Strangford Lough offers lots more than a beautiful stretch of scenic views. With quirky food spots, picturesque walking trails and locally owned boutiques all easily accessible in neighbouring towns – it’s the perfect place to settle down for a quaint vacation.
Whether all you want to do is take in the gorgeous surroundings, or go venturing off the beaten path – there’s so many charming places to stay around Strangford Lough. With a wide selection of self-catering to full board options, you can plan a stay to suit your exact needs.
But where to start? We’ve got you covered. At Indie Fude, Strangford Lough is the home of our popular ‘Glide with the Tide’ kayaking food tour. So we know a thing or two about how to make the most of the area!
Here are our top four favourite places to stay around Strangford Lough.
Places to Stay Around Strangford Lough
Strangford Lough is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an Area of Special Scientific Interest, making it a nature-lover’s paradise. It covers an expansive area of water at 150 km² and is the largest sea lough in the British Isles. This firmly places it as one of the most popular tourist destinations noted for its superb wildlife, fishing, scenery and more.
The choices of places to stay are aplenty in and around Strangford Lough. Nearby towns and villages include Killyleagh, Comber, Newtownards, Portaferry and also the lough’s namesake area of Strangford.
In these towns and villages are excellent accommodations for you to relax and refresh, no matter what you decide to do. Here are our top contenders that we think you should consider:
Brent Cove, Newtownards
Describing itself as a designer waterfront studio, Brent Cove is a tiny detached house with Scandanavian decor overlooking the lough. We love it for its panoramic views across Strangford Lough right through to the Mourne Mountains, giving you a fully tranquil experience.
The cove is secluded, making it the perfect hideaway for those who want a break from the bustling city life and to be at one with nature. Its modern interiors add an extra level of luxury, striking the perfect balance between stylish and cosy.
This accommodation is right on the waterfront with easy access to the beach, allowing visitors to enjoy the water in more ways than one. Go for a morning or an evening dip – trust us, it’s devine!
Pebble Pods, Killinchy
Nestled away on the private, peaceful shores of Strangford Lough, Pebble Pods is a new luxury pod camping experience. Sequestered and self-catering, they provide a cosy, comfortable take on camping that you will be itching to return to after your first stay.
There are three pods to choose from, each individually named and each providing the same extensive amenities. They all sleep two people, making it a great getaway for couples or friends to enjoy.
Forget the hassle of real camping – the Pebble Pods are fully heated, insulated and come with their very own hot tubs. Perfect for any time of the year, no matter the weather.
The Old Schoolhouse Inn, Comber
Bigger than the previously mentioned options – The Old Schoolhouse Inn boasts ten luxury guest rooms and the ultimate dining experience in one convenient location.
Set in the middle of the rustic countryside and surrounded by the sea, The Old Schoolhouse Inn is the perfect base. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the historic grounds or go further afield, there is so much beauty in this unique part of County Down.
Situated in Comber, it is a stone’s throw away from the town centre which offers a range of independent boutique shops, coffee houses and restaurants for visitors to explore.
The Cuan, Downpatrick
The Cuan is a charming inn that has been a focal part of the coastal village of Strangford since the early 1800s. It’s old-fashioned architecture hosts newly renovated interiors, making it a lovely surprise to guests who stay the night.
The inn provides everything from a restful night’s sleep to a freshly prepared meal – Guinness essential! Being only a short distance from the sea, it’s restaurant has been renowned for its locally sourced seafood options.
If you prefer self-catering, The Cuan also offers Cuan House, a spacious holiday home overlooking Strangford Lough. Sleeping up to 12 people across five double bedrooms (three with additional single beds), it is the perfect choice for bigger parties and family getaways.
Whether you want to roam the countryside, splash about in the sea, or enjoy a little retail therapy – there’s so many ways you can enjoy a stay at Strangford Lough.
What’s more, is that at Indie Fude, we can help you make the most of your stay by exploring the stunning lough accompanied by some of the best local produce Northern Ireland has to offer with our ‘Glide With the Tide’ tour. Covering everything from history to wildlife to artisan foods – our expert guide and trained chef will be sure to give you an unforgettable experience.
For more details and to book a space for one of our tours, visit the Mobile Team Adventure’s website. Or to find more places to stay around Strangford Lough, visit Discover Northern Ireland.