Visit Newtownards: 2026 Travel Guide for Newtownards, Northern Ireland

Visit an important monument to World War II, play a few rounds of golf and gaze up at the iconic tower in the hilltop park.

Newtownards is a fairly developed town with a rich history and fascinating monuments. Overlooked by the imposing Scrabo Tower, the town lies in a pleasant valley surrounded by green countryside. Stroll through the Old Town market for a glimpse into local traditions and customs.

Visit the city center for Ards Shopping Center and Londonderry Park. Bring the kids to the adventure center of Happy Town.

Stroll through the pleasant hilltop fields of Scrabo Country Park in the southwestern part of the town. Enjoy a picnic with excellent views of the picturesque countryside from this great vantage point. The park’s centerpiece is the 19th-century Scrabo Tower, with its iconic turreted tower.

Relax with a few rounds at Scrabo Golf Club which fills the southern end of the park. An alternative is Clandeboye Golf Course near Bangor, which has two 18-hole championship courses.

Also on the way to Bangor, a little north of Newtownards, lies the Somme Museum, which honors the spot where the soldiers of the 108th Brigade trained for World War II. Take a guided tour for a comprehensive understanding of the many objects and photos displayed and stories shared.

Make your way southeast along the coast to Mount Stewart, where you will find the 19th-century Mount Stewart House and GardensOpens in a new window. This stately manor has a neoclassical style and period furnishings. Visit the ruins of nearby Grey Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century.

Enjoy the fairly sunny summers in the green countryside and expect wet weather year-round. Note that the town is known by locals as Ards.

Find the town in the borough of Ards in northeastern Northern Ireland. It is just a 30-minute drive east of BelfastOpens in a new window, which has the Belfast International Airport. Visit nearby towns, such as Bangor, Comber and the many other villages on the Ards Peninsula.

Newtownards is a lively town surrounded by a scenic hilltop with one of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks.

Where to stay in Newtownards

Find the best Newtownards areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Newtownards

Ballygowan

While there might not be top attractions in Ballygowan, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Balmoral Golf Club and Magherascouse Lough.

Moneyreagh

Moneyreagh is well-liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Newtownards area, you might plan a trip to Stormont Parliament Buildings or Gilnahirk Golf Club.

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La Mon Hotel And Country Club

41 Gransha Road Newtownards Northern Ireland

$128 nightly

$154 total

Nov 15 - Nov 16

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this spa hotel in Newtownards. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...

Strangford Arms Hotel Newtownards

92 Church Street Newtownards Northern Ireland

$111 nightly

$133 total

Oct 19 - Oct 20

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newtownards. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...

8.8/10 Excellent! (221 reviews)

"The room was very small and dated. But what the room lacked was made up by the staff. The staff went above and beyond to help us more than once. Would we stay here again? Absolutely!"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

Great Victoria Street Belfast Northern Ireland

$172 nightly

$206 total

Nov 8 - Nov 9

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,053 reviews)

"Hotel well located for sites in city. Rooms very clean. Very nice bar and breakfast had many options. Staff also very helpful."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2026

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Luxury Cabin with private use of outdoor Hot-tub and views of Strangford Lough

Killinchy Northern Ireland

Stay at this cabin in Newtownards. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Carrigullian Lough and Heron Lough are located ...

Spacious Apartment with Private Terrace

Newtownards Northern Ireland

Stay at this apartment in Newtownards. Enjoy laundry facilities and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions Clandeboye Golf Course and Scrabo Tower are located ...

10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)

"Cute and clean apartment with lots of room. Separate living room and very spacious bedroom. Was also greeted with a small welcome grocery package.. eggs, bread, milk, cookies! - thank you..Loved the jetted tub and the recliners in the living room! Is also walking distance to pubs in downtown ( the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2026

Cosy Log Cabin - views of Scrabo Tower

Comber Northern Ireland

Stay at this cabin in Newtownards. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Scrabo Tower and Dundonald International Ice Bowl are located ...

9.6/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)

"Lovely little cabin with spectacular views and nearby shops and eateries.......Really enjoyed our stay ... would definitely come again!"

