Bangor is Northern Ireland's premier maritime resort with the sea front home to Bangor Marina, beautiful landscaped gardens and a promenade that runs from Bangor Marina to Pickie Family Fun Park and on to the North Down Coastal Path.

With top class accommodation, excellent shopping and plenty to see and do Bangor offers something for all.

Pickie Family Fun Park is next to the marina and features the Pickie Swan pedal boats, the Pickie Puffer miniature train, a children's adventure playground, a paddling pool, additional children's attractions and the Windjammer Cafe.

Museums. The North Down Museum, just ten minutes walk from the marina, in the beautiful grounds of Castle Park host's historical exhibitions from the early Christian Monastery to the Vikings and the nostalgia of North Down's seaside holiday heyday. Admission is free. A gift shop and restaurant are also on site.

Ulster Folk & Transport Museum (Museum of the Year) is only 15 minutes by car, located roughly halfway between Bangor and Holywood at Cultra. The museum illustrates the way of life and the traditions of people from a bygone era. The Folk Museum tells the story of life in early 20th century Ulster and the Transport Museum, one of the finest in Europe, displays Ireland's largest and most comprehensive transport collection including a Titanic exhibition.

Shopping. Just yards from the Marina is the Flagship Shopping Centre, Main Street and High Street with everything from well known chains to unique speciality shops. You will find everything you need and more. On the outskirts of town is the Bloomfield Shopping Centre which gives you even more choice.

Parks. Bangor is packed with parks perfect for leisurely strolls. Ward Park in the centre of town is home to a wildfowl sanctuary and children's playground.

Accommodation. The town has a wide range of accommodation to suit all pockets with top class hotels, several situated along the sea front with others located in the countryside. The town is also blessed with award winning bed and breakfast establishments, guesthouses and self catering properties.

Leisure Activities range from scenic walks along the Coastal Path, seven golf courses, sea angling, tennis and Bangor Sportsplex with its athletics track, hockey and football pitches to name but a few.

Events. Bangor hosts an exciting and varied programme of events with the majority located on the sea front just yards from the Marina. The events include: a lively and Easter fun parade with family fun, Sea Bangor Annual Maritime Festival and August Bank Holiday Monday free family entertainment. Throughout the summer months regular weekend entertainment is held at the sea front and in local parks.

Tourist Information Centre. Just across from the marina is Tower House home to the Tourist Information Centre. As well as all the information you will need to enjoy your stay you can purchase a selection of hand made crafts, souvenirs and bureau de change.

Holywood, a picturesque town is located only 20 minutes from Bangor by car or train and is one of North Down's most venerable and vibrant communities. Particularly famous nowadays for speciality shopping, fine food and café culture, this affluent town has a wealth of welltended parks and heritage attractions including Holywood Priory, Maypole and Johnny the Jig.

Holywood is also home to the Old Priory and Redburn Country Park whilst the Holywood Yacht Club and esplanade mark the start of the 16 miles North Down Coastal Path, which runs through Bangor to Portavoe.home to the Old Priory and Redburn Country Park while the yacht club and esplanade marks the starting point of the North Down Coastal Path, which runs through Bangor and Groomsport to Portavoe.

Groomsport, just 10 minutes drive from the Marina along the coast is a quaint village built around a small beach, promenade and National Trust Nature Reserve. The 17th Century thatched cottages known as Cockle Row Cottages are home to the seasonal Tourist Information Centre, craft shop and heritage centre.

The picturesque towns of Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay are located approximately 3 miles west of Bangor and can be reached on foot from the coastal path next to the marina. Crawfordsburn Country Park covers 300 acres of parkland, beaches and coastal walks whilst Helen's Bay has just one of several beaches in the North Down area.

For further information visit or telephone Bangor Tourist Information Centre.

tel: (0) 2891 270069
email: tic@northdown.gov.uk
web: www.northdowntourism.com

For the full list of useful numbers download the latest handbook.

• B.J. Marine

  02891 271434
• B.J. Marine Fax

  02891 271529
• Tourist Information

  02891 270069
• Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Safety Checks Service

  02892 600477
• Coastguard

  02891 463933
• Weather

  0871 200 3985