Experience Ards and North Down... through a series of guided bus, boat and walking tours

Transcription

1 Experience Ards and North Down... through a series of guided bus, boat and walking tours visitardsandnorthdown.com For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call /

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3 Nothing becomes real until it is experienced John Keats For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call /

4 Experience it all in Ards and North Down! Experience Ards and North Down tours are a unique series of coach, boat and walking tours, which allow you to experience some of the wonderful sights and attractions the area has to offer, including new opportunities to explore the history, heritage and mystery of the area. Drawing on the local knowledge of our experienced team of guides, we invite you to tap into a wealth of heritage, history and culture in scenic surroundings that resound with historical significance. Children can enjoy learning about the world around them during nature trails, hunting for mini beasts and sea creatures, discovering the wildlife and birds that make their home in the area. Or you can sit back and relax on a coach trip to one of the Borough s beautiful stately homes, find out more on an historical walk, or take to the water in a boat trip on Belfast or Strangford Lough. Experience Ards and North Down Tours have something for everyone. How to Book Your Tour All tours are on a ticket only basis. Tickets for all the tours should be booked in advance over the counter or by telephone from Ards, Bangor or Portaferry Visitor Information Centres. Tickets may also be purchased online at visitardsandnorthdown.com or visitstrangfordlough.co.uk All major debit and credit cards (except American Express) are accepted. Cash and cheques, however, can only be used for over the counter bookings. Tickets can be ed, posted ( 1.50 administrative fee applies) or collected from the Visitor Information Centres. A maximum of four tickets per person can be purchased. Tickets, once purchased cannot be refunded or exchanged unless a tour is cancelled by the organiser (e.g.in the case of extreme weather). Where possible, all participants will be informed by telephone and refunds will be made by cheque (for cash and cheque payments) and by card (for debit or credit card payments). Refund cheques will normally be posted within ten working days of the original tour date. 4

5 Useful Information Accessibility The walks and tours mainly cover flat, accessible ground and are suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. Some tours cover uneven surfaces or steep inclines which may prove difficult for those with additional access needs. Should you have any specific access or mobility requirements, please speak to the Visitor Information staff, who will endeavour to meet your needs. Clothing and Footwear It is recommended that warm clothing and sturdy footwear is worn, particularly for the boat trips and all walking tours. Children All tours are suitable for children, unless otherwise stated, and concession prices apply. Organisation Except where specified to the contrary, all tours are organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council. Every effort is made to deliver the tour as described but occasionally, usually due to circumstances outside our control, changes have to be made to the planned itinerary. We reserve the right to make these changes. Brochure Accuracy The information in this guide was correct at the time of going to print. Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy. However; we cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes which may occur. Alternative formats This publication is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. For more information contact: Ards Visitor Information Centre Bangor Visitor Information Centre 31 Regent Street Tower House, 34 Quay Street Newtownards Bangor BT23 4AD BT20 5ED For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call /

6 Tours at a Glance Date Tour Start Time Price (Adult/Child) July Sat 2 Sat 2 Sun 3 Remembering the Somme, Somme Car Park - Clandeyboye Kids Sea Creatures Nature Trail, Millisle Beach Remembering the Somme, Somme Car Park - Clandeyboye Theme 10am & 2pm 3 Historical Tour 2pm Free Nature Trail 10am & 2pm 3 Historical Tour Tues 5 Nautical Past, Belfast Lough 7pm 10 Boat Tour Wed 6 Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour 6.30pm Free Horticultural Sat 9 Strangford Lough Boat Trip, Portaferry 2pm 8/ 4 Boat Tour Sun 10 Kids Mini-beasts Nature Trail & Bird Box 10.30am 5 Nature Trail Making, Crawfordsburn Country Park Thurs 14 Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour 7pm 3 Historical Tour Thurs 21 Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour 7pm 3 Historical Tour Sat 23 Kids Nature Trail, Castle Park, 10.30am Free Nature Trail Bangor Sat 23 From an Abbey to a Stately Home 1pm 18/ 9 Historical Tour Coach Tour Sat 23 Nautical Past, Belfast Lough 2pm 10 Boat Tour Sun 24 Strangford Lough Boat Trip, Portaferry 2pm 8/ 4 Boat Tour Thurs 28 Newtownards Historical Walking 7.00pm 3 Historical Tour Tour Sat 30 Crawfordsburn & Helen s Bay Walk 10.30am 3 Historical Tour Key Nature Trails Historical Walking Tours Living History Walking Tours Horticultural Tours Boat Tours 6

