Ballywalter Beach & Park

Full Description

Ballywalter's beach is one of those Ards Peninsula days out that needs almost no planning. It is a sandy stretch backed by a seawall and promenade, open all year round, and at the Springvale Road end of the village the car park, the public toilets and a small playground are all within a couple of minutes of each other.

That little cluster is what makes it easy with children. Park once and you have the promenade for a stretch of the legs, the sand for digging and paddling, the playground for when interest in sand runs out, and a toilet within sight of all of it. The promenade itself is an easy, level walk, so it works for buggies and for anyone who does not fancy soft sand. Dogs are allowed on the beach, and the official listing notes child friendly areas, disabled access and disabled parking.

Look out for the lime kilns while you are there. They date back to the 1800s and sit in a small public park on Springvale Road, with a raised platform at road level looking out over the water.

The village is a short hop inland from the seafront, so it is easy to add in a wander down the main street. Younger children will spend most of the time between the sand and the play area, while older ones tend to head for the promenade and the rockier stretches. On a bright, still day there is plenty of beach for a few families to spread out without tripping over each other, and because it is open all year it is just as good in wellies in February as it is in shorts in July.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Sand for digging, with the promenade right behind it
• ✓A small playground a couple of minutes from the car park
• ✓Toilets within sight of the beach, which is half the battle
• ✓The old lime kilns to peer at, and a raised platform to look out over the sea
• ✓Dogs are welcome, so the family dog can come too

Before You Visit

The beach is exposed to the weather and the sea, so supervise children closely. Check directly for current toilet availability, parking arrangements and any restrictions before travelling.

Top Tips

• ⭐Park at the Springvale Road end and the playground, toilets and sand are all within a minute of the car
• ⭐Take a bucket and spade, the sand is the main event
• ⭐Walk the promenade in both directions, it is level and easy going
• ⭐This is not just a summer beach, it is open all year and a bracing winter walk works well with wellies and a flask