Castle Park Play Area

What You'll Find

Castle Park Play Area is a handy little spot right in the heart of Newcastle, perfect if you're spending the day in the town with the kids!

You'll find a children's playground surrounded by green space and trees, just a short walk from Newcastle's main street and promenade. It's a lovely place to stop for a play before heading down to the beach.

Something a little different about this park is the old castle remains! Newcastle actually gets its name from the castle that once stood here, so it's worth having a little look with the kids while you're exploring.

The Shimna River also runs through the park, with lovely spots to wander beneath the trees.

And there's even more fun nearby! Castle Park is also home to seasonal family attractions, including crazy golf, go-karts and the swan pedalos. During the summer, you might also find the Mourne Eye big wheel and children's carousel. These activities cost extra and opening times vary throughout the year.

If you're visiting during the summer months, the Tropicana outdoor heated swimming pools are another great option nearby, with a separate toddler pool and slides.

The best part is how close everything is! You can enjoy the free playground, have a wander along Newcastle promenade, build sandcastles on the beach or grab an ice cream, all with the beautiful Mourne Mountains in the background.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Having a play in the children's playground
• ✓Spotting the old castle remains and exploring the park
• ✓Watching the Shimna River as it flows through the trees
• ✓Trying the seasonal go-karts, crazy golf or swan pedalos (extra charge)
• ✓Heading down to Newcastle beach for a paddle or some sandcastle building

Before You Visit

Castle Park Play Area is free to visit and is located on the Shimna Road side of the park, close to Newcastle town centre.

There are public parking options around Newcastle, so you can easily park up and explore the town on foot.

The crazy golf, go-karts, swan pedalos and other seasonal attractions are charged separately. Check availability before visiting if you're planning to use them.

The Tropicana outdoor swimming pools normally operate during July and August, with separate admission and booking arrangements.

You'll find plenty of cafés, takeaway spots and places for an ice cream around Newcastle town centre.

Keep younger children close around the Shimna River.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐If you're visiting in summer, check out the seasonal attractions in Castle Park. The swan pedalos, crazy golf and go-karts are a lovely extra treat!
• ⭐Bring the buckets and spades! Newcastle beach and promenade are just a short walk away.
• ⭐Have a little look at the old castle remains and tell the kids that's how Newcastle got its name!
• ⭐If the weather's nice, bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a little break on the grass.
• ⭐Park up once and explore Newcastle on foot. Between the playground, beach, amusements and ice cream shops, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained!