Easter signals a start to warmer weather and longer days. We feel the call to get out and explore new places. In anticipation of this, we've gathered together some of our favourite activities and places to discover in Mid & East Antrim during the Easter break, whether you're seeking a family day of discovery or an exciting escape for a couple or group of friends - read on for your inspiration...
Carrickfergus Urban Farm @ Kilcreggan
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You'll know Carrickfergus for its magnificent castle, its tranquil harbour and impressive seafront promenade, but did you know that tucked away just minutes from the castle is a charming urban farm?
Carrickfergus Urban Farm is the perfect stop for families, with a variety of farm animals including pigs, goats chickens, and more. There's a cafe on site and a wonderful garden centre where you can browse and stock up on your garden plants. The urban farm features a small fairy garden and lots of space for kids to play.
Blackhead Coastal Path
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Whitehead is a postcard-perfect town, a relic from a bygone era. Today, it's a great place to spend a day sampling the coffee, enjoying lunch and heading off along the Blackhead Coastal Path. The walk begins at Whitehead from the free car park, and leads you along the seafront, through a cave and up a considerable number of steps to where the lighthouse is perched on the cliff, overlooking Belfast Lough. The views from here are incredible, stretching off to Scotland. This one requires a reasonable level of fitness as there are some steep steps and inclines - but the views more than make up for it!
Whitehead Railway Museum
One of the best hidden gems in Whitehead has to be the Whitehead Railway Museum - an impressive collection of locomotives and memorabilia showcasing some of the giants of steam. This museum can be explored at your leisure or you can book a guided tour in advance from one of the knowledgeable staff. You'll be able to step aboard some of the historic carriages and make your way along the platforms as you take in these magnificent machines. Be sure to stop for a bite of lunch or a coffee in their onsite cafe, Cups and Carriages, a replica Victorian station building.
The Gobbins Cliff Path
It's one of the best known attractions on The Causeway Coastal Route, and a perfect place for an Easter adventure! Pre-book a tour online, and head to Islandmagee where you'll find the Gobbins Visitor Centre. Here you'll get your safety briefing, a hard hat, and board a minibus to the start of the path. Incredible views await you, with dramatic cliffs to one side and the open ocean to the other. As you walk the path over bridges, through a cave and up many steps carved into the rock face, you'll get the chance to see a variety of seabirds and marine life including seals and even dolphins! When you arrive back to the Visitor Centre, you'll be ready to refuel at the cafe and buy that all important souvenir at the gift shop!
Explore A Forest
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There's nothing quite like walking through a forest in Spring, where the signs of new life are everywhere. Mid & East Antrim has some wonderful forests to discover! Portglenone Forest is great for families, with a good sized car park, toilets and pincic tables. There are clear pathways through the woods and plenty of spaces to go exploring off the beaten track! If you're looking for somewhere to really get your steps in, Ballyboley Forest has a number of trails to walk, and some great scenery too, particularly at the reservoir. Parking is on Shane's Hill just outside Larne.
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Why not head along the coast to Glenarm to uncover another of Mid & East Antrim's enchanting forests - Glenarm Forest? In this small but diverse woodland you'll find an array of tree species, birdlife and even the native Red squirrel! There are three different trails to take here, ranging from 2 miles to a modest 0.5 mile river walk - ideal for younger trekkers. Another one for the kids is Carnfunnock Forest Trail - here you can take as long or short a walk as you like through the woodland and you'll never be far from the great amenities of Carnfunnock Country Park - read on for more info on this family favourite...
Carnfunnock Country Park
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A firm family favourite, Carnfunnock Country Park offers something for families with kids of all ages. Spend a day here during the Easter break and you can enjoy exploring the Walled Garden, navigating the maze, various woodland trails including a nature trail, the Family Fun Zone with a miniature railway, mini-golf, water-zorbing and lots of other activities! There's also a cafe, gift shop, a fab play park and plenty of wide open spaces to burn off energy!
Carrickfergus Castle
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Its instantly recognisable outline dominates the coastline of Carrickfergus, but have you ever ventured through the gates of Carrickfergus Castle and explored its hidden treasures? If not, now is the perfect time! Buy your ticket at the Visitor Information Centre just inside the courtyard (no need to pre-book) and discover the magnificent keep, climb the medieval staircase to the banqueting hall, and walk the walls where you'll find original cannons and views over Belfast Lough! Stop by the interpretive centre and children can dress up for a photo before you leave!
Portmuck
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For a peaceful day by the sea, it's hard to beat Portmuck! On the edge of Islandmagee the winding road brings you down to a car park just a stone's throw from the beach, and with toilet and picnic facilities here you can easily spend a few hours. For kids there's plenty to discover while exploring the rocks and water's edge (keep your eyes peeled for the P&O ferries coming in and out of Larne!), for adults there's the opportunity to unwind at this remote spot, with stunning views looking out to sea which take in 5 different headlands along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Glenarm Castle & Gardens
Glenarm Castle is one of few country estates that remains privately owned but open to the public. Visitors can enjoy enchanted walks through the Walled Garden and Castle Trail, indulge in an amazing lunch in the Tea Room, purchase some local produce or official merchandise, or browse through a wide range of gifts, souvenirs and crafts in the Visitor Centre or Byre Shop - with many ranges exclusive to Glenarm Castle. There's also a mini-Landrover experience for kids which can be pre-booked here.
So this year, plan a few of these activities into your Easter itinerary and make it an experience to remember. If you fancy staying for longer, check out our accommodation options here, and you'll find a fantastic range of restaurants and places to eat here.
