Parks Activities and Events
Our Parks service offers a varied programme of activities and events throughout the year in our parks and open spaces. These activities and events are usually free of / minimal charge and aim to encourage residents and visitors to spend time in our borough, making the most of nature and its benefits for our health and wellbeing.
From educational walks and talks to opportunities for play, there is something for everyone.
Some of these events are ticketed via Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks Events | Eventbrite
If you have any queries about these events, please contact andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
This section is updated regularly so please check back!
May 2026
Wheels and Thrills | Comber Skate Park | Wednesday 6 May, 6pm - 8pm
Come showcase your skills, try new tricks, and meet fellow teen thrill-seekers at this BMX Taster event.
- Parental consent required on the evening
- No booking required
- Age 8+
- All equipment will be supplied
For any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Woodland Wellness Walks | Castle Park, Portaferry | Thursday 7 and Thursday 21 May, 11am
Step away from screens, traffic, and the noise of everyday life and join us for a gentle, guided walk through the woodlands of Ards and North Down. These sessions are designed to help you relax, breathe, and reconnect with nature, with yourself, and with like-minded others.
Our Woodland Wellness Walks are slow‑paced, social, and welcoming. Each session blends mindful walking, simple breathing and awareness practices, and light conversation to help you feel more present, grounded, and refreshed.
Sessions usually include:
• A warm welcome and gentle arrival
• Simple breathing and mindfulness exercises
• A guided woodland walk focused on sights, sounds, and sensations
• Opportunities to chat in pairs or small groups
• Gentle music or sound (guitar or hand‑pan) along the way
• A relaxed group closing to bring everyone back together
Everything is optional, there's no pressure to speak, share, or move faster than feels comfortable. These sessions are all about slowing down, enjoying the outdoors, and finding ease in good company.
How to book your place
All upcoming dates and ticket options are available on our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ards-and-north-down-borough-council-parks-91965099733. Simply scroll through the list to find the Woodland Wellness Walk session that suits you and select the ticket for that date.
Friends of Ballymenoch - Join the Conversation! | Monday 11 May | 7pm - 8.30pm | Queen's Leisure Centre, Holywood
We're supporting the growth of Friends of Ballymenoch group and inviting local residents to come together for a friendly discussion about what matters most in Ballymenoch Park, how the group can grow, and the ideas and practical actions that will shape its future.
Queens Leisure Centre, Holywood | 11th May | 7pm - 8.30pm
Tea, coffee and traybakes on arrival. Please email ANDPARKS@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk with any access or dietary requirements
For more information on Friends of Groups, go to www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/volunteer
SparkHer Series: Outdoor Yoga with Christine | Tuesday 5 and Tuesday 12 May 12, 2026, 6:30pm |Londonderry Park, Newtownards
Join us for an in-person, outdoor yoga session: the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and find your zen.
Book via Eventbrite:
- Outdoor Yoga with Christine Tickets, Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- Outdoor Yoga with Christine Tickets, Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Part of the SparkHer Series: Ignite, Inspire Empower collection
Spring to Summer: Guided Walks | Thursday 14 May
For details and to register visit Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks Events - | Eventbrite
When | What | Where to meet |
Thursday 14 May | Seabird sightings | Groomsport boathouse, Groomsport /// will.cook.inert |
| Sunday 2-4pm one a month | Wildlife Wanders with BTO | Location varies each month (Email: wanders@ bto.org to find out more) |
Celebrate Orienteering Week |Thursday 21 May 2026, 7:00-8:30pm | Ward Park, Bangor
Thursday 21 May 2026 | from 7:00-8:30pm
Starting point: meet at the bandstand
Orienteering is an outdoor adventure sport where you use a map to find checkpoints as quickly as you can.
Walk, jog, or run at your own pace — it's great fun for families, beginners, and experienced participants alike.
Come along, give it a go, and explore the park in a whole new way!
SparkHer Series: Outdoor Pilates with Christine | Tuesday 26 May 2026, 6:30pm | Ballywalter Beach & Park
Stretch, breathe and soak up some fresh air in this chill outdoor session with Christine.
