An almost landlocked inlet of the Irish Sea, Strangford Lough and Lecale, is an amazing mix of sandy beaches, rocky shoreline, rolling countryside and hundreds of small wooded islands.
Strangford and Portaferry keep guard over the Narrows that lead to the lough – 17 miles long and 4 miles wide. The lough’s old Irish name means ‘lough of the harbours’ – it lives up to it.
The Exploris aquarium takes you into the underwater home of the seals, porpoises and otters, while the Kircubben Heritage Trail is just one that shows off the area’s dramatic history.
Sailing, canoeing and diving are popular, along with walking and cycling and wildlife watching. Visit the 17th century Mount Stewart and Castle Ward estates and stroll through the Scrabo and Delamont country parks.