Donaghadee Harbour

The harbour at Donaghadee is one of those places that rewards a proper wander - the sort of spot where you can easily lose an hour just watching the light change on the water. It's a working fishing village with genuine character, not the sort of twee seaside postcard you get everywhere else. The harbour itself is the draw: a solid stone pier dating back centuries, fishing boats coming and going, and a real sense that this is a place where people actually work rather than perform for tourists.

You'll spend your time here wandering the waterfront, watching the boats, and grabbing a bite at one of the cafes facing the water. The views across the lough are decent, and on a clear day you can see across to Scotland. It's the kind of place that works brilliantly if you're based at one of the nearby parks - Dunroamin Caravan Park in Millisle is barely 3 miles away, and Sandycove is just a touch further. Perfect for a morning visit before heading elsewhere, or an evening stroll when the light gets golden.

Families won't find rides or attractions here, but kids who like messing about near water generally enjoy it. Walkers will appreciate the coastal paths branching off in both directions. The whole thing is free - you're just soaking up the atmosphere, really. It's quintessentially Northern Ireland coast: working, unpretentious, and all the better for it. Newtownards is your nearest proper town if you need shops or services.