Newtownards

Travel Guide

Mount Stewart House and Gardens showing heritage architecture, a house and a garden
Newtownards
Newtownards
Mount Stewart House and Gardens featuring autumn leaves and forest scenes
Newtownards

Newtownards Travel Guide Video

Newtownards is a largetown based on the Ards peninsula in Northern Ireland. The fact that it is only10 miles from Belfast,with its two airports and lively cultural scene, makes it a highly convenientdestination for visitors from all over the UK and the rest of the world.

StrangfordLough

Even more appealing than the simple convenience ofits location, however, is the fact that it is also based at the most northerntip of Strangford Lough. This is the largest inletor sea lough in Britain, being linked to the rest of the Irish Sea by just anarrow channel. Its 150 square kilometres of water are home to over 70 islandsand its waters, bays and mud flats play host to a dazzling range of flora andfauna.

The natural diversity of the lough is such that itwas chosen as Northern Irelands first Marine Conservation Zone in 2013. Manysea birds migrate to and from the lough, and its waters are also home toanimals as diverse as basking sharks, common seals and Brent Geese.

Things todo in Newtownard

The shores of Strangford Lough form a naturalplayground for any visitors to Newtownard,offering facilities and activities which can be enjoyed indoors or out, nomatter what the weather. The waters of the lough itself are the most obviouschoice, of course, allowing visitors to take part in activities such assailing, diving and kayaking, with equipment and instruction on hand from a localadventure centre. For those keen on heading out alone, there are alsospecifically marked ‘canoe trails’ and a Strangford Lough Activity Map producedby the Ordinance Survey of Northern Ireland.

To the west of Newtownards,in Scrabo County Park, you’ll find Scrabo Tower, a 125 foot high turreted towerwhich was originally built in 1857. From the car park below you can walk up tothe top of the hill, where the tower is positioned, and mount the steps up tothe top floor to take in stunning views for miles in all directions. Havingconquered the tower, you can then explore the surrounding country park, enjoyingthe rural tranquillity of the woodland walks and disused quarries.

Places to Visitin Newtownards

Slightly to the north of the town itself you’llfind the SommeHeritage Centre, a unique visitor attraction which conveys thereality of the First World War and, in particular, the impact it had on theIrish divisions involved.

Those interested in music will simply have to fitin a visit to the Avalon Guitar workshop. Favoured by artists such as BruceSpringsteen, David Grey and Katie Melua, these are some of the finest handcrafted musical instruments in the world. Book a tour in advance and you’ll getto watch master craftspeople creating highly sought after artifacts beforerelaxing in the guitar lounge and even having a go at playing one of theguitars yourself.

Shoppingand Staying in Newtownards

From the shops in the centre of the town to theindependent craftspeople that have based their studios around the shores ofStrangford Lough, you’ll be able to commemorate your stay in Newtownardsby taking home gifts and souvenirs unique to this beautiful part of the world.

   

Where to stay in Newtownards

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Ballygowan

While Ballygowan isn't home to many top sights, Balmoral Golf Club and Rockmount Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ballygowan
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Moneyreagh

Moneyreagh is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Newtownards area, you might plan a trip to Dundonald International Ice Bowl or Ravenhill Stadium.

Moneyreagh
Strangford Arms Hotel Newtownards
Strangford Arms Hotel Newtownards
3 out of 5
92 Church Street, Newtownards, Northern Ireland
The price is S$186 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$186
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Newtownards. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (183 reviews)
"Staff at reception were more than helpfull"

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Strangford Arms Hotel Newtownards
La Mon Hotel And Country Club
La Mon Hotel And Country Club
4 out of 5
41 Gransha Road, Castlereagh, Newtownards, Northern Ireland
The price is S$226 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$226
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Newtownards. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (528 reviews)
Excellent family overnight stay
"Excellent stay for my daughter’s birthday. Staff were friendly and professional, but also made a fuss of the children and made them feel special, which was just lovely, especially for the birthday girl! Hotel was clean throughout, comfortable bed, bathroom was spotless, breakfast and dinner were ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

La Mon Hotel And Country Club
room2 Belfast Hometel
room2 Belfast Hometel
4 out of 5
32-36 Queen Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The price is S$200 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
S$200
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (759 reviews)
"Flint let the pictures fool you. This hotel is brand new - hip, modern, and eco-conscious. Loved the large room and large bathroom. Food was better than average in the cafe."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

room2 Belfast Hometel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
4 bed House - Private Garden - Free Parking
4 bed House - Private Garden - Free Parking
2 out of 5
Newtownards
Stay at this residence in Newtownards. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Scrabo Tower and Dundonald International Ice Bowl are ...
4 bed House - Private Garden - Free Parking
The Ulsterville Residences
The Ulsterville Residences
3 out of 5
56 Ulsterville Avenue Lisburn road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and Windsor Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"The property was beautiful, and had everything we needed for our family of 4. Communication was excellent. Would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

The Ulsterville Residences
Cordia Serviced Apartments
Cordia Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
Lisburn Road,355-367, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (174 reviews)
"Great apartment, clean, spacious, right next door to Tescos, 1 minute walk to the bus stop for transpirt direct to the city. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 13 Jun, 2025

Cordia Serviced Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Newtownards

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice women

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A good hub to have if your planning to visit Belfast, Bagor or lisburn.