Crawfordsburn Country Park
Peaceful oceanfront park with wooded trails, a spacious beach, visitor center, and cafe. Ideal for nature lovers and families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for beach and cafe terrace
Crawfordsburn Country Park
Best Time
Best for beach and cafe terrace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Peaceful oceanfront park with wooded trails, a spacious beach, visitor center, and cafe. Ideal for nature lovers and families.
"A wonderful green space welcoming to all with beautiful small sand and shingle beaches on the shore of Belfast Lough."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from sand to woodland paths. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic benches available, and some visitors enjoy BBQs. Enjoy the scenic spots!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crawfordsburn Beach
Coastal area
A beautiful stretch of sand and shingle on the shores of Belfast Lough, perfect for strolls and enjoying the sea air.
Woodland Trails
Forest interior
Explore peaceful wooded paths with diverse scenery, offering a refreshing escape into nature.
Waterfall
Within the park
Discover a charming waterfall nestled within the park's natural landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Visitor Center & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Trip to helens Bay tips and advice
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from sand to woodland paths. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic benches available, and some visitors enjoy BBQs. Enjoy the scenic spots!
Walking to Helen's Tower
are you allowed to camp at crawfordsburn country park or helens bay?
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends are welcome! Water stations are available for them.
☕ Cafe Delights
The cafe offers great food and coffee, with a pleasant terrace on sunny days.
Crawfordsburn
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from sand to woodland paths. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic benches available, and some visitors enjoy BBQs. Enjoy the scenic spots!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends are welcome! Water stations are available for them.
☕ Cafe Delights
The cafe offers great food and coffee, with a pleasant terrace on sunny days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Crawfordsburn Country Park for its beautiful scenery, encompassing both woodland trails and a lovely beach. The park is well-maintained, dog-friendly, and offers convenient amenities like a cafe and clean restrooms. It's a highly recommended spot for a relaxing day out, though some caution is advised regarding the sand's softness and potential debris on the beach.
"Crawfordsburn country park is a forest park with convenient access to the Crawfordsburn beach and a short walk from Helen's bay. We visited here for a stroll and were not disappointed, the views are beautiful and the paths well maintained. There is a visitor's centre with a cafe and lots of picnic benches for those with a BBQ or picnic.
Overall we loved our trip here and will be back as soon as the weather permits! 😊"
Tiarnán Byrne
"This is a wonderful green space welcoming to all with beautiful small sand and shingle beaches on the shore of Belfast Lough.
The Park is welcoming to dogs and there are places to get water if needed.
The restaurant cafe and toilet facilities in the Welcome centre are clean and pleasant to use. On a sunny day the terrace outside the cafe is a perfect place to have a cup of coffee.
There are many walks lined up on the maps around the centre and the walk along the beach is amazing definitely worth the trip out there for a full day."
Col WON
"Lovely park, great big walk with the dog. It has a lovely little cafe and nice, clean toilets. Most sunny days you can also find an ice cream van near the beach! You can choose to walk several different routes, woods or beach or a mixture of both."
Kanayol
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crawfordsburn Country Park is accessible by car, with multiple parking sites available within the park. It's also a short walk from Helen's Bay.
Yes, there are several parking sites located across the country park, making it convenient to access the trails and facilities.
While not explicitly detailed in reviews, it's a short walk from Helen's Bay, which may have public transport links. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is generally free, though parking fees may apply. It's always a good idea to check for any updated information on their official website.
The park is typically open year-round, but specific facility hours (like the visitor center cafe) may vary. It's best to check their official website for the most current opening times.
No advance booking is usually required for general park entry. However, if you plan a specific event or group visit, it's advisable to contact the park management.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, including scenic walks along the beach and through the woods. Maps are available at the visitor center to help you choose your route.
Yes, the park is family-friendly with accessible pathways. Be mindful of the sand areas, which can be soft and may have some seaweed or occasional debris.
Absolutely! Crawfordsburn Country Park is very welcoming to dogs. You'll even find water stations available for them.
The visitor center provides clean restrooms, a cafe, and picnic benches. On sunny days, an ice cream van is often present near the beach.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas, and visitors have mentioned enjoying BBQs. Ensure you follow park guidelines for safe and responsible grilling.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a visitor center cafe that serves food and coffee. It's described as clean and pleasant, with a terrace perfect for sunny days.
Reviews suggest the cafe food is amazing. While specific menus aren't detailed, it's a popular spot for visitors to grab a bite.
The park itself has a cafe and often an ice cream van. For more extensive dining, you might explore nearby Helen's Bay or other coastal towns.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach offers beautiful coastal views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The woodland trails and the waterfall also provide picturesque opportunities.
Yes, the natural beauty of the park makes it easy to capture stunning photos with any device. The well-maintained paths ensure good access to scenic viewpoints.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those looking for a more extensive exploration, the park allows for longer hikes, with some visitors reporting completing around 4.6km and noting the possibility of doing much more. The terrain can vary, with some sandy areas being softer and potentially a bit sloppy, especially for younger children. It's also worth noting that while the beaches are generally clean, occasional seaweed and debris can be present, so a mindful approach is advised, particularly when children or pets are involved.
The park's natural beauty is a significant draw, offering opportunities for both active exploration and quiet contemplation. Whether you're seeking a brisk walk, a leisurely amble, or simply a place to connect with nature, the trails at Crawfordsburn Country Park provide a rewarding experience for all.
Visitor Amenities and Comfort
Beyond the cafe, the visitor center also provides clean toilet facilities, a crucial convenience for day-trippers. For those planning a picnic or BBQ, numerous picnic benches are scattered throughout the park, offering scenic spots to enjoy your meal. Adding to the convenience, especially on warmer days, an ice cream van is often found near the beach, providing a sweet treat. The park is also notably dog-friendly, with water stations available for canine companions, ensuring a comfortable experience for all members of the family.
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