7 Date Tour Start Time Price (Adult/Child) August Theme Mon 1 Step Back in Time 2.30pm 5 Historical Tour Sat 6 Kids Mini-beasts Nature Trail, 10.30am Free Nature Trail Killynether Wood, Newtownards Sun 7 Historic Bangor Walk 2.30pm 3 Historical Tour Wed 10 Kids Sea Creatures Nature Trail, 10.30am Free Nature Trail Crawfordsburn 14.30pm Thurs 11 Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour 7pm 3 Historical Tour Sun 14 Strangford Lough Boat Trip, Portaferry 2pm 8/ 4 Boat Tour Wed 17 Kids Nature Trail, Castle Park, 10.30am Free Nature Trail Bangor Wed 17 Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour 6.30pm Free Horticultural Tour Thurs 18 Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour 7pm 3 Historical Tour Sat 20 Nautical Past, Belfast Lough 2pm 10 Boat Tour Tues 23 Bangor Christian Heritage Walk 2.30pm 3 Historical Tour Sat 27 Strangford Lough Boat Trip, Portaferry 6.30pm 8/ 4 Boat Tour September Wed 7 Historic Holywood & Ulster Scots Connections Walk 2.30pm 3 Historical Tour Sat 10 Ulster Scots - Dander Round the Dee 2.30pm 3 Historical Tour Sat 17 Secrets of a Walled Garden. 11am 25 Historical Tour Bangor Castle andballywalter Park Sat 22 Flush Hall Murder Mystery Tour, 7.30pm-9pm 6/ 4 Historical Tour Newtownards October Sat 8 Tea with the Lord, Ballywalter Park 1pm 18 Historical Tour Wed 26 Halloween Walking Tour, Newtownards 7.30pm 6/ 4 Themed Tour November Sat 19 Murder Mystery Night, Somme Centre, Newtownards 7.30pm 18 Themed Tour For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call /

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9 July NEW Remembering the Somme Saturday 2 July 10am-12.30pm & 2pm-4.30pm Sunday 3 July 10am 12.30pm & 2pm 4.30pm Step back 100 years to 1916 and the Battle of the Somme. Learn of the gallant contribution of the soldiers from the 36th Ulster Division and follow in their footsteps as you walk through their training camp to Helens Tower. Tickets 3 Tour departs from The Somme Centre, 233 Bangor Rd, Newtownards, BT23 7PH Kids Sea-Creatures Nature Trail Millisle Beach Saturday 2 July, 2pm 4pm Join local naturalist Woody on a beachcombing adventure to uncover the numerous types of sea creatures who live on the shores, see how and where they live and what salty treats they like to eat. Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required) Tour departs from area just in front of public toilets at the Ballywalter Road car park. Nautical Past Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough Tuesday 5 July 7pm 8.30pm Discover the rich nautical history of Belfast Lough, as you head towards Orlock and the Copeland Islands you will learn about the history of the area and its nautical past. Learn more about significant landmarks on the coastline and be sure to look out for the fascinating variety of wildlife. Tickets: 10 Tour departs from The Jetty, Pickie Funpark, Bangor, BT20 5AG Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour Wednesday 6 July 6.30pm 8pm Gain an insight into the garden s history, its restoration and the vast array of plants, fruits and vegetables which are grown there. Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required) Tour departs from the bandstand in the Walled Garden, Bangor, BT20 4UT For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call /

