This is one of a chain of surf, skate and mountain gear shops in Northern Ireland and has been an…read moreabsolute fixture in Bangor's Main Street since I was in my teens. You can pick up clothes, as well as all sorts of gear and hardware that you will need for a sporting weekend that extends beyond a game of squash or a kickabout in the park. The staff in here are absolutely brilliant. They have been running the shop for years and really, really know whats what. They're inviting, friendly, enthusiastic and so well informed that they can help you with any questions you may need. There is no need to be intimidated or put off if you are a beginner, as can be the case in these kind of places. Top stuff.

You won't be too shocked to hear that Surf Mountain sells all you could need to go surfing or climb…read moreup a mountain. Now the first I find quite appealing, but why, why, why do people climb mountains? Why not just look at pictures of mountains in a book or go for a gentle stroll around the block? Anyway, if you really need feel the need, Surf Mountain will kit you up for exploring the great outdoors. Boots, coats, camping equipment and proper hiking clothing and gadgets and stuff to keep you safe, and all from reliable brands like North Face and Jack Wolfskin. The husband always insists on browsing round this section, god knows why. Then there's all the surfing stuff which my kids love and which even I like. Swimwear, hoodies, boards, accessories from labels like Billabong, Animal and Silva. Nice trendy stuff which you can wear even if you don't plan on going near a beach or a wave any time soon.

Yet another outdoor retailer though it is, I've taken a huge fancy to Cotwold because there are a…read morefew surprises that make it a bit different. First, the waterproof luggage bags, just the thing for when you bag falls into a river in Outer Mongolia or whereever. It happens, though if you think you'd feel silly at the airport with one of those there are the usual nylon ones and a range of rucksacks. For winter trips, there are some lovely fur lined boots for women, an item which can be hard to find in this country, so I hope they continue to stock them for when I (hopefully) go somewhere snowy. Third, there's a selection of travel books and maps, with armchairs to sit at when you're tired looking at those bags and boots. For me, it's hard to resist a travel book so I bought one of the latest ones on Russia, just to prepare for that winter trip. Otherwise, there are the usual tents, torches, coats, fleeces and sleeping bags. I didn't look at those so closely, but no doubt I will because Cotswold well placed for regular visits as it's just before the entrance to the Victoria Centre.

This is a recent edition to the usual crop of outdoor retailers in the city, Millets and Tiso being…read morethe other big two. I don't really go camping very often and usually it's something festival related when I do. I was after a back pack, something fairly small just to keep the usual items in. I had a wander around and it was more of the same. Lots of tents, mainly aimed at the higher end of the market, all weather gear, torches and water proof clothing. Didn't make a purchase but prices seemed quite good in comparison with other retailers so well worth a try.

I was a skateboarder in my younger days and after I have had a few drinks I would go so far as to…read moresay that I was one of the first guys to skateboard in town. There was the Surf Mountain guys who were a bit older and skater before us but me and my friends were the first to skate down at the McKee clock and I therefor apologise to everyone and anyone who was annoyed my the drones of young kids who pretty much infested the surrounding area in the early 2000s. I kind of know what to expect from skate shops and Loko is pretty standard in my experience. You can get a good selection of quality hardware from decks to wheels and trucks. It has all the brands you could need (I won't bother mentioning them because its only if you are a skater that you would understand), and you won't be overcharged. The clothes are pretty pricey but that has always been the way. If you are a skater I would advise you to order from HSC or from online but if you want the stuff in your hands there and then you can't be bad to this place.

This is another one of those shops in Bangor that is inhabited by moody teenagers that think they…read morehave been there and done it. Loko also has that horrible smell of the great unwashed but that isn't the shop that is just the clientele. Loko sells all thing to do with skateboarding, decks, wheels, bearings and trucks. If that means nothing to you then you probably wont like Loko. Loko also sells clothes for skaters and to be honest it is the type of shop I would have loved when I was 14. At Christmas I went in to buy my nephew a present, I stupidly told him that he could choose his own. He picked up a jumper like the one Dennis the Menace would wear only with a look of vintage. I was happy with this as I thought it would make it cheap. But how wrong I was, the jumper cost £55. This was a little bit of a shock to me but my nephew confirmed that around £50 was the going rate in Loko. Luckily they accept visa cards so I was left standing embarrassed at the counter. The staff have the patience of saints to put up with teenagers all day. I found them really helpful and even managed to have some banter while waiting for my card payment to clear.

