what’s nearby – Manse On The Beach

what's nearby

We are in an enviable position on the stunningly creative Ards Peninsula. The closest attraction is the 2-mile stretch of sandy beach, perfect for walking, running, kayaking, beachcombing and sailing – just a few steps across the road from the Manse.

activities

Eden Pottery, Millisle

Decorating pottery is a creative, fun activity that suits all ages and abilities, and the piece you create will remind you of your visit for years to come! Sessions last approximately 90 minutes, with a wide range of affordably priced items to choose from. Pieces are glazed, and ready to collect within 7 days, but can also be posted out. There is a café onsite, with vegetarian and gluten free options available, ample car parking, disabled access, and baby changing facilities, and they are dog friendly inside and out! Studio booking is available on the website, or by phoning. Booking is advisable but not always necessary, unless a group booking.

Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry

Exploris is located on the Ards Peninsula, surrounded by the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough, creating over 100 miles of coastline. The ferry ride between the two villages of Portaferry and Strangford is not to be missed – go as a foot passenger and enjoy the breath taking views of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty! The Popular Night at the Aquarium is Back. See the underwater world from a different perspective with an evening at Northern Ireland’s only aquarium. Take a tour with Aquarium Experts followed by a 3-course meal in the Kraken Bar & Grill. As well as thousands of fish from around the world, and resident Caiman, Gizmo, you will see what the penguins get up to after hours.

Echlinville Distillery, Kircubbin

The Echlinville Distillery became the first newly licensed distillery in Northern Ireland for over 125 years when it began production in 2013. It is home to some of the north’s best-known spirits including Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, Jawbox Gin, Echlinville Gin and Bán Poitín. Believed to be Ireland’s only ‘field to glass’ distillery, Echlinville’s new-make spirits are distilled from barley grown and harvested from their own fields and floor-malted by hand the way the whiskey forefathers would have done. They offer a range of visitor experiences including tours, tastings, afternoon tea, gin evenings and bespoke group experiences which can be tailored to your own requirements. Echlinville’s tours offer an immersive experience - booking advised.

The Portico of Ards, Portaferry

Experience live shows, music, theatre and comedy. The Portico of Ards ('Portico') is an Arts and Heritage Centre in Portaferry, County Down, at the mouth of Strangford Lough. Built in 1841, Portico is a venue with unique grade A listed Greek architecture. It is owned by the charity Portico of Ards Ltd. but still used every Sunday morning by the Portaferry Presbyterian congregation. Portico was restored and reopened in 2016 as a venue for events: Classical, Comedy, Country, Folk, Jazz, Organ, Pop, Rock, Theatre and more! Choose your next great night out!

Greba Gardens, Greyabbey

Twenty six years ago, Richard and Beverley Brittain bought the three acre disused quarry site which was full of old machinery, rubble and overgrown with brambles, bracken and ivy. Each year they would do various projects including digging out a pond from the quarry floor and using the stones to make walls and stepping stone paths. The gardens may be viewed by appointment from March to November. The garden has featured twice on the BBC - on Secret Gardens and more recently on Greatest Gardens. Unfortunately, due to the woodland nature of the garden, it is not suitable for those with mobility issues, pushchairs and prams are only able to get to some areas so people bringing very young children usually bring a baby carrier to access the whole of the garden. Supervised children are free and dogs are welcome on a lead.