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11 Strangford Lough Boat Tour Saturday 9 July 2pm-4pm Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough. See where Saint Patrick first came ashore, view landscapes used in Game of Thrones filming and hear of Viking raiders. Tickets: 8 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult 4) Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry, BT22 1PE Kid s Mini-beasts Nature Trail and Bird Box Making Crawfordsburn Country Park Sunday 10 July 10.30am 12.30pm Join local naturalist Woody for a creative exploration of Crawfordsburn Country Park. Look out for the minibeasts that make the park their home, find out about the flora and fauna of the park and make your very own bird box to take home. Tickets: 5 Tour departs from the Education Centre in Crawfordsburn Country Park, BT19 1JT Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour Thursday 14 & 21 July 7pm 8pm Uncover the history behind Bangor Abbey s most famous graves and memorials, including a memorial to John Simpson, surgeon on the Titanic and the graves of Archibald Wilson, hanged after the 1798 rebellion and W.G. Lyttle, whose novel Betsy Gray captured the spirit of the time. Tickets: 3 Tour departs from Bangor Abbey, BT20 4JF Kids Nature Trail Castle Park, Bangor Saturday 23 July, 10.30am 12.30pm Join this fascinating interactive nature trail led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and bird expert Dot Blakely, who will teach you all about the natural habitat of the birds and animals who live in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park. Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required) Tour departs from North Down Museum, Bangor, BT20 4BT From an Abbey to a Stately Home Saturday 23 July 1pm 4.30pm View one of the finest Georgian country houses in Ireland, the present Grey Abbey House is the third house to be built on the site. A resident will guide you around and join you for tea and scones. You will visit the Cistercian Abbey founded by Lady Affreca, the wife of John DeCourcy. Tickets: 18 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult 9) Tour departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre, 31 Regent Street, BT23 4AD For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call /

12 Nautical Past Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough Saturday 23 July 2pm 3.30pm Discover the rich nautical history of Belfast Lough, as you head towards Orlock and the Copeland Islands you will learn about the history of the area and its nautical past. Learn more about significant landmarks on the coastline and be sure to look out for the fascinating variety of wildlife. Tickets: 10 Tour departs from The Jetty, Pickie Funpark, Bangor, BT20 5AG Strangford Lough Boat Tour Sunday 24 July 2pm-4pm Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough. See where Saint Patrick first came ashore, view landscapes used in Game of Thrones filming and hear of Viking raiders. Tickets: 8 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult 4) Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry, BT22 1PE Crawfordsburn to Helens Bay Walk Saturday 30 July, 10.30am 12.30pm This walk takes you on a journey through the beautiful village of Crawfordsburn to Helen s Bay. Hear all about the historic sites, stories and characters that have shaped these villages to the places we know and love today. This tour involves visiting the two villages of Crawfordsburn and Helen s Bay. Due to the combined walking distance the walk will take place in two parts. Part 1: A walk of Crawfordsburn village before returning to your vehicle and making your way the short distance to Helen s Bay where part 2 of the tour will continue. Part 2: A walk of Helen s Bay Tickets 3 Tour departs from Glen Park, car park on Cootehall Road. 12 Newtownards Historical Walking Tour Thursday 28 July 7.00pm 8.30pm Situated at the northern end of Strangford Lough, Newtownards has a wealth of historical treasures waiting to be discovered from medieval happenings to Oliver Cromwell s reign and the 1798 Rebellion. You will find evidence of how some of history s most notable civilisations including the Normans, Celts and Vikings shaped the town. Tickets: 3 Tour departs from the Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP

