Grey Point Fort l Crawfordsburn Country Park
Helen's Bay is situated on the coast four miles west of Bangor and has two lovely beaches flanking Crawfordsburn Country Park. It is named after Helen Sheridan, mother of the first Marquis of Dufferin and Ava. The village is connected by rail to Bangor and Belfast.
Attractions
Train: approximate walking distance in minutes from Helen’s Bay railway halt unless otherwise stated.
Grey Point Fort
Explore this unusual wartime artillery site and enjoy its commanding views over Belfast Lough for which it was built to protect from enemy invasion and now houses a little military museum. The centrepiece is a 12ft x six inch diameter naval gun which was installed in 1992. Kids love it, but disabled access is limited. On the shore nearby is the obelisk marking the Measures Mile which was used by Harland and Wolff to monitor the speed of vessles such as the Titanic.
Open: April - September; 7 days a week 2pm - 5pm
October - March; Sat & Sun 2pm - 5pm
Tel: 028 9185 3621
Admission: Free
Train: 10 mins
Crawfordsburn Country Park
Start your day in Crawfordsburn Country Park at the Countryside Centre. Good access and facilities are offered for visitors with disabilities along with audio-visual presentations and hands-on displays which are a great introduction to the natural history of the region. Have a delicious cup of coffee and a scone in the panoramic Conservatory Restaurant.
Crawfordsburn Country Park
The golden beach attracts thousands of bathers and sun worshippers throughout the summer. Throughout the seasons the Centre organises guided walks, giving you a close-up view of different aspects of the Park's rich flora and fauna, from birds and butterflies to mammals and mushrooms. There is also a coastal route for wheelchair users of 3 1/2 miles from the countryside centre to as far as Seapark in Holywood. You may be lucky enough to spot a shy stoat, common here, but hard to find.
Open: All year round
Accessible for people with disabilities.
Tel: 028 9185 3621
(to book Woodlands Café Tel: 028 9185 2522)
Admission: Free
Train: 10 mins from Helen’s Bay to park entrance