Part of Experience Ards and North Down 2025 Tip - Makes a great Christmas gift! Start the New Year off on the right foot, by exploring the rich and varied history of Newtownards with tour guide Paul Whitla. The tour will take you on a journey through time, visiting the Medieval plantation and learning about Georgian periods, discovering many interesting and exciting stories, including those of John de Courcy and Oliver Cromwell. Immerse yourself in the history of Newtownards - one of the oldest settlements in Northern Ireland! This would make for something different to do on New Year's Day, especially with friends and family. Things to note Meet in front of the Ards Arts Centre/Town Hall in Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP Please dress for warmth and comfortably as dictated by the weather Tour covers uneven ground and some inclines, please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather No concessions Those aged under 18 years must be accompanied by a paying adult and must also purchase a full price ticket Tickets close 2pm on Wednesday 31 December. Getting there By Car: from Belfast follow the A20 along Kempe Stones Road to Newtownards. At the roundabout take the 1st exit along Blair Mayne Road South. At the traffic lights turn right onto Church Street/ Regent Street. Conway Square on the right. Car parking | Ards and North Down Borough Council By Bus from Belfast: Closest Bus Station - Newtownards. Take the Ulsterbus Bus No, 7, 9 &10 to Bus Station. See Translink website for bus departure and arrival times. Accessibility Tour covers uneven ground and some inclines, please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather. This tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users / those with mobility issues - please contact the Visitor Information Centre team for more information. Carers Where practicable organisers within the Experience AND Programme will aim to accommodate carers and be as inclusive as possible. Due to the variety and nature of the programme this requires assessment on a case-by-case basis. If you require further information in relation to this, please call Bangor Visitor Information Centre on +44(0)28 9127 0069, and the team will assist with your enquiry. Terms and conditions apply