The best caravan parks in Northern Ireland will be ideally situated for getting the most from this increasingly popular touring destination. Northern Ireland’s awesome scenery, wonderful cities and rich cultural life make this an excellent holiday choice. This is a land of captivating landscapes, rich history and a robust cultural identity. Its capital, Belfast, is a vibrant city that showcases modern architecture, a burgeoning arts scene and a lively waterfront.
The best caravan sites are always going to offer plenty to do in the surrounding area, and that’s certainly the case for caravanners planning to visit this region. The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a natural wonder on the dramatic Antrim Coast while the Mourne Mountains offer a picturesque backdrop to the south, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts to their scenic trails. The Ulster Museum in Belfast and the Titanic Belfast chart the region’s history and the northern coastline is home to beautiful beaches and intriguing castles.
This year, we had five sites make it into our Top 100 Sites Guide, with the cleanliness, friendliness of the staff and the standard of the facilities on offer among the features picked out by the guests who stayed there and voted for them. Northern Ireland is also home to the Overall Winner of our Top 100 Sites Guide 2024, as we reveal below.
What is the best caravan park in Northern Ireland?
Well done to Ballyness Caravan Park for claiming the title of best caravan park in Northern Ireland, an achievement made all the more noteworthy as the North Antrim-based campsite was also named the Overall Winner of our Top 100 Sites Guide 2024.
The site has also held its crown in Northern Ireland for three consecutive years, with the pristine site providing the perfect location for exploring the spectacular North Coast and its many scenic attractions. Combine this with its luxury accommodation, friendly staff and great amenities and it’s proved to be a winning formula for Ballyness.
The best caravan parks in Northern Ireland are:
Ballyness Caravan Park
Annalong Holiday Park
Chestnutt Holiday Park
Sandilands Holiday Park
Windsor Holiday Park
The best caravan parks in Northern Ireland:
Ballyness Caravan Park
40 Castlecat Road, Bushmills BT57 8TN, http://www.ballynesscaravanpark.com/
- Tel: 028 2073 2393
- Open: 15 March – 3 November
- Touring pitches: 50
- Pitch+2+hook-up: £34
Well done to the best caravan site in Northern Ireland and the Overall Winner of our Top 100 Sites Guide 2024, Ballyness Caravan Park!
The picturesque campsite is a regular in our Top 100 Sites Guide, providing visitors with great facilities, beautiful surroundings and top-class customer service. Its hardstanding pitches are set out over three touring areas, with each one coming with water, drainage and hook-up points. The site also offers free WiFi and an indoor games room.
Children will be kept entertained by the play park and the football field, while the site offers a dog walk for those of us touring with a four-legged friend.
There are lots of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area too, ranging from the bright lights of Belfast – an hour away – or the harbour towns of Ballycastle and Portrush. Set off on the short 10-minute drive to the Causeway Coast to enjoy breathtaking sandy beaches and coastal paths or stroll into Bushmills, only 15 minutes away. Other attractions to enjoy visiting include Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Old Bushmills Brewery.
Annalong Holiday Park
38 Kilkeel Road, Annalong, Newry BT34 4TJ, chestnuttholidayparks.com/holiday-park/annalong
- Tel: 028 4376 8248
- Open: 15 March – 31 October
- Touring pitches: 11
- Pitch+2+hook-up: £35
On Northern Ireland’s popular south coast, this seafront site caters for touring vehicles and holiday home hire. The park is situated in the heart of Annalong, a harbour village home to restaurants and shops. The 11 touring pitches are positioned peacefully at the back of the park, affording them stunning sea views.
Access to the centrally located facilities block, with accessible services, is good too. The site also welcomes four-legged friends and allows barbecues. With the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the doorstep, Annalong is great for exploring the Mourne Mountains and the south coast.
You said…
- Very clean, fine views, lovely area. Great chippy nearby.
- Super-helpful, friendly staff.
Chestnutt Holiday Park
3 Grange Road, Kilkeel, Newry BT34 4LW, chestnuttholidayparks.com/holiday-park/chestnutt
- Tel: 028 4176 2653
- Open: 29 March – 29 September
- Touring pitches: 59
- Pitch+2+hook-up: £33
Against the glorious backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, this large park is a popular spot for families looking for a seaside break. The site benefits from direct access to the award-winning Cranfield Beach, where visitors can enjoy watersports such as paddleboarding. For fun onsite, children can use the large playground or multi-sport court, while adults can relax at the Beachcomber Café.
Further afield, there is the Woodland Trust’s Mourne Park, Silent Valley Mountain Park and some lovely beaches.
You said…
- Fantastic site with a lovely atmosphere and a great beach on your doorstep. Shop is well stocked and we had good food from the restaurant.
- It’s very clean and the staff are always willing to help
Sandilands Holiday Park
30 Cranfield Road, Kilkeel, Newry BT34 4LJ, chestnuttholidayparks.com/holiday-park/sandilands
- Tel: 028 4176 3634
- Open: 15 March – 31 October
- Touring pitches: 31
- Pitch+2+hook-up: £35
This family-friendly park is a popular choice for summer holidaymakers. In a superb location between the mountains and the Irish sea, this expansive park offers touring pitches overlooking the sea, as well as holiday homes for rent. There is direct access to the beach, plus a play area for the children to blow off steam.
Dogs are welcome, and the facilities
include a central washroom block with accessible options. As the park is at the very southern tip of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are plenty of walking and
cycling routes nearby.
You said…
- A lovely, quiet site with beach access. Great park for kids and very safe.
- Fantastic facilities and wonderful people.
Windsor Holiday Park
138 Dundrum Road, Newcastle, Co Down BT33 0LN, windsorholidaypark.co.uk
- Tel: 028 4372 3367
- Open: 15 March – 31 October
- Touring pitches: 31
- Pitch+2+hook-up: £35
Tucked away a mile in from the coast, this scenic park lies between Tollymore Forest Park and Murlough National Nature Reserve. As well as being surrounded by nature, the site is just a five-minute walk from the seaside town of Newcastle. Offering spacious pitches separated by grass, Windsor Holiday Park is well equipped; its facilities include heated washrooms, a children’s play area and a small shop. You may be tempted by the views of the Mourne Mountains surrounding the site, so it’s lucky they are just a short drive away!
You said…
- A well-maintained, child-friendly site. Really good disability facilities. The staff are amazing; I can’t fault this site.
- Always spotlessly clean and offering a friendly welcome
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.
