Ballywalter Beach & Park

What You'll Find

Ballywalter Beach is a great wee spot on the Ards Peninsula, especially when you fancy a beach day with the kids without having to carry everything miles from the car!

At the Springvale Road end of the village, you'll find the beach, promenade, public toilets and parking all close together, which is always a bonus when you've got little ones in tow.

The beach has a lovely stretch of sand for digging, building sandcastles and searching for shells. There's a seawall and a level promenade running along the back of the beach, so you can bring the pram or scooters for a walk without having to tackle the sand.

And there's a playground nearby too! Ballywalter Ship Play Area is a short walk away along Harbour Road, with a ship-themed play structure that's a fun little extra once the kids have finished on the beach. It's worth allowing time for both if you're visiting with younger children.

Something a little different to look out for is the old Ballywalter lime kilns on Springvale Road. They date back to the 1800s, and there's a raised viewing platform where you can stop and look out over the sea. It's a handy little stop if your kids enjoy spotting unusual buildings and exploring.

The village is close by, with places to pick up chips, sandwiches or an ice cream, so you don't necessarily need to pack a full picnic.

Ballywalter is just as nice for a winter walk in wellies as it is for a summer afternoon with buckets and spades. Between the beach, promenade and nearby playground, there's plenty to enjoy without having to drive between stops.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Digging in the sand and building sandcastles
• ✓Visiting Ballywalter Ship Play Area with its ship-themed playground
• ✓Bringing scooters or balance bikes along the level promenade
• ✓Spotting the old lime kilns and looking out to sea from the viewing platform
• ✓Finishing with chips or an ice cream from the village

Before You Visit

The Springvale Road end is particularly handy for families, with parking and public toilets close to the beach. Check toilet availability before travelling, especially outside the summer months.

The promenade is level and suitable for prams, although getting onto the sand may be more difficult with a buggy.

Ballywalter Ship Play Area is a separate playground a short walk away along Harbour Road, rather than directly on the beach.

The beach can be exposed and windy, so bring an extra layer even when the weather looks nice. Always supervise children closely around the sea.

Dogs are permitted on the beach according to the visitor information, but check any current seasonal restrictions and keep them under control around other families.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Park at the Springvale Road end if you're visiting with younger children. It's handy for the beach, promenade and toilets.
• ⭐Bring buckets and spades for the sand, and scooters if your kids enjoy a promenade walk.
• ⭐Don't miss Ballywalter Ship Play Area nearby. It's worth a little detour after the beach.
• ⭐Take a look at the old lime kilns on Springvale Road. They're an interesting little piece of Ballywalter's history.
• ⭐This is a good one for a winter beach walk too. Pack the wellies and a flask of something warm!