Island Hill

You won't find crowds at Island Hill, which is precisely why it's worth the trip from Belfast. This modest viewpoint sits on raised ground overlooking the Lagan Valley, and on a clear day you get proper views across to the Mourne Mountains and even the Scottish coast if you're lucky. It's a short walk from the car park - nothing strenuous - and the reward is a surprisingly expansive perspective over farmland and distant peaks.

The spot works best for walkers and landscape photographers rather than families with young kids. There's not much to do once you've soaked in the view - no cafe, no facilities - so plan this as part of a larger outing rather than a destination in itself. Allow 20 minutes to half an hour unless you're the type to sit about with a coffee from a flask, which plenty of people sensibly do.

If you're staying at The Pods at Streamvale or Dundonald Touring Caravan Park - both just a few miles away - Island Hill pairs nicely with exploring the Lagan Valley Regional Park nearby. The viewpoint gives you the lay of the land, quite literally, and you can then walk sections of the valley paths themselves. Coming from Belfast makes it an easy morning jaunt. Free access, no faffing about with tickets. Go midweek if you want solitude, and aim for late afternoon when the light turns the Mournes properly golden.