Portglenone Forest Park

The main draw at Portglenone is a proper riverside walk through mixed woodland that feels a world away from Ballymena's hustle. You get mature trees, the River Bann running alongside for much of the path, and the kind of green quiet that works wonders after a long drive. The walk itself is straightforward - mostly level, well-trodden ground that families can manage without drama. Reckon on an hour to do it at leisure, maybe ninety minutes if you're stopping to actually look about.

This isn't a destination that'll swallow up your whole day. What it does brilliantly is slot into a weekend perfectly. If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots - Sunset or Lough Beg are both five-minute drives away - you can knock this out before breakfast or late afternoon when the light starts getting interesting. Kids won't get bored if they're the type to spot birds or splash in streams, but if they need a playground or ice cream stand, they'll lose interest fast.

The woodland feels properly lived-in rather than manicured, which I rather like. There's wildlife here - you'll spot herons if you're lucky, definitely hear more than you see. Free to visit and no barriers, so go whenever suits you. Best visited when it's been dry for a day or two; the paths hold water something fierce after rain. Worth the detour if you're in the area, but don't make it your reason for coming to Ballymena.