Inch Abbey Station Picnic Area

The ruins of Inch Abbey sit just outside Downpatrick, and the picnic area here gives you a proper excuse to stop and eat lunch while actually looking at something worth your time. It's a straightforward spot - grassy grounds with the weathered stone remains of a medieval abbey in the background, the kind of place where you can unpack sandwiches and let the kids run around without worrying they'll disappear. The abbey itself dates back to the 12th century, so there's a bit of history soaking into your cheese toastie whether you're interested or not.

Who'll get the most from it? Families with primary-school-age children will find enough room to move about, though don't expect facilities beyond a car park and grass. History enthusiasts might spend an hour poking around the ruins, but casual visitors will be done in thirty minutes. It's free, and you can rock up whenever - this isn't the sort of place with gates and opening times.

The real value comes if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks. Buckshill, Delamont, or Edgewater are all within striking distance, and Inch Abbey works as a half-hour diversion on the way to or from Downpatrick proper. It breaks up a day in the caravan without demanding much commitment. On a decent day it's pleasant enough; in drizzle it's just damp grass and old stones. Bring a picnic blanket and low expectations, and you won't be disappointed.