National Trust Orlock Point

The walk out to Orlock Point rewards you with one of the best coastal vistas in County Down - that's if you time it right and the weather cooperates. This National Trust stretch of coastline near Newtownards gives proper dramatic views across Belfast Lough towards the County Antrim shore, with the Copeland Islands punctuating the horizon on clear days.

It's a straightforward coastal ramble rather than a formal attraction with facilities. Most people allow 90 minutes to two hours to walk out, stand about for photos, and amble back. The path itself is well-maintained underfoot, though exposed when the wind gets up - which it frequently does out here. Locals know it's best visited on a rising tide if you want the full drama of the water against the rocks.

Families with teenagers will get more from this than small children, honestly. There's no visitor centre, no café, no playground. What you're paying for is the walk and the view. If you're staying at Dunroamin Caravan Park over in Millisle - just a few miles away - this makes a cracking morning or late-afternoon outing. The light's particularly lovely in the late afternoon when the Lough catches the sun differently.

Free to visit, naturally. Check tide times before you go - the rocks are dramatic at low tide but you want enough water to see why everyone makes the trip. Decent shoes essential, especially in winter when spray can make things slippery. Worth the detour if you're exploring the Ards Peninsula, though don't expect crowds or amenities.