Delamont Country Park
Description
Delamont Country Park is a 200-acre country park situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, ranking among the best things to do with kids in Killyleagh. Functioning as an expansive outdoor park and nature reserve, it offers woodland trails, coastal views, a outdoor adventure play area, and the Strangford Stone megalith.
Prices start from £0.00 for visitors arriving on foot or by bicycle, while vehicle entry fees start at £5.00 per car. Because park admission is charged per vehicle, families can enjoy an affordable outdoor day out packed with play and nature exploration.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this park offers a great mix of open space, scenic water views, and dedicated play facilities. Children can climb through adventure play frames, explore forest trails, ride the miniature railway during seasonal runs, and spot local wildlife along the lough. It is a brilliant outdoor destination along the County Down coast.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What are the key features for families?
- Interactive Exhibits: Educational panels along the shoreline pathways explain the marine wildlife, coastal birds, and ecology of Strangford Lough.
- Educational Day Out: Children can learn about local history, tree species, and the construction of the Strangford Stone, the tallest modern megalith in Britain and Ireland.
- Sensory Play and Nature: Salty sea breezes, woodland scents, rustling canopy leaves, and open grassy fields create a refreshing outdoor sensory experience.
- Outdoor Exploration: Miles of marked, flat walking routes allow children to hike, cycle, or ride scooters safely in a traffic-free environment.
What are the main highlights kids will love?
- Adventure Play Park: A large, timber-built outdoor play area equipped with climbing towers, swings, slides, and sensory play elements for all ages.
- The Strangford Stone: Kids will be amazed by the sheer scale of this 10-metre monolith erected in 1999 to mark the new millennium.
- Delamont Miniature Railway: A popular seasonal miniature steam and diesel train route that takes families on a scenic loop through woodland paths.
- Strangford Lough Shoreline Walk: Flat, accessible coastal paths offering views across the lough where children can spot seals, wading birds, and boats.
- Heron Wood Trail: A gentle forest trail winding through mature trees, ideal for young children on nature treasure hunts and woodland walks.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Killyleagh Castle: Located 1.5 miles north, featuring iconic towers and historic architecture in the heart of Killyleagh town.
- Castle Ward Estate: Positioned 9 miles east near Strangford, offering National Trust trails, historic courtyard exhibits, and adventure areas.
- Down County Museum: Situated 5 miles south in Downpatrick, featuring local historic artifacts and interactive jail displays.
- Inch Abbey: Located 6 miles southwest, offering historic monastic ruins set along the Quoile River.
Facilities
- Food Options: The Steam Pump Tea Room situated in the courtyard offers hot drinks, sandwiches, traybakes, and ice cream; outdoor picnic benches are scattered throughout the park.
- Toilets: Clean public toilets, accessible facilities, and baby-changing rooms are located near the main car park and courtyard hub.
- Buggy Parking: Wide, flat gravel and tarmac paths surround the main facilities and shoreline, making pushchair access smooth throughout the site.
What to see
What Visitors Love
- Excellent value for money with low-cost car parking for a full day of access.
- Safe, expansive play park that caters well to both toddlers and primary-school-aged children.
- Beautiful views across Strangford Lough with flat, easy-walking routes.
- On-site tea room offering pleasant food and drinks within a quiet courtyard setting.
What Visitors Don't Like
- Car parking charges apply during peak periods, requiring card or cash payment at vehicle points.
- The miniature railway operates only on select seasonal days and times.
- Certain coastal paths can feel cold and exposed during windy weather.
Top Tips for Your Visit
- Check Miniature Railway Operating Times: The miniature railway runs primarily on weekends and bank holidays during summer months, so check schedules in advance if visiting for the train.
- Pack Bikes and Scooters: The network of smooth, flat trails throughout the park provides an excellent environment for children to scoot or cycle safely.
- Bring Binoculars: The lough shores are ideal for bird watching, so bring a pair of binoculars for children to spot seals and coastal birds.
Price
Price: Free
Birthday Parties
Offer Birthday Parties: No
Park Grounds: Open daily from 09:00 AM until dusk (seasonal closing times apply).
Address: 90 Downpatrick Rd, Killyleagh, Downpatrick BT30 9TZ, United Kingdom
Post Code: BT30 9TZ
Council: Newry, Mourne and Do
County: County Down
- By Car: Located on the A22 Downpatrick Road, approximately 1.5 miles south of Killyleagh. Follow brown tourist signs for Delamont Country Park.
- Car Parking: On-site parking is available near the visitor courtyard and play area, including accessible parking spaces.
- By Bus: Ulsterbus routes between Downpatrick and Killyleagh stop near the main entrance gates on Downpatrick Road.
Rating breakdown
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