Bangor Castle Walled Garden

What You'll Find

Bangor Castle Walled Garden is a beautiful little hidden gem in Bangor, and somewhere that's well worth a wander if you're visiting with the kids. Tucked away within the grounds of Castle Park, this restored Victorian walled garden is full of colourful flowers, winding paths and lovely little corners to explore.

The garden was originally part of the Bangor Castle estate and has been carefully restored, with different areas to wander through, including formal flower beds, a kitchen garden and seasonal planting.

One of the nicest things about visiting is seeing how much the garden changes throughout the year. In spring and summer, the flower beds are full of colour, while the roses and other seasonal plants make it particularly pretty during the warmer months.

There's also a central fountain and neatly laid-out paths, which make it a lovely place for a gentle wander. Younger children might enjoy spotting different coloured flowers, looking for butterflies and bees, or seeing what they can find growing in the kitchen garden.

It's not a playground, and children do need to be mindful of the flower beds, but it's a lovely little stop for families who enjoy gardens and nature.

Another bonus is that the walled garden sits within Castle Park, so you can extend your visit with a woodland walk around the wider grounds. Bangor Castle, which is now home to the council offices, is nearby too.

If you're making a day of it, Ward Park and Bangor seafront are both worth considering for another stop, especially if the kids are looking for something a little more active afterwards.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Exploring the different sections of the old Victorian walled garden
• ✓Spotting colourful flowers and roses when they're in bloom
• ✓Looking for butterflies and bees among the plants
• ✓Seeing the central fountain and following the garden paths
• ✓Discovering what's growing in the kitchen garden

Before You Visit

The walled garden has seasonal opening hours, so check current access arrangements before travelling, particularly during the winter months.

This is a formal garden rather than a play park, so children should stay on the paths and avoid climbing into the planted areas.

The main paths are suitable for a gentle walk, although it's worth checking accessibility arrangements if you're visiting with a wheelchair or need step-free access.

The flowers and displays change throughout the seasons, so what you'll see depends on when you visit.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Spring and summer are particularly lovely times to visit when the flower beds are full of colour.
• ⭐Have a look around the kitchen garden and see if the kids can recognise any of the plants growing there.
• ⭐Don't rush straight back to the car. Take a wander through Castle Park afterwards to explore the woodland and wider grounds.
• ⭐If your children prefer a playground after a quieter garden visit, combine it with Ward Park nearby.
• ⭐Check the seasonal opening times before setting off, as the walled garden doesn't necessarily follow the same access hours as Castle Park.