Bangor, on the North Down coast fifteen minutes from Belfast, is Northern Ireland’s classic seaside town made city — and its family offer is exactly what it has been for generations: the seafront, the swan pedalos, and the coastal path.
Why Go
Giant swan pedalos, a beach at the end of a woodland glen, and the train home in half an hour — Bangor is the easiest pure-fun day (or lazy weekend) in Northern Ireland, and the one Belfast trip that genuinely doesn’t need a car.
Key Sights
Pickie Fun Park — the beloved seafront institution: swan pedal boats, a miniature railway, splash pads, and karts beside the marina; budget a half-day.
Bangor Castle Walled Garden — free and beautifully kept, beside a large park, playground, and the North Down Museum (also free, home of the Viking-era Bangor Bell).
Crawfordsburn Country Park — along the coast: a sandy Blue Flag beach, a glen walk to a waterfall, and a good café.
Bangor Marina — one of Ireland’s largest, with a flat promenade and the long pier walk.
Things To Do
- Pedal a giant swan at Pickie, then ride the miniature railway along the front.
- Walk (or scoot) the flat North Down Coastal Path west to Crawfordsburn — about an hour — and return by train from Helen’s Bay.
- Crab from the pier and watch yachts come and go in the marina.
- Cross to Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry (40 minutes) for seals and otters, taking the short Strangford ferry for the fun of it.
- Get ice cream on Queen’s Parade and join the evening promenade — a Bangor ritual.
Travel Time
- From Belfast: about 30 minutes by train
- From Belfast City Airport: about 20 minutes by car
- Bangor to Crawfordsburn beach: 1 hour on foot along the coastal path, or one train stop to Helen’s Bay
- Bangor to Portaferry (Exploris): about 40 minutes by car
Travel Route
Take the train from Belfast — the station is five minutes from the seafront. Structure the day around Pickie first (mornings are quietest), the walled garden and museum after lunch, and the coastal path if energy holds. Overnighters can add the Helen’s Bay/Crawfordsburn combination and the Portaferry aquarium run on day two.
Planning a longer trip? See our full United Kingdom family travel guide.