Antrim Castle Gardens

The formal gardens at Antrim Castle are one of those places that rewards a proper wander, even if the castle itself is long gone. What you get now is a sprawling 21-acre estate with tree-lined avenues, ornamental lakes, and enough manicured grounds to justify an hour or two on a decent day. The layout follows the original 17th-century design, which means there's actual geometry to it rather than just trees flung about randomly.

This works best for people who enjoy a gentle stroll without the constant climbing you'd get elsewhere. Families with younger kids will find open space to let them run about, though there's not much in the way of playgrounds or attractions to keep them glued to the spot. History types will appreciate the bones of the estate even without the castle looming over it.

Being right next to Six Mile Water Caravan Park and Blair's Castlewood Holiday Park means you can walk there from either site - that's genuinely handy if you're based nearby. The gardens are free to access, which makes them a proper no-brainer for a morning or afternoon break from caravan life. Antrim town itself is just outside, so you're never far from a cup of tea or a sandwich.

The best time to visit is spring or early summer when the planting comes into its own. Winter is fine too if you don't mind the bare bones of the place. It's the sort of location that slots nicely into a broader holiday rather than being a destination in itself, but that's not a criticism - sometimes that's exactly what you want.