Scrabo Tower and Country Park

Last updated: 15 March 2012

Scrabo Country Park is centred at the top of Scrabo Hill near Newtownards and offers incredible views over Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside. The paths through the fine beech woodlands at Killynether Wood and around the disused quarries provide ample opportunities for quiet countryside enjoyment. The quarries are surrounded by disturbed ground which nature is colonizing with thorns and scrub.

A walk through the hazel wood will reveal other wild flowers and a wide range of bird life can be observed in the park.

Contacts
Directions
Access
Facilities
Education
Events
Park Code

Scrabo Country Park
203A Scrabo Road
Castleaverry
Newtownards
BT23 4SJ

Tel: 028 9181 1491
Fax: 028 9182 0695

Opening times for 2012 as follows:

Country Park:

1 Apr – 31 May Open access
1 Jun – 30 Sep Open access
1 Oct – 31 Oct Open access

2012 - 2013

1 Nov – 28 Feb Open access
1 Mar – 31 Mar Open access

Tower:

1 Apr – 31 May 1pm – 5pm Sat, Sun & Public hols only
1 Jun – 30 Sep 10am – 5pm daily
1 Oct – 31 Oct 1pm – 5pm Sat, Sun & Public hols only

2012 - 2013

1 Nov – 28 Feb 12noon – 4pm Sun only
1 Mar – 31 Mar 1pm – 5pm Sat, Sun & Public hols only

Disabled access:

Extremely limited within the country park and Scrabo Tower.
Please call (028) 9181 1491 for further information.

Remember, admission is free.

The country park currently uses the tower as its centre and this hosts:

An introductory display to the hill and tower
A 10 minute audio visual show telling the story of the hill
Toilets situated at the main car park

Walking, woodland and wildlife can be enjoyed at Scrabo Country Park with plenty of variety for pupils. The park has superb views over the Ards and Belfast area, a rugged and rocky quarry, and mature mixed deciduous woodland and of course the tower itself.

Scrabo Tower
A large area of mature deciduous woodland

Resources suitable for use at this site

KS 1	I See The Sea (.PDF 3.46Mb) I See The Sea Irish version (.PDF 3.42Mb) I See The Wood (.PDF 2.69Mb) Harry Hare's Field and Farm Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.10Mb) Harry Hare Irish Version (.PDF 2.03Mb)

KS 1 and 2	Living Things: Plants and Animals (.PDF 3.49Mb) Mini Beasts Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.63Mb) Woodland Habitat Studies – Worksheets (.PDF 2.12Mb)

KS 2	Meet The Mammals (.PDF 2.33Mb) Meet The Mammals Irish version (.PDF 2.33Mb) Red Squirrels (.PDF 7.08Mb)

KS 2 and 3	Let's Explore Life in Early Times (.PDF 3.06Mb)

KS 3	Meet The Earth (.PDF 663Kb) Anglo Norman’s In Ireland (.PDF 4.24Mb)

Teachers	Woodland Habitat Studies - Photocopiable Resources for Teachers (.PDF 1.88Mb) Spring in the Woodland (.PDF 487Kb) Wildlife in Autumn and Winter (.PDF 826Kb)

Visitors to the Country Park should remember the park code:

Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
Take all litter home or use the bins provided
Ensure all dogs are kept under control and not allowed to foul paths and mown grass
See NIEA policy in relation to dogs at NIEA managed properties and sites (.PDF 76Kb)
Guard against all risk of fire
Protect wildlife, plants and trees
Make no unnecessary noise
Cycling, mountain biking or the exercising of horses is not permitted in the park
The park contains some natural hazards - supervise children especially near water and sheer drops
Camping is not permitted.