13 August Step Back In Time Bangor Monday 1 August, 2.30pm 4.30pm Gain an insight into the history of the Ward Family who built Bangor Castle in 1852 and discover what life was like as a Victorian servant. Take this rare opportunity to tour Bangor Castle and the Walled Garden followed by afternoon tea in Coffee The Museum. Tickets: 5 Tour departs from North Down Museum, Bangor, BT20 4BT Kid s Mini-beasts Nature Trail Killynether Wood, Newtownards Saturday 6 August, 10.30am 12.30pm Join local naturalist Woody for a creative exploration of Killynether Wood. Look out for the mini-beasts that make the wood their home, find out about the flora and fauna. Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required) Tour departs from Killynether Carpark Historic Bangor Sunday 7 August, 2.30pm 4.30pm Join us on a walk through the past discovering Bangor s varied history, from Bronze Age settlements to Viking invasions and two World Wars, visiting North Down Museum and Bangor Abbey. You may even meet some of the town s most famous residents from past times. Tickets: 3 Tour departs from Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Tower House, BT20 5ED Kids Sea-Creatures Nature Trail Crawfordsburn Country Park Wednesday 10 August 10.30am 12noon 2.30pm - 4pm Join local naturalist Woody on a beachcombing adventure to uncover the numerous types of sea creatures who live on the shores of the park, see how and where they live and what salty treats they like to eat. Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required) Tour departs from the Education Centre in Crawfordsburn Country Park, BT19 1JT Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour Thursday 11 August 7pm 8pm Uncover the history behind Bangor Abbey s most famous graves and memorials, including a memorial to John Simpson, surgeon on the Titanic and the graves of Archibald Wilson, hanged after the 1798 rebellion and W.G. Lyttle, whose novel Betsy Gray captured the spirit of the time. Tickets: 3 Tour departs from Bangor Abbey, BT20 4JF For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call /

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15 Strangford Lough Boat Tour Sunday 14 August 2pm 4pm Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough. See where Saint Patrick first came ashore, view landscapes used in Game of Thrones filming and hear of Viking raiders. Tickets: 8 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult 4) Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry, BT22 1PE Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour Thursday 18 August 7pm 8pm Uncover the history behind Bangor Abbey s most famous graves and memorials, including a memorial to John Simpson, surgeon on the Titanic and the graves of Archibald Wilson, hanged after the 1798 rebellion and W.G. Lyttle, whose novel Betsy Gray captured the spirit of the time. Tickets: 3 Tour departs from Bangor Abbey, BT20 4JF Kids Nature Trail Castle Park, Bangor Wednesday 17 August 10.30am 12.30pm Join this fascinating interactive nature trail led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and bird expert Dot Blakely, who will teach you all about the natural habitat of the birds and animals who live in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park. Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required) Tour departs from North Down Museum, Bangor, BT20 4BT Nautical Past Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough Saturday 20 August 2pm 3.30pm Discover the rich nautical history of Belfast Lough, as you head towards Orlock and the Copeland Islands you will learn about the history of the area and its nautical past. Learn more about significant landmarks on the coastline and be sure to look out for the fascinating variety of wildlife. Tickets: 10 Tour departs from The Jetty, Pickie Funpark, Bangor, BT20 5AG Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour Wednesday 17 August 6.30pm 8pm This popular guided tour provides an insight into the garden s history, its restoration and the vast array of plants, fruits and vegetables which are grown there. Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required) Tour departs from the bandstand in the Walled Garden, Bangor, BT20 4UT For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call /

16 Bangor Christian Heritage Walk Tuesday 23 August 2.30pm 4.30pm Trace the steps of canons, priests and pilgrims in a tour that encompasses visits to Bangor Abbey, St Comgall s Roman Catholic Church, First Bangor Presbyterian Church and the North Down Museum, where you can explore a life-size reconstruction of a monk s cell. Tickets: 3 Tour departs from Bangor Abbey, BT20 4JF Strangford Lough Twilight Boat Tour Saturday 27 August 6.30pm 8.30pm Enjoy the colours of the summer evening and take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and soak up the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough on this evening cruise. Tickets: 8 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult 4) Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry, BT22 1PE 16

