Newtownards

The bells of Christ Church, Ardkeen ring out across a town that knows its place in Ulster's story. Newtownards sits at the head of Strangford Lough, where the water narrows and the Ards Peninsula begins its gentle sweep towards the Irish Sea. This isn't a flashy destination - it's proper Northern Ireland, where the high street bustles on market days and quiets to a whisper come Wednesday afternoon.

Kirkistown Castle stands as a reminder of more turbulent times, though these days the loudest noise comes from Kirkistown Racing Circuit when the motors fire up for weekend meetings. The Somme Garden offers a more contemplative moment, commemorating those who never made it home from France.

Strangford Lough stretches south, dotted with islands and fringed by drumlin hills. It's one of the finest sea loughs in Europe for wildlife watching, particularly when the Brent geese arrive each autumn. The smaller lakes - Lough Doo and Ballfinragh Lough - provide quieter spots for reflection.

Golf enthusiasts will find Kirkiston Castle Golf Club offers a decent test without breaking the bank. The course has lovely views across the lough when the weather cooperates.

Belfast sits just 12 miles west along the A20, making this corner of County Down easily accessible. The holiday parks scattered around Newtownards put you within striking distance of both the Mournes to the south and the Causeway Coast to the north. Delamont Country Park and the various caravan sites near Millisle work well as bases for exploring the peninsula's beaches and the lough's quieter corners. It's a proper family-friendly area without the tourist crowds of more famous spots.