long costal walks. it also offers one of the best seaside views of Belfast Loch and it is good to see the big ships coming and going from the Harbour. On warmer days there is often a decent ice-cream van there too.

Seapark is a hidden jewel in the North Down crown. The North Down coast is not lacking beauty spots…read morebut Seapark is right up there with the best. On a sunny the day the views over Belfast Lough are unbeatable. The park itself is a 5 minute walk from Holywood High Street and local amenities but you'd think it was a million miles away due to its tranquility. The park facilities include a huge grassy area ideal for summer BBQ's and walking dogs. There's also a refurbished play park, which is always a hit with kids. On a summers day an ice cream van will park up in Seapark and you'll be able to grab yourself a snack in between playing. Seapark is also the beginning of the National Trust North Down Coastal Path that snakes along the coast all the way to Groomsport. If you fancy a walk or cycle on a nice day then look no further than the coastal path. At every corner you'll be hit with stunning beauty and culture (Grey Point Lookout). This is a popular route for dog walkers and you'll often see friendly pooches off their leads, so if you have little ones with you keep them close especially if they are a little bit sheepish around dogs.

Love the atmosphere, and you can see they are trying hard. Staff very attentive. Food is just a…read morelittle short of the mark that the previous owners set. Keep working at it... Menu could be a little better

We recently joined the National Trust in order to get in to some of the country's best parks and…read moregardens but after a walk at Crawfordsburn and down the North Down coast we began to question why, especially with scenery like this on our doorstep. Around 15 minutes from central Belfast and the same from Bangor Town Centre Crawfordsburn really is as convenient as they come! Dog walkers, day trippers and joggers come here in their droves and I don't blame them because there's something for everyone. There's lovely woodland walks through the park itself, a beautiful beach with a large grassy area for picnics and a walk along the coast with views over to Carrickfergus and beyond on a clear day. Yesterday was one of those majestic days at Crawfordsburn where the spring sunshine shimmered on Belfast lough reflecting a warm glow of happiness throughout the whole park! We decided on the coastal walk as we had Ted (our dog) with us. We walked all the way from the park itself to past Carnalea Golf Course, this walk winds all the way up the coast. There's plenty of benches to to stop at and plenty of places for you to get a photo of Belfast Lough in all it's glory (as you've probably seen from my uploads). The park itself has seen a good bit of investment recently with new picnic tables being installed and the welcome addition of a play area that doubles as a nature reserve. There's toilet facilities and plenty of parking (at least 3 car parks). Yesterday there was an ice cream van parked on the grassy area by the beach but he only comes out when the sun is shining. All in all this is a fantastic place for a walk on a sunny day, beware of summer bank holidays as it's known for drinking but otherwise it's a wholesome day out for everyone with loads to see and do!

Spent this morning at Millisle Beach Park and have to say I was thoroughly impressed. Amazing views…read moreof the water for us adults whilst also providing an abundance of fun for the kids. The pirate ship was a huge hit and while my 2 year old nephew was far too small for it, apparently just standing on it and turning the steering wheel provides ample entertainment. They also have two play park areas, one for older children and a great one for the younger. It was quite quiet so there was no fighting over the play area or swings. In addition, they have a full seat swing for children with disabilities which I thought was a great touch and I'm sure will be greatly appreciated by those who require it. Bring your own ball and you can use the dedicated football area. As an adult I would have loved a coffee to make this a top notch destination. Fingers crossed.

Way back in 2010 I was maybe a little bit harsh on Millisle beach park. Now I'm 28 I have started…read moreto appreciate scenery a whole lot more and there's not many places as scenic as Millisle beach. The beach itself stretches about 3 miles (when the tide is out) and makes a great place to walk the dog. You can let your dog off the lead here too, which they always love. The council have recently put some cash dollar in to a community garden and they are in the process of building a new drainage system. There's a nice play park too with a big pirate ship that lets kids keep watch for pirates sailing in the Irish Sea. With plenty of parking and great views it really does make for a nice walk even on a blustery autumn afternoon.

I have many very happy memories from sunny childhood days spent at Brown's Bay. A short drive from…read morewhere I live, and at the very end of the Islandmagee peninsula, just outside Larne, it makes for an enjoyable and leisurely drive to get there. The site itself has two car parks (side by side) allowing for parking for approximately 150 cars, with some on-road parking available too. There are onsite loos with disabled a baby changing facilities, and there is also a small shop which is open on a part-time basis and sells essentials, such as the bucket and spade! The beach itself is clean and tidy, with lots of public bins available to keep it that way! The view from the beach provides stunning views across the Atlantic Ocean!

Lovely little beach at the end of the peninsula know as Islandmagee, very clean and tidy. Great…read morespot with a lot of history. If you head down here there is Plenty of parking and a great clean toilet block.