17 September Historic Holywood and Ulster Scots Walk Wednesday 7 September 2.30pm 4pm Enjoy an informative stroll through Holywood s colourful history from the establishment of a monastic settlement on the site of the Old Priory Church to the Motte where King John is said to have spent the night. Learn more about the Praegers and Robert Sullivan s influence on the town and how the Scottish settlers influenced local affairs from architecture to place names. Tickets: 3 Tour departs from outside the Maypole Bar, High Street, Holywood, BT18 9AB Ulster Scots Dander Round the Dee Saturday 10 September 2.30pm - 4pm Step back through the ages as you are lead around the history-rich town of Donaghadee. Discover the stories behind the buildings and hear how Hugh Montgomery and his followers arrived at the harbour in 1606 to help shape present day Donaghadee. Tickets: 3 Tour departs Donaghadee Library, BT21 0BL Secrets of a Walled Garden Saturday 17 September 11am 5pm Discover the secrets of two wonderful walled gardens and how they provided for gentry in years gone by and are still providing produce today. You will visit Bangor Castle s Walled garden and hear of the modern garden and the produce grown there, then travel back in time and visit the Victorian Walled Garden at Ballywalter Park which is still using Victorian methods to supply produce to the house guests today. Tickets: 25 (includes light lunch) Tour departs from Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Aurora entrance. Flush Hall Murder Mystery Tour Saturday 22 September 7.30pm 9pm In a murder mystery tour with a difference, Valhalla Street Theatre will lead you on an investigation of the true story of young Willie Quinn who was brutally murdered in the grounds of Flush Hall. Become members of the jury as you traverse the streets of Newtownards meeting key witnesses, before moving to the court room where the prosecution and defence barristers will sum up the proceedings, leaving you to decide the fate of the accused! Please bring paper and a pen to note down your verdict. Tickets: 6 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult 4) Tour Departs from Ards Art Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call /

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19 October November Tea with the Lord Saturday 8 October 1pm 5pm Embrace this superb opportunity to visit Ballywalter House, the beautiful stately home of the Dunleath family for over 150 years. Become a member of the gentry for the afternoon as the affable Lord Dunleath guides you around his remarkable home and joins you for a chat over tea and cake, in the historic conservatory. Tickets: 18 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult 9) includes light refreshments Tour departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD Halloween Walking Tour Wednesday 26 October 7.30pm pm Prepare to be scared as you uncover the ghostly goings-on of Newtownards. Be on the lookout for other ghosts and ghouls who might sneak up on you during the run up to All Hallows Eve! Tickets: 6 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult 4) Tour departs from the Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP Captain Craig s Final Order Murder Mystery at the Somme Centre Saturday 19 November 7.30pm 10pm One fateful night in November 1917, Captain Alexander gathered his troops around him in a shell-scared trench to inform the men that at daybreak he would issue an order for them to go over the top. Several of his aides expressed their dismay as headquarters had instructed them to wait for the arrival of support tanks, but Craig seemed set of seeking personal glory at any cost. Daybreak revealed Captain Craig shot dead in his bunk and a whole squad of suspects who might be responsible for this act of treachery. Join Valhalla Theatre Company in the trenches of the Somme Centre and uncover who killed the Captain. Tickets: 18 (includes light supper) Meet at the Somme Museum, 233 Bangor Rd, Newtownards, BT23 7PH For more information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com or call /

20 Ards Visitor Information Centre 31 Regent Street BT23 4AD T: Bangor Visitor Information Centre Tower House, 34 Quay Street BT20 5ED Located opposite Bangor Marina T: Cockle Row Cottages (Seasonal) Main Street, Groomsport BT19 6GH T: Portaferrry Visitor Information Centre (Seasonal) The Stables, Castle Street BT22 1NZ T: