Antrim

The Six Mile Water cuts right through the heart of this County Antrim town, giving it a proper river-town feel that's hard to find elsewhere in Northern Ireland. Antrim sits where the rolling drumlin countryside meets the shores of Lough Neagh, creating a landscape that shifts from gentle hills to expansive waterways in minutes.

St. Swithin's Church of Ireland dominates the town centre with its solid stone presence, while the Toome Canal Walk offers a lovely stretch along the water for those wanting to stretch their legs. The town's got character - not the prettiest in Ulster perhaps, but there's an honest working atmosphere that grows on you.

Just outside town, the Moyola River winds through farmland towards its meeting with Lough Neagh, and Atoges Dam provides a focal point for anglers and walkers alike. It's proper countryside here - the kind where you can hear yourself think and the pace drops a gear or two.

Getting here is straightforward enough. Antrim's well connected by road, sitting just off the M2 motorway with Belfast only 30 minutes south. The town centre's compact, so everything's walkable once you arrive.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Sett on The Lough or Six Mile Water Caravan Park puts you right in the thick of this waterland setting. You're perfectly placed to explore the shores of Britain's largest freshwater lake, with easy access to both Belfast's attractions and the Causeway Coast. The surrounding area rewards those who take time to explore - from the peaceful Moyola valley to the walking trails that thread between the lakes and waterways.