Ballyholme Beach

What You'll Find

Ballyholme Beach in Bangor is a great wee spot for a family beach day, with a lovely long stretch of sand, a promenade and plenty of room for the kids to explore.

The beach curves around Ballyholme Bay, with views across Belfast Lough and lots of space for digging, building sandcastles and playing beach games. It's a handy one when you've got younger children who are happy with a bucket, spade and a bit of sand!

At the ends of the beach, you'll find some rocky areas where the kids can have a look for shells, little sea creatures and other seaside treasures when the tide is out. Just keep an eye on slippery rocks and changing tides.

There's a promenade running along the back of the beach too, which is lovely for a walk with the pram or for little ones who fancy bringing their scooters. You can watch the boats out on the lough, stop to take in the views or just enjoy a wander without having to walk on the sand.

If the kids still have energy after the beach, there are play areas around Ballyholme and Bangor that you could visit separately. It's worth checking which playground is closest to where you're parked rather than expecting equipment right beside the sand.

And with Bangor town centre not too far away, you can always finish your outing with a coffee, lunch or an ice cream.

It's a lovely beach for a quick afternoon visit or a longer day with the buckets, spades and a picnic.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Digging in the sand and building sandcastles
• ✓Hunting for shells and seaside treasures
• ✓Exploring the rocky areas when the tide is out
• ✓Bringing scooters for a little trip along the promenade
• ✓Watching boats out on Belfast Lough

Before You Visit

Check tide times before heading down, particularly if you're planning to explore the rocky areas at either end of the beach.

The rocks can be slippery, so sensible footwear is handy if the kids enjoy exploring beyond the sand.

The promenade is a good option for prams and scooters, although access onto the sand itself may be more difficult with a buggy.

Keep younger children close around the water, even when the sea looks calm.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Bring buckets, spades and a ball. There's plenty of space for sandcastles and beach games.
• ⭐Pack scooters or balance bikes if you're planning a walk along the promenade.
• ⭐Low tide is a good time to explore the rocky edges of the beach, but keep an eye on the incoming water.
• ⭐Bring spare clothes and a towel. Even when you're not planning to paddle, the kids