Experience Ards and you'll experience it all - whether you're looking for dramatic sea and landscapes, the best in leisure of first class attractions, there's never been more on offer to tempt you to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Located ten miles from Belfast, the Ards Peninsula has Strangford Lough at its heart. The Lough, the largest sea inlet in the British Isles and its internationally renowned wildlife form the focus of the Ards Borough for many visitors. The Irish Sea stretches from Donaghadee to Portaferry with long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for walking and water sports.

Journey back in time with a visit to ancient castles and churches or enjoy the wealth of outdoor activities, from golf and fishing to sailing and horse riding. Discover the water and wildlife of Strangford Lough and learn a little more at Exploris aquarium. Explore Mount Stewart, a National Trust property or simply sit back and relax in restaurants and friendly pubs in the towns and villages.

Below you will find some information to help you plan your break, however long in Ards. Why not have a look at one of the visitor itineraries with suggestions for a day out in the area and if you want to extend your break, accommodation listings can be found in the Ards Visitor Guide 2011. For more detailed visitor information please visit our new website http://www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk

Follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/visitstrangford

Further information is also available from Ards Tourist Information Centre, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards (beside the bus station) Email tourism@ards-council.gov.uk T: 028 9182 6846.

Visitor Guide

Experience Ards Tours 2011

Ards Visitor Guide 2011/2012

Ards Visitor Map - Destination Strangford Lough 2011/2012

Events Guide (Autumn/Winter 2011-2012)

Ards Tourism Reference Manual 2012

Itineraries

A fun family day out in the Ards Borough

Early and Medieval Churches in Ards Borough

Great outdoors in Ards Peninsula

Green Fingers Tour of the Ards Borough

Wildlife in the Ards Peninsula

Wildlife map of the Ards Peninsula

Town Maps

Newtownards and Portaferry Street Maps