Glorious beaches, magical woodland and 3.5km of rugged coastline encompass one of  NI's prettiest parks.

Hugging the Belfast Lough coastline between Holywood and Bangor, the Park is a great place to walk, relax and watch locals throw sticks for their dogs.

Three marked trails, a running trail and a stretch of the North Down Coastal Walk guide you past highlights including a waterfall, five arch railway viaduct and Californian Giant Redwood tree.

Look out, too, for Grey Point Fort, an early 20th century gun emplacement built to protect the Lough from invasion. The gun you see today came from Cork Harbour in 1992 and replaces the two originals which were sold for scrap in 1957.

Park facilities include the Countryside Centre, an interpretive centre with exhibitions on the environmental history of the area.

Round off your autumnal walk with a drink at The Old Inn or cup of tea and traybake at the Centre's Woodlands Cafe.

Directions:

• To get there the train to Crawfordsburn from Gt. Victoria St. or look for brown road signs as you drive along the main A2 Belfast-Bangor road.