Castle Park, Bangor

Full Description

Castle Park is the green heart of Bangor, and it is a walk rather than a playground. Wooded parkland sits on the doorstep of the city centre, wrapped around Bangor Castle, which is now the City Hall.

The park is at its best as a wander. Paths thread through mature trees past the formal gardens, with the award-winning Bangor Castle Walled Garden to find along the way, and the woodland changes character through the seasons. It is an easy hour with children rather than a hike, and there is room to roam between the trees rather than everything being about play equipment.

Inside the park you will also find North Down Museum, which is free to enter and tells the story of the area from the Bronze Age onwards. It is a good pivot if the sky turns, and it is fully accessible: wheelchair access on the ground and first floors, a lift, an accessible toilet on the ground floor and assistance dogs welcome. The museum closes on Mondays and bank holidays, so it is worth checking the day before you go.

Parking is free in the museum grounds inside the park, with three blue badge spaces about 150 yards from the museum entrance. The whole park is a short walk from Bangor city centre, so you can leave the car and make an afternoon of it.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Woodland paths with sticks, leaves and conkers to collect
• ✓The walled garden, a calm half hour in the middle of the walk
• ✓A free museum indoors when the rain comes on
• ✓Room to run between the trees without it feeling like a playground
• ✓A short walk from Bangor town centre, so no long drive in

Before You Visit

The castle building itself is not generally open for casual visits, but the park, walled garden and North Down Museum are separate places to explore. Check directly for current museum opening times and any access changes.

Top Tips

• ⭐Start at the walled garden while everyone is still fresh, then let the walk back be the slow bit
• ⭐Keep the free museum up your sleeve as plan B if the weather turns
• ⭐Park free in the museum grounds inside the park, then walk into the city centre afterwards
• ⭐Check the day before you go if the museum is the point of the trip, it closes on Mondays and bank holidays