Crawfordsburn BeachNorth Down beaches have been awarded top grade in the Good Beach Guide…

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) launched its Good Beach Guide online this week.  Amongst the cleanest beaches in Scotland, England and Wales, local beaches in Groomsport, Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn also made the grade.  Last year only 10 beaches in North Ireland were approved for the Good Beach Guide and with a rise of 25% this year sees 16 beaches out of 24 fit for bathing.

Get your swimming gear ready!

For more information on the Good Beach Guide please visit www.goodbeachguide.co.uk

In preparation for a busy season ahead, North Down Borough Council launched its free visitor and events guide this week…

Each user friendly guide is filled with imagery of the surrounding area and is packed full of lots of exciting things to see and do in Bangor, Holywood and Groomsport.

The North Down Visitor Guide explores what the area has to offer – from family days out to local activities including historical walks and tours there is something for everyone.

The handy month-by-month events guide, already received by 37,000 North Down residents lists everything from street entertainment to live music events making it easy to plan the events and activities you want to experience in 2012.  

Pick up your free visitor and events guide now and get planning!

Both guides are available from Bangor’s Tourist Information Centre. Download both guides from www.northdowntourism.com or telephone 028 9127 0069

 

Images source - Mediatech.edu

The normal flowers and perfume always go down well, but why not treat your mum to something a little different this year. Here is what we have up our sleeve to impress the woman who mostly has everything…

Stay Away
With a wonderful range of hotels to choose from North Down has accommodation to suit every budget.  From quaint and cute to luxurious and characteristic, each hotel has something very special to offer.  Spend the afternoon visiting some of North Downs attractions, shop in the boutiques or grab a bite to eat in one of the many fabulous restaurants before settling down for the night.

Afternoon Tea
If your mum loves stopping off for a cuppa this could be the treat for her.  With many hotel restaurants offering afternoon tea it’s the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax with your mum and enjoy an afternoon filled with tea, scones, sandwiches and mini desserts.

Relax in Style
Pamper your mum this Mother’s Day with a relaxing day at one of the luxurious spas.  With a wide range of therapeutic treatments available your mum will be spoilt for choice.  If your budget doesn’t stretch to a full day at the spa why not sample the treatments in one of the many award winning beauty clinics in North Down?  A manicure, back massage or facial are amongst the favourites but if your mum fancies something a bit different – reflexology, Reiki or Hopi Ear Candles could be the treatment for her.

Whatever you decide to do North Down has plenty to offer.

The 18 hole mini golf course in construction

We have had a little sneaky peek at what the new and improved Pickie Fun Park will look like come April.  The park will include a new 18 hole mini golf course, Pickie Cafe, splash pads and much more.

To find out more information and to see the latest pictures, please click here.

 

 

The signs are up…

 …and Bangor is now promoting its newfound status as Northern Ireland’s first Fairtrade town.  Bangor first achieved the status last year. Fairtrade campaigner Alderman Anne Wilson asked the council to publicly declare the towns Fairtrade status by promoting it on the signs around the town.

 Fairtrade works with local farmers and their families in the world’s poorest countries to ensure a better deal for their products through the use of the international Fairtrade mark.  Fairtrade products such as food, crafts and jewellery are available throughout Bangor.

To read more about Fairtrade towns and what it means in more detail please visit: http://www.fairtradetowns.org/

 

Our Romantic Guide to North Down…

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching the countdown is on to arrange something special to show the one you love how much you care. If you’re not the prepared type and you normally leave things to the last minute, don’t worry, we have some ideas to help you make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Stay the night:

With a great variety of hotels we have something to suit every budget. From 5* luxury to cute and quaint, you are bound to impress the one you love with a night away. Great Valentine’s offers are now available, but you better get in quick.

A lovely bite:

The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach (well so they say)… so you will definitely not disappoint if you book a meal for two in one of our many wonderful restaurants.

Valentine Strolls:

It’s nice to put a bit of thought into how you spend your Valentine’s Day. You don’t have to break the bank to show someone you love them. A picnic for two and a stroll around our lovely coastal areas would do the trick.

Spa Day Away:

Fancy a pamper day? Why not relax and enjoy a special Valentine’s Day treat in one of our luxury spas. With great Valentine’s Day offers, you could enjoy a lovely relaxing day for a discounted price – perfect!

 

 Work continues on Pickie Fun Park…

Pickie closed in September to undergo a major facelift.  Keeping the much loved classics like the Giant Swans and Pickie Puffer, Pickie will also boast an 18 hole maritime themed crazy golf course, children’s splash pad and electronic cars.  The cafe has also been renovated and the gardens landscaped, making it the perfect place for all to enjoy. 

To read more about the new Pickie attraction and to see more artistic impressions of what the new Pickie will look like, please click here.

 

What blue flags are to beaches, purple flags are to towns…

Bangor is one of only four towns in Northern Ireland that has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag Award.  The Purple Flag Award is a nationally approved scheme recognising those towns with an excellent night time economy.  Bangor’s vibrant night life, variety of quality restaurants and clean environment made it a clear winner.

If you haven’t been out in Bangor in a while, this would be a great time to get planning!

For more information on the Purple Flag Award please visit www.atcm.org/purple-flag

 

Fancy bouncing your way to fitness?

Adult Trampolining classes are the new craze that’s hitting North Down.  Anyone who has jumped on their kid’s trampoline in the garden knows that – not only is it a giggle, but you get a great work out too.

If hard core pump classes are not for you, why not get a group of friends together and give trampolining ago? You will definitely laugh your way to a healthier lifestyle!

For more information contact Bangor Castle Leisure Centre, telephone: 028 9127 0271

Find out why a South African Business Man has adopted Bangor as his home!

Glynn Orchin, born in KwaZulu-Natal moved to Bangor when he was a child. Filled with memories of warm and sunny South Africa, Bangor, at first, seemed a million miles from home. In a recent article Mr Orchin explains how Bangor’s “charm, character and friendly people” made him adopt Bangor as his home.  Click on the link to read the full article.

 

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