Kilclief Beach

Kilclief Beach is a proper little cove that catches you off guard if you're not expecting it. The beach itself is small and sheltered, with soft sand that slopes gently into the water - exactly the sort of place that works brilliantly for families with young kids who don't fancy being battered by Atlantic waves. The backdrop is rural enough that you'll spot a few old stone ruins nearby, which adds a bit of character to what might otherwise feel like just another stretch of County Down coastline.

It's free to visit and you can walk straight onto the sand from the road, which means no lengthy treks with toddlers in tow. The sheltered nature means it's swimmable most of the year, though you'll want to check conditions before you wade in. Allow an hour or two depending on whether you're just after a quick paddle or planning a proper beach afternoon with a picnic.

Downpatrick sits just inland, so you're well positioned for exploring that way if the weather turns. If you're basing yourselves at one of the caravan parks in the area - Castle Ward is your closest option at just over two miles - this works as an easy add-on to a wider park holiday rather than a destination in itself. It's not going to keep teenagers entertained for hours, and serious swimmers might find the shallow bay a bit tame, but for families after somewhere calm and accessible, it's worth the short detour.