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2026

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Newtownards attractions

A historic building with a stone facade, a central entrance, and a symmetrical window arrangement.

Mount Stewart

9.4/10 (3 reviews)

Step into a world of elegance and beauty at this 19th-century stately home, as renowned for its stunning grounds as for its opulent interiors.

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A stone tower with a red light at the top, set on a grassy hill under a starry night sky.

Scrabo Tower

9.6/10 (7 reviews)

Located on the North Down coast just west of the town of Newtownards, the looming Scrabo Tower is an imposing sentinel in the Northern Irish countryside. Built in 1857 as a memorial to the third Marquis of Londonderry, the turreted tower is constructed from dark stone and resides on a hill 540 feet above sea level. The tower itself is 125 feet high, affording visitors with unbeatable views over the countryside and coastline beyond.

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Things to do

From Belfast: Giant's Causeway Full-Day Guided Trip

$33

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway Day Tour from Belfast

$33

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Titanic Belfast Entrance Ticket: Titanic Visitor Experience Including SS Nomadic

$36

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

Giants Causeway and Castles from Belfast: Guided Tour

$32

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Guided Day Tour: Giant's Causeway from Belfast

Guided Day Tour of Giant's Causeway from Belfast by Comfortable Coach

$60

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Belfast: Giant's Causeway, Coast Road & Game of Thrones Tour

$30

per adult

See all activities in Newtownards

Frequently asked questions

Is Newtownards worth visiting?

Newtownards is worth visiting for its notable attractions like Mount Stewart House and Gardens, offering travelers a chance to explore historic grounds. The destination also provides diverse culinary experiences, with options ranging from Asian to Italian dining, perfect for various tastes.

When is the best time to visit Newtownards?

The best time to visit Newtownards is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of December through March offer a more tranquil experience, typically with cooler temperatures.

What is Newtownards known for?

Newtownards, also known as 'Newtown Ards', is known for its historical landmarks. Travelers can explore Mount Stewart House and Gardens, the expansive Mount Stewart estate, and the iconic Scrabo Tower. The area also offers a vibrant Asian food culture.

What is a good itinerary length for Newtownards?

A good itinerary length for Newtownards is one to two days to visit key spots like Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Scrabo Tower. For an extended stay of three to four days, travelers can also enjoy activities such as the Private Ards Peninsula St Patrick Trail with Winterfell Strangford Lough Ferry or a Traditional Bread Making Experience at Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen. See Newtownards Activities.

What are the top things to do in and around Newtownards?

Newtownards offers travelers a mix of historic landmarks, scenic drives, and unique local experiences:

Visit Mount Stewart House and Gardens, a notable landmark.
Explore Scrabo Tower, a historic point of interest.
Discover the Ards Peninsula St Patrick Trail, including a Strangford Lough Ferry.
Wander the ancient Nendrum Monastic Site.
Enjoy a Traditional Bread Making Experience at Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen.

How do I plan a trip to Newtownards?

To plan your trip to Newtownards, search for places to stay on Expedia and book flights and rental cars in advance. Explore attractions like Mount Stewart House and Gardens or Scrabo Tower. Consider activities such as the Private Ards Peninsula St Patrick Trail or a Traditional Bread Making Experience, and always pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.

What cuisines can you find in Newtownards?

In Newtownards you can find Indian cuisine, with popular dishes like flavorful curries, tandoori chicken, and biryani. Travelers also have options for Asian (specifically Chinese), Italian, European, and North American dishes, alongside Halal food choices. The area also offers traditional pubs and coffee shops.

Can I book a refundable hotel in Newtownards?

Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Newtownards by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.

Why book a trip to Newtownards with Expedia?

Expedia makes it easier to plan your Newtownards trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.

Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Newtownards?

The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Newtownards can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.

How can I manage my Newtownards trip on Expedia?

Once you've booked your Newtownards trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.

What if I need help during my Newtownards trip?

Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Newtownards trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.

How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Newtownards?

If it's your first trip to Newtownards, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.

How can I save on my Newtownards hotel booking with Expedia?

Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Newtownards hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Newtownards

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