I live only a stones throw away from this beautiful park and so I've many great memories from my…read morechildhood of running around in the summer sun playing chasies on the grass, sledding down the snow covered hills during the chilly Winter months or kicking up the leaves on a beautiful Autumns evening. It's a brilliant place to take a walk to clear your head, I've done that only a few thousand times. It's great for somewhere to bring your dog (but clean up any mess, there's a number of special bins for this purpose) or come on a Sunday if you fancy a quick stroll along the sea front, though beware you'll be joining the masses. The path leads from Carrick to Whiteabbey to Hazelbank then you can follow the brilliant new cycle path all the way in to Belfast. Either follow the winding path or stroll along the sandy beaches where you'll often find some intriguing driftwood or some interesting shells. (I love doing this!) There's a new mural on the walls of the tunnels (at the exits leading to Gideons Green or to the Shore Road) that was done recently by a local artist called Michael Dunn and depicts various events and locations around the area, such as the Belfast marathon which follows this route. These tunnels used to be covered in some nasty graffiti from local kids thinking they're funny, so it's great now to see this space being used for some proper art work. Have a look at my pictures to see the mural.

We live close to this amazing park, so we have a chance to spend time here often. Hazelbank is…read moregreat for walking and playing with your dog, there is a children's play area for the kids, many picnic tables and big grass fields as well as outside gym equipment and huge car park. Usually there is an ice cream van as well to treat yourself :) Was in the park in the last few days, the number of pokemon go players are shocking, there are several pokestops so they are sitting in the car and keep collecting the balls & eggs etc. you will see all generations walking there like zombies looking at their phones trying to catch all the pokemons. If you are playing as well, visit the park, Im sure you wont go home without some rare creatures.

Sometimes, Mother Nature just does us all a favor. That could be said about Peel Beach, a long…read morestretch of golden sand curving along Peel Harbor from the castle, down the Shore Road promenade and Marine Parade for about a half mile. On a sunny day, it reminds me a lot of the beach towns of Blackpool, Lytham-St. Annes, and Portsmouth ... a lot of people, a lot of nice beach, a lot of touristy kiosks and ice creameries. It's a nice little jaunt and the the water's a little more warm than in other places on the Isle of Man. Would I swim in it? Mmm, that's a judgement call, but it's still chilly (andif you've got a suit on and see a 4-7 year-olds splashing around, your machismo or basic pride may not allow you to make an excuse for staying on land ). The best part is the sunset which, at least the time of year we were there, passed right down over Peel Castle.

Gorgeous weekend destination with lots to do and see in the downtown area and the outskirts. Plan a…read moresummer getaway here and include taking in the lough, beaches, castle and monastery ruins, downtown area, restaurants featuring oysters, and overall natural beauty!

The Commons is anything but common, it is in fact a rarity, to have such public beauty and sports…read morefacilities so close to the sea is special. The Commons is a public park located on the Shore Road between Donaghadee and Millisle. Its facilities include two Astroturf tennis courts and a grass bowling green. These are accompanied by a clubhouse that overlooks the Irish Sea. As mentioned it is unusual to have such facilities on the waters edge. Serving Aces is not easy when the gusts fly in from the ocean. But in the sun the bowling green is packed with eager sports people urging the salt water to preserve their youth and it looks like it is working. The public park has scenic walkways and is suitable for a morning jog or a long stroll with mans best friend. The beach at the commons is a mix of sand and shale's, not really and ideal place to lay a beach towel but perfect for an amble. The Commons is glorious in the summer and equally spectacular when the winter waves thrash against the rocky coast. Beautifully maintained by the local council it really is something to be proud of.

Donaghadee Commons is a fantastic place to stroll and enjoy the beautiful coastline and the…read morepanoramic views across the Irish Sea. On a clear day and weather permitting it is quite easy to distinguish the Scottish Coast line with its rugged mountain range. The area is well maintained with walking areas suitable for all so that it is accessible for families with prams or for wheelchair users. Among its amenities is a play park for the young and Tennis courts and bowling club for enthusiasts. In the summer months it is a popular place for picnicking and all year round it is a pleasant place to take that blow the cobwebs away jaunt! There is access from the Millisle Road for vehicles with parking space and there are also parking bays and facilities for camper vans, which makes it an ideal place for tourists exploring the North Down Coast. This is a place close to my heart and anyone who has an affinity for the sea with it's ever changing moods will love a stroll along the commons.

An absolutely class park. You feel like you're not in Northern Ireland, that's because the…read morefacilities are so good - you have an outdoor gym, a kids play park and a fully equipped cafe - not to mention an enclosed caravan park. The walk itself is short, it stretches around 2km perfect for walking a tiny dog. The views are fantastic, you can look over Belfast lough at North Down and on a clear day you can pick out individual buildings. There's plenty of informational signs at Loughshore explaining the different wildlife one might expect to see at the park. One criticism would be the amount of litter on the beach area of the park, obviously there's nothing they can do of people choose to chuck their empty beer cans on the beach but perhaps it could be better enforced! All in all a great park, a lovely fresh walk with great faciliti

This is a nice place for a stroll along the shore. The terrain is flat and suitable for prams and…read morewheelchairs etc. It's quite a short walk and has a few benches along the way to rest and take in the views of Belfast Lough. Theres also a lovely little coffee shop beside a large kids play area. The play area was packed with some very happy kids so it definitely must be a thumbs up. Theres a large parking area and a separate caravan park nearby. Worth a little stop off if you've an extra half an hour.