Book via Eventbrite: Outdoor Pilates with Christine Tickets, Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Part of the SparkHer Series: Ignite, Inspire Empower collection
AND Walking Week | 25-30 May (National Walking Month) | Various locations
Explore The Columbanus Way via Helen's Tower |Thursday 28 May | 10am - 12.30pm
Meet at: Whitespots car park by Somme centre 233 Bangor Rd, Newtownards BT23 7PH (Returning to start by bus )
For details and to register, visit The Columbanus Way in Walking Month of May Tickets, Thursday, May 28 • 10 AM - 12:30 PM | Eventbrite
Guided Tale Trails family walks at Cairnwood | Saturday 30 May | 10am - 11.30am
Meet at: Cairnwood car park 21 Craigantlet Rd, Newtownards BT23 4TE
For details and to register, visit Cairn Wood Tale Trails family guided walks Tickets, Saturday, May 30 • 10 AM - 12:30 PM | Eventbrite
Weekly walks supported by 'Walking for All'
- Tuesdays @ 10am | Ballygalget Walkers & Talkers | Ballygalget GAC
- Wednesdays @1pm | Holywood Hobblers | Holywood Maypole corner
- Wednesdays @ 2.45pm | Conlig Reservoir Ramblers | Conlig Nature Reserve
- Wednesdays @ 7pm | Donaghadee Commons |The Commons car park
- Thursdays @ 10.30am | Seapark Joyful Walkers | Blue bench, Seapark recreation grounds, Holywood
- Fridays @ 10am | Cloughey Rubbish Walkers | Cloughey Main Road Beach car
For more info visit walkingforall.com
June 2026
SparkHer Series: Outdoor Pilates with Christine | Tuesday 2 June 2026, 6:30 pm | Ballywalter Beach & Park
Stretch, breathe and soak up some fresh air in this chill outdoor session with Christine.
Book via Eventbrite: Outdoor Pilates with Christine Tickets, Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026
Part of the SparkHer Series: Ignite, Inspire Empower collection
UK Bike Week | 8 to 14 June | Events at various locations across Ards and North Down (Note: Park Pedal Saturday 6 June)
Whether you ride every day or haven't cycled in years, Bike Week is all about showcasing how cycling can be fun for everyone. It's a week to celebrate the simple joy of getting on a bike and to inspire others to give it a go.
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 6 June | 1.30-4pm | Park Pedal for all ages | Comber, Parkway |
| Mon 8 June | 9.30-11.30am | Bike Checks | Walled Garden, Bangor and |
| Tue 9 June | 6-8pm | BMX Taster Sessions with Thunder | Ards Blair Mayne Pump Track, Newtownards |
| Weekday mornings | 11am - 1pm | Accessible cycle skills and games | Bangor Sportsplex |
| Wed 10 June | 6-8pm | BMX Taster Sessions with Thunder | Portavogie Skate Park |
| Thu 11 June | 6-8pm | BMX Taster sessions with Thunder | Killinchy Pump Track |
| Sat 13 June | 12noon | Peninsula Quietway Cycle Tour | From Bangor. Register at Events | AND Cycle Campaign |
| Wed 17 June | 6-9pm | Ards Cycle Club Town Criterion Town Races - child races all ages and adult club road cycling | Town Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards |
| 1-30 June | Active Travel Challenge: Sign up online at Active Travel Challenge | ||
For more information and booking, please visit AND Bike Week 8-14 June 2026 | Eventbrite
Cloughey Bioblitz | Saturday 13 June, 1-6pm | Cloughey Beach
Join us for an afternoon of wild, hands‑on nature discovery at Cloughey Beach. Explore the shore, dunes and grasslands with brilliant experts and conservation partners. A bioblitz is a fun, fast‑paced wildlife survey where we work together to find and record as many species as possible in one place.
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Promotional poster for Cloughey Bioblitz on 13 June 2026
Cloughey Bioblitz June 2026
On the day you can enjoy
- Intertidal ID discover crabs, fish, sea snails and the hidden life between the tides
- Rockpooling sessions hands‑on exploration for all ages
- Seals outreach learn about our local seal colonies and how they use the coastline
- Bugs and dune habitat exploration uncover the insects and species that thrive in the dunes
- Seaweeds exploration get to know the seaweeds that support our coastal ecosystems
- Birds ID spot and identify coastal and shoreline birds
- Grassland ID explore the meadows and dunes, learn to recognise the plants that live there
- Craft activities creative, nature‑inspired fun throughout the afternoon
Be part of the science! We're recording every species on iNaturalist - sign up and join the project so your sightings count: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/cloughey-bioblitz
Proudly delivered by Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership, Ulster Wildlife, The Conservation Volunteers and the Marine Conservation Society.
