Overview
Pickie Fun Park sits on the edge of Bangor Marina in County Down, offering a colourful seaside playground that has become one of Northern Ireland’s most-visited family attractions. The park is built around the historic Marine Gardens promenade, stretching along the shoreline with clear views across Belfast Lough to the Antrim hills. It blends classic amusement-park rides with modern interactive play areas, creating a relaxed day-out destination that works equally well for young families, school groups, and visitors looking for a scenic coastal break. Entry to the grounds, adventure playground, and splash pads is free, while rides and games operate on a pay-as-you-go or season pass basis.
What to See & Do
The park’s layout is designed for easy navigation, with attractions spaced along paved walkways and grassy viewing areas. Here’s what keeps visitors returning:
- Pickie Puffer Steam Train – A narrow-gauge miniature railway that circles the park on a gentle, scenic route. The open-air carriages offer uninterrupted views of the marina and lough, making it a standout experience for younger children and photography enthusiasts.
- Giant Pedal Swans – Iconic swan-shaped pedal boats that glide across a shallow, calm lagoon. The boats are stable and easy to steer, with space for a parent and child or two older kids. They provide a unique perspective of the waterfront and passing boats.
- Splash Pads – Free water play zones that draw crowds in warmer months. The area features ground-level jets, fountains, and interactive sprinklers. Bring a towel and change of clothes, as the spray covers a wide radius.
- Adventure Playground – A large, free-access play area featuring climbing frames, rope nets, slides, and balance beams. The equipment is regularly inspected and suited for children roughly aged three to ten.
- Children’s Electric Cars – Small, battery-powered vehicles that let kids navigate a safe, paved circuit under adult supervision. Sessions are timed and supervised by park staff.
- Pickie Golf – An 18-hole miniature golf course with a nautical theme. Obstacles include shipwrecks, lighthouses, and crab bridges. The course is flat and wheelchair-accessible, with tees spaced for easy movement between holes.
- Pickie Café & Candy Shack – The café sits in a glass-enclosed structure overlooking the marina, serving sandwiches, salads, hot meals, ice-cream, and coffee. The Candy Shack operates as a quick-service kiosk for sweets, snacks, and cold drinks between attractions.
Planning Your Visit
Pickie Fun Park operates year-round, but opening hours and ride availability shift with the seasons. Summer months typically see extended hours and full ride operation, while winter schedules focus on the playground, splash pads (weather permitting), and café. Check the official website before travelling for current seasonal timetables.
Tickets & Pricing
Grounds admission is free. Rides are purchased individually at on-site kiosks or online. During peak seasons and school holidays, an all-day unlimited wristband is usually available for around £15 per person, covering most rides except specialty games like Hook a Duck. Height restrictions apply to certain attractions for safety; staff will measure children at entry points.
Getting There & Parking
A public car park on Queen’s Parade is a short, paved walk from the park entrance. A small number of designated disabled parking spaces are located adjacent to the Marine Gardens promenade. Visitors from Belfast can take Ulsterbus routes 7 or 7A, which stop within a five-minute walk of the entrance. The park is also accessible via the Bangor–Newtownards cycle route, with secure bike racks near the marina perimeter.
Accessibility & Facilities
The site is fully accessible, with level pathways throughout the main attraction zones, accessible toilets, and standard changing facilities near the beach huts. Wheelchair hire is available on request. Free public Wi-Fi covers the café and main walkways. All major credit and debit cards are accepted at ticket counters, the café, and the gift shop.
Nearby Highlights
A visit to Pickie Fun Park easily extends into a broader exploration of Bangor’s waterfront and historic centre.
The adjacent Bangor Marina is Northern Ireland’s largest marina, offering boat tours, watersports, and waterfront dining. A short walk inland leads to Bangor Abbey, founded in the 6th century and once home to over 3,000 monks. The abbey grounds remain open year-round and feature ancient grave slabs, a 12th-century tower, and sweeping coastal views. Both sites are within a comfortable 15-minute stroll from the park entrance, making them ideal for combining with a family day out.
Booking & Contact
Tickets and season passes can be purchased in advance through the park’s website, which also posts real-time updates on ride maintenance, weather closures, and seasonal events. For direct enquiries, call +44 (0) 28 9145 0746 or email hello@pickiefunpark.com. Arrive before 10:30 am on weekends to avoid peak queues for the steam train and pedal swans, and pack a light layer even in summer – the lough breeze can be brisk.