Newcastle Tips

mr_benn_2

I'm heading off to Newcastle (co Down) tomorrow for a couple of days relaxation to try and start getting my head out of the bad place it has been past few months.
I would love some suggestions from the MSE'rs on cheap (or even better, Free) things to see and do in the area this week?
I would also welcome any recommendations for eating places they are both reasonably priced and worth the money

Thanks for any advice you can give

kidshorsesdogs

A walk in the beautiful Mourne mountains is free and there is nothing that will clear your head like it. There are some well worn paths and routes. A walk on the beach and Murlough bay are all beautiful and free.

Can't recommend food places, sorry.

smokiewater

Agree, the Mournes, the beach, Maggies leap/bloody bridge all great for a walk.

Tollymore likely to be packed, there is a cancer research event on in Castlewellan Forest tomorrow, again it is likely to be bunged.

We recently ate at the pub/restaurant near the harbour, think it is called the Stone Boat, and it was reasonably good and reasonably priced, but all the restaurants/cafes seem to have offers on boards outside at the minute, so you should pick up some good deals.

Have a great few days - wish I wasn't working!

mummysaving_2

Murlough is certainly a place you have to visit - you park on the main road just outside Newcastle by the way as I was thrown off looking for it first time I visited. Also silent valley is a lovely place to visit and again free :j

In terms of food - I'm not sure but the chippy "Top of the town" which is at the slieve Donard end corner is considered the best in the town. Also there is Golf Link House as you come into Newcastle on the left hand side. Apparently its meant to be lovely for food - nice wholesome meals - nothing fancy but good food at good prices.

If you are going with kids you'll see yourself there are plenty of playparks in the town itself.

Enjoy!

julie97au

Vanilla http://www.vanillarestaurant.co.uk/specials.php along the main street is fabulous for food. They do a special menu from 5.30 - 8pm each evening and specials throughout the day and their food is some of the best around. Hugh McCanns at the far side of the town (beside Donard Park) does really good food at reasonable prices - kids meals for £4.50 (I think) including a drink and adults meals from £6.50. If you want to travel about 6 miles up the road, The Galley in Annalong had the best fish and chips for miles around - they also have a sit in cafe - think they have won loads of awards, and Grahams Ice Cream shop has the best ice cream about. Cafe Creme does the best coffee and desserts. Hope this helps and you have a great time. I am heading down on Tuesday with my own kids.

Jock221

Yes silent valley is one of the picturesque places in this country well worth a visit but it's not free as suggested by some. Price on foot is £1.70 and I think it's £4 for a car .

smokiewater

Jock221 wrote: »

Yes silent valley is one of the picturesque places in this country well worth a visit but it's not free as suggested by some. Price on foot is £1.70 and I think it's £4 for a car .

It is nearly two quid for a cup of tea in the cafe - I would take a picnic!

We had a stand at a recent event there, and they charged me something like £1.80 for a small take-away cup of tea - just thought it was a bit much!

Valerie84

Wow- great tips. Hopefully heading here in next few weeks. (same kinda reasons as OP! ), it's obviously the place to be. !

mummysaving_2

Jock221 wrote: »

Yes silent valley is one of the picturesque places in this country well worth a visit but it's not free as suggested by some. Price on foot is £1.70 and I think it's £4 for a car .

Apologies - I thought it was free :beer:

lazer

Head up to castlewellan and go the the peace maze in the forst park (free and great entertainment - especially with kids if you have them)
Park the car in the town square and walk in - no need to pay the entrance fee.

Food wise - Vanilla is lovely, and the Strand restaurant on the main street, is good food and very reasonable. The Harbour inn, has lovely views and nice atmosphere andgood food - mainly seafood!

Other things to do - 2p machines in Funland amusements, walk along the promenade, murlough bay (as mentioned), mourne mountains, there is a car boot sale in the donard park if you're about then.
There is the typically seaside tourist town things as well - lots of amusements, dodgems, funfair etc, and swan boats down at the shimna river, there is also tennis courts and pitch and putt on the bryansford road.

Have a great time!

mr_benn_2

Thank you to all the posters on this, we had a good time and took advantage of quite a few of the suggestions given here :money:

Stephen