Ballyvester Beach Park & Garden

The strand at Ballyvester is one of those quiet corners of County Down that doesn't shout about itself. You get a proper beach - wide, sandy, backed by dunes - plus a small nature reserve and garden that's genuinely worth a potter. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think, unlike the busier Ards Peninsula spots.

What you're really getting here is space to breathe. Walk the beach itself, which stretches nicely when the tide's out, or explore the garden and reserve bit behind. The dunes have natural planting - marram grass, coastal flowers - and if you're into birds or just want to spot what's about, there's proper habitat here. An hour's wandering covers it comfortably, though you could easily spend longer with a picnic and a book.

This suits families who want somewhere less hectic than the standard seaside spots, and walkers will appreciate the natural approach rather than manicured paths. History types won't find much backstory here, but that's not really the point.

Newtownards is your nearest town for supplies and a cuppa after. If you're based at Dunroamin just over in Millisle - barely two miles away - this makes a lovely morning or afternoon break from the caravan. Sandycove, further along toward Donaghadee, is also within easy reach. No facilities right at the beach itself, so come prepared. It's free, naturally, and worth the short drive from wherever you're staying on the peninsula.