Outdoor Mindfulness Sessions | Thursday evenings in June | Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Ards and North Down Borough Council are excited to announce once again we'll be hosting *free* outdoor mindfulness sessions throughout June and July in Bangor Castle Walled Garden.
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Mindfulness session in Bangor Castle's Walled Garden
Mindfulness - Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Join us as you follow the breath, body, and the beat of the music to uncover new layers of self-understanding, in this guided musical, meditative journey all held in amongst the borough's wonderful parks and woodlands. Each free 1-hour session includes live music played on a melodic RAV drum, plus carefully curated playlists of pre-recorded music supported by hand-made drums, shakers, and other musical instruments. Meditation is guided with a focus on mind-body connection, to support emotional regulation.
Perfect for both newcomers and the experienced alike, offering either a first feel for this kind of practice, or an opportunity to let go and immerse deeply in a guided outdoor session.
Register for free on Walled Garden Mindfulness Sessions Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
If you would like to know more about what is going on in your local park, please email Andpark@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk for more information.
July 2026
Wheels and Thrills | Ballygowan Muga, Moss Road | Wednesday 1 July, 6pm - 8pm
Come showcase your skills, try new tricks, and meet fellow teen thrill-seekers at this Parkour Gymnastics event.
- Parental consent required on the evening
- No booking required
- Age 8+
- All equipment will be supplied
For any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Outdoor Mindfulness Sessions | Thursday evenings in July | Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Ards and North Down Borough Council are excited to announce once again we'll be hosting *free* outdoor mindfulness sessions throughout June and July in Bangor Castle Walled Garden.
Image gallery carousel
Mindfulness session in Bangor Castle's Walled Garden
Mindfulness - Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Join us as you follow the breath, body, and the beat of the music to uncover new layers of self-understanding, in this guided musical, meditative journey all held in amongst the borough's wonderful parks and woodlands. Each free 1-hour session includes live music played on a melodic RAV drum, plus carefully curated playlists of pre-recorded music supported by hand-made drums, shakers, and other musical instruments. Meditation is guided with a focus on mind-body connection, to support emotional regulation.
Perfect for both newcomers and the experienced alike, offering either a first feel for this kind of practice, or an opportunity to let go and immerse deeply in a guided outdoor session.
Register for free on Walled Garden Mindfulness Sessions Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
If you would like to know more about what is going on in your local park, please email Andpark@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk for more information.
Wheels and Thrills | Ards Blair Mayne Skate Park | Wednesday 22 July, 6pm - 8pm
Come showcase your skills, try new tricks, and meet fellow teen thrill-seekers at this Skateboard Taster event.
- Parental consent required on the evening
- No booking required
- Age 8+
- All equipment will be supplied
For any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
August 2026
Wheels and Thrills | Millisle Muga | Wednesday 5 August, 10.30am - 12.30pm
Come showcase your skills, try new tricks, and meet fellow teen thrill-seekers at this Scooter event.
- Parental consent required on the evening
- No booking required
- Age 8+
- All equipment will be supplied
For any queries please contact andplay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Wild Days Out - Nature Adventures for Kids! | Various locations |Friday 7th, 14th & 21st August 2026
Looking for free, fun, and educational outdoor activities for the kids this August? "Wild Days Out" is a series of exciting, hands-on nature sessions designed especially for children across Ards and North Down! Each event offers a chance to explore the outdoors, learn about local wildlife, and get creative with natural materials.
Ideal for children and their families just drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm.
Coastal Playpark, Millisle (What3Words:///dancer.reminder.smuggled) - 10am to 2pm - Friday 7 August 2026
- Coastal ID and guided walk.
- Environmental games about marine litter
Walled Garden (Playpark), Bangor (What3Words: ///richer.soft.winner) - 10am to 2pm - Friday 14 August 2026
- Tree Walk and storytelling
- Wildflower walk followed by nature crafts- Hapa zome
Kiltonga Nature Reserve, Newtownards (What3Words: ///reverted.spokes.tenses) - 10am to 2pm - Friday 21 August 2026
- Bird ID and guided walk- think like a bird and have a minibeast hunt, make some biodegradable bird feeders.
- Wild survival skills, shelter building.
