Belvedere Dog Park

The dog run at Belvedere sits just outside Newtownards, a proper spot if your four-legged friend needs to burn off some energy during a park holiday in the area. It's a straightforward setup - a dedicated enclosed space where dogs can properly stretch their legs without the lead, which frankly most pooches go a bit mental for after being cooped up in a caravan.

You'll find it's used by locals, so the atmosphere tends to be relaxed. Dogs range from tiny terriers to full-size labs, and most owners are chatty sorts who actually supervise their pets rather than staring at their phones. The ground's decent enough - not pure mud in winter, which counts for something in Northern Ireland.

This works best for families with energetic dogs who'd otherwise spend the holiday whining in the van. It's the kind of place you'd pop into for twenty minutes rather than make a destination of, but that's exactly what you need when staying at Dunroamin Caravan Park in Millisle, only a few miles away. If your dog's already got an issue with other dogs or you've got a nervous pup, you might want to give it a miss and stick to quieter walks instead.

There's no charge that I'm aware of, and it takes ten minutes to reach from Newtownards town centre. Grab the lead and go when it's not peak time - early morning or late afternoon - and your dog will be a happy traveller for the rest of the day.