Downpatrick

County Down's ecclesiastical capital sits 25 miles south of Belfast, where rolling drumlin countryside meets the Irish Sea. Downpatrick wears its history well - this is where St Patrick himself is buried, making it something of a pilgrimage site for the faithful and curious alike.

The town centre feels properly lived-in rather than touristy. Local shops line the main street, and you'll find Lecale Brewery tucked away for those who fancy a pint with provenance. It's the sort of place where you can still park easily and grab a proper coffee without queuing behind coach parties.

Head east and you'll hit the coast at Ardglass, where the harbour buzzes with fishing boats and weekend sailors. The golf course here offers cracking views across the water - though the wind can be brutal in winter. Killough Harbour to the south makes for a lovely walk, especially when the light catches the water just right.

Castles dot the landscape like ancient punctuation marks. Jordan's Castle and Cowd Castle remind you this was once contested ground, while the Ardglass Tourism & Maritime Heritage Centre fills in the gaps if you're keen on local lore.

The train from Belfast takes about an hour, or it's a straightforward drive down the A7. Staying at one of the nearby parks - Castle Ward Caravan Park sits close to the National Trust estate - gives you easy access to both Downpatrick's heritage sites and the stunning Lecale Peninsula coastline. It's particularly handy if you're planning day trips to Newcastle and the Mournes, just 20 minutes south.