Ok, so first up I don't own a boat and I don't have any intention of going to sea just yet. What…read morewas I doing in a sailboats shop I hear you ask? Well I was on a mission, a mission to get my sister in laws work colleague a gift voucher. I got assigned this mission due to my living quarters being close to Mccready's. Living close by I have walked by loads of times, there's always people tinkering with small sail boats in the front yard but I had never actually been inside the shop. I was surprised when I walked in and saw how many products were on sale. They have everything from wetsuits, full boats and sailing fashion (yes, that's a thing - never visited North Down?). The staff were friendly - they probably knew I wasn't a sailor due to my lack of striped top yet they were able to help me get a gift voucher. If you're shopping for for any nautical fanatic them it's best to pay Mccready's a visit, I'm not aware of any other stores in the region that have as much choice.

Conveniently located on Arthur's Street Trespass is the go to place if you're planning a camping or…read moreoutdoorsy trip. They sell everything from walking boots to board shorts. The staff are great - I popped in for a look and they were straight over to see if they could assist me in any way. It really seems that people are becoming more active and really embracing the country side so shops like this are seeing a huge upturn. Trespass often have great sales on so if you are after something in particular keep an eye out and you might bag a bargain. When looking at their shoes I noticed that they were actually quote expensive in comparison to other shops and online. Overall Trespass is A-OK. Good for outdoorsy stuff and a great place to go in and have a look round if you are planning an excursion.

Located within Holywood Exchange retail park, Decathlon is the cheapest sports shop (warehouse)…read morearound. No matter what you're looking for Decathlon will have it. They have everything from Canoes to Dart Boards. Often with cheaper sports shops you sacrifice quality for price but this is not the case at Decathlon. They sell their own brand items called Kipsta and I must say that these aren't great quality but likewise they sell big name brands like Nike and Adidas at a lower price than other High Street stores. This Decathlon is huge - you could spend a full afternoon here wandering through the isles. I would make a list of what you want before visiting or else you'll come out with a new home gym and nowhere to put it. Great parking is also available - really handy if you are buying a bigger item and need to cart to the car.

Massive store and very tempting. You go in looking for one item and end up coming out with half a…read moredozen other things. They have equipment for every sport that you could think of racket sports, Kites, windsurfing, swimming, running, horse riding, boxing, biking etc etc I have bought many items from decathlon and found the quality good enough and all at very reasonable prices. I have bought cycling helmets, gloves, goggles, clothing and ski equipment, many big name brands are available and at better prices than other sports stores. They have a loyalty card scheme too.

Probably some of the worst customer service I've ever experienced was in this shop last week. There…read morewere two staff members on and one was constantly on the phone whilst the other was in a world of their own wandering around. I waited 15 minutes to pay for my items and wasn't even acknowledged as the one staff member who could work the till was still on the phone. Unfortunately I really needed the items otherwise I would have just left so instead I took another dander round the shop. I returned after 5minutes and the girl was still on the phone but finished the call after a few minutes. Instead of apologising for the wait she turned to the other staff member and proceeded to complain about whoever she had just spoken to on the phone. She then picked up her own mobile and began scrolling on it with her back to me. After a few minutes she then turned and asked if I was being served?! At this point I was pretty irrate and informed her I'd been waiting ages to which I got no response. She scanned my items and I left without any apology. Definitely won't go back here despite it being well stocked and having pretty reasonable prices.

Really love this shop!!!! The staff really know their stuff,…read moreeven the part-time staff are great. So helpful and thet keep a great rannge of stuff for quite a small unit. Good Job!!!

I tend to take a day out every now and then, drive down to Newcastle and spend a few relaxing hours…read morewalking up hills in the Mournes. Just about all of the gear I have - waterproof coats and trousers, gaiters, socks and my beloved Airtrek hiking boots - have been purchased in Millets. At first impression, the stuff you're looking for might seem to be on the pricey side, but you should know that I bought my boots about a decade ago and they're still going strong. Yes, I treat the leather (with a cream purchased in Millets) after every time they are used, but I paid a mere £80 for them a long time ago and they're going to do me for ages yet. In fact, I don't even have to purchase stuff in Millets that often because everything lasts so long; I just find it a pleasant shop to have a nosy around in.