Ballywalter Beach & Park

The beach at Ballywalter runs wide and golden when the tide's out, backed by dunes that shift with the seasons and a proper nature reserve that's genuinely worth an hour's poking about. You get grey seals hauling out on the rocks if you're lucky, wading birds year-round, and in spring the wildflowers put on a decent show across the reserve. It's manageable for families - the beach itself is safe for paddling, though the water's cold even in summer. The walk from the car park isn't taxing, and there's something about the way the dunes slope that keeps kids entertained longer than you'd expect. Newtownards is only a short drive away if you need supplies or a café afterwards.

This isn't a destination attraction, but it's exactly what makes a caravan holiday tick. You're within spitting distance of Springvale Holiday Park and Sandycove if you're based nearby, so it works brilliantly as a morning outing before heading elsewhere. The reserve side appeals to birdwatchers and anyone who actually enjoys a walk without a destination - the kind of place you amble about, spot what you spot, and call it a proper day out. Free access, no silly crowds, and the car park rarely fills even on decent weekends. Go when the light's golden rather than midday glare, and bring binoculars if you're interested in the seals.