Last Updated on 17/05/2025 by thecuan_wpuser18
Nestled on the shores of Strangford Lough, overlooking the Village Green in the picturesque village of Strangford, The Cuan Restaurant & Hotel offers the perfect escape – whether for a midweek retreat, a weekend romantic getaway or an adventure-filled family holiday. We know it can be difficult to engineer a peaceful getaway where both parents and kids are doing things they love but we have selected some great activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Strangford Lough Activity Centre
Strangford Lough Activity Centre is an adventure centre based on the shores of Strangford Lough, County Down. We help families, individuals and groups explore places off the beaten track. Offering a variety of land and water based – outdoor activities throughout Northern Ireland including archery, boat tours, bushcraft, canoeing, e-foiling, e-bike tours, hill walking, kayaking, laser tag, orienteering, raft building, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), and team building games.
Strangford Lough Boat Tours
Enjoy a scenic one-hour boat tour operating seven days a week from April – September, weather permitting, between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Whether you are a couple or a group of up to 12 guests, the cost is a flat rate of £100 per trip. Pick-up and drop-off take place at the Strangford Pontoon. The boat is equipped with a toilet for your convenience, and guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on board. For those feeling adventurous, fishing rods are available, so you can try your luck and perhaps take home a few freshly caught mackerel. It is the perfect way to explore Strangford Lough from the water in comfort and style.
Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary
Experience our Sea Creatures through an under water Glass tunnel in our new Ocean Tank. Located 1 hour from Belfast on the shores of Strangford Lough, visitors to Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry will be wowed with a diver’s view of marine life around the world.
Your journey will begin with a focus on the lough and Irish Sea where you will get a experience our native species, along with learning about the Viking heritage of Strangford Lough. The colourful coral reefs in the Tropical Ocean zone play host to over 100 species and our team of aquarists and guides are always on hand to answer your questions and provide some interesting information on many of the aquaria that live in these waters.
Ballyquintin Point
Ballyquintin Nature Reserve includes Ballyquintin Point at the tip of the Ards Peninsula, County Down where the Irish Sea enters Strangford Lough. This reserve lies on a low, exposed, rocky coastline but the point is formed by a raised beach of shingle and cobble stones caused by the last ice-age. It is a stunning location for walking and the beautiful coastal path passes through beaches and farmland. The point was formed by a raised beach of shingle and cobble stones, gently sloping inland to low cliffs. Such deep banks of raised beach shingle or vestiges from the last ice-age are found nowhere else around the Ulster coast. The thin soils support only sparse, dry grassland which briefly come to life in May and June with a colourful array and display of wild flowers.
National Trust Castle Ward
Castle Ward, a National Trust property in Strangford, County Down, offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that blend history, nature and adventure. Children can immerse themselves in the estate’s rich past by exploring the unique Gothic and Classical architecture of the mansion, participating in interactive tours and engaging with costumed guides who bring history to life. The estate’s expansive grounds feature 21 miles of multi-use trails through woodlands, meadows, and along the lough, perfect for walking, cycling, or horse riding. Families can also enjoy themed play zones, such as medieval quests and creative crafts, providing entertainment for children of all ages. Indoor activities include visiting the second-hand bookshop, discovering the historic Cornmill, and relaxing in the sensory-friendly Loughview Quiet Space. With its diverse offerings, Castle Ward ensures a memorable experience for every family member.