The ferry crossing to Portaferry opens the whole coast to you. Castle Ward — known to Game of Thrones fans as Winterfell — sits just up the shore, and Exploris Aquarium across the water is a genuine family favourite.
Add free beaches at Kearney and Ballyhornan, the ruins at Audley's Castle, boat trips on the lough, and dive sites in the narrows, and you've got a strong mix of days out in every direction.
The best days out near Strangford
Strangford Lough Ferry
DiveClub Northern Ireland
Strangford Dive Centre
DV Diving
Strangford Bay Alpacas
Strangford to Castle Ward Shoreline
Strangford Lough Boat Tours
Lecale Way
Exploris Aquarium
Strangford Lough Wildlife Centre
Clearsky Adventure Centre Castle Ward
Audley's Castle
Audley's Field & Castle (Dreadfort GoT)
Audley's Castle Strangford Lough Dive
Winterfell Tours Castle Ward
Castle Ward (Winterfell)
The Narrows Sea Safari (Clearsky)
Kilclief Beach (Strangford)
Ballyquintin Point
Kearney Beach
Kearney Bay wild swim
Pony Tales NI
Killard Point National Nature Reserve
Killyleagh Yacht Club
Ballyhornan Beach Shore Dive
Ardminnan Golf Club
Killyleagh Castle
Ballyhornan Beach
Delamont Country Park
Bishopscourt Racing Circuit
Delamont Adventure Playground
Delamont Miniature Railway
Kearney Village Loop (National Trust)
Saul Church
Lecale Coast Nature Trail
Kirkistown Castle Golf Club
Ardglass / Coney Island Beach
Struell Wells
Pheasants Hill Farm
Quoile Castle
Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve
Fodder in the Woods
Cloughey Beach
Downpatrick Golf Centre
Kirkistown Racing Circuit
Kirkistown Race Circuit Trackday
Dunleath Urban Sports Park
Echlinville Distillery
What's on near Strangford
- 1AugLand, Light and Seasons — Killyleagh LibraryKillyleagh Library
- 2AugSummer of Play at Castle WardCastle Ward
- 2AugCornmill DemonstrationsCastle Ward
- 2AugSummer WalksCastle Ward
- 2AugStrangford Bay AlpacasCastle Ward
- 5AugRhythm & Rhyme — Downpatrick LibraryDownpatrick Library
Days out in Strangford — your questions
What are the best days out in Strangford?
Castle Ward — known as Game of Thrones' Winterfell — is the standout, combining a grand estate with walks and activities on the lough. Exploris Aquarium is a family favourite. For something on the water, The Narrows Sea Safari or Strangford Lough Ferry both make excellent outings.
What free things are there to do in Strangford?
Plenty. The Strangford to Castle Ward Shoreline is a free coastal walk straight from the village. Audley's Castle and Audley's Field & Castle (Dreadfort GoT) — a real Game of Thrones filming site — both cost nothing. Kearney Beach and Ballyhornan Beach are free. The Lecale Way is a free trail to explore on foot or by bike.
Where can you go on a rainy day near Strangford?
Exploris Aquarium is the best indoor option for families near Strangford. Down County Museum is a good choice for older children and adults on a wet afternoon. The Strangford Lough Ferry is a quick crossing the children tend to enjoy whatever the weather.
What's good for young children near Strangford?
Exploris Aquarium is the clear first pick — sea creatures are always a hit with young children. Delamont Country Park has a miniature railway they will love. The free beaches at Kearney and Ballyhornan are great on a fine day, and the Strangford Lough Ferry makes a fun outing on the water.