A Posh Picnic in The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay - Experience AND 2024

Part of Experience Ards and North Down 2024. Click here to see the full programme. 

This beautiful, relaxed dining experience will showcase The Walled Garden, Helen's Bay in all its spring beauty. 

Today, the traditional picnic is no longer the domain of soggy tomato sandwiches and tepid flasks of tea… They can almost be described in some cases as dining events in themselves, an adventure for the tastebuds, that showcase the style and originality of local produce and place. 

This beautiful, relaxed dining experience will showcase the Walled Garden in all its spring beauty.  Deckchairs, rugs and cushions will adorn the garden of Old Mill House where you can unwind and sample the delights in traditional picnic hampers, brimming with tasty homemade artisan treats created by the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Hospitality and Culinary Arts students from Bangor campus.

Wile away the afternoon, in the surrounds of nature and the beauty of the garden, only open to the public for events such as these.  What a way to spend a Saturday afternoon. 

Things to note Over 18 yrs only This experience is based outdoors, please dress for warmth and comfort as dictated by the weather.

Tickets close five days before activity.

Dietary requirements Please ensure that you check with all members of your party regarding food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements prior to booking tickets. It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to inform a member of staff at the host venue about food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary requirements.  This must be done 72 hours before the experience by contacting Lorraine: info@thewalledgardenhelensbay.com

Please note: Menus for this experience are seasonal and subject to change without advance notice. For information contact the host venue for info that you are interested in.

Getting there

By car: Helen's Bay is accessed via the A2 Belfast/Bangor carriageway, following directional signage. Helen's Bay is located before Crawfordsburn (if travelling from Belfast direction, after Crawfordsburn if travelling from Bangor direction). Free parking is available at The Walled Garden, Helen's Bay.

By Bus or Rail: Nearest rail stop is Helen's Bay, however it would entail a lengthy walk to the Walled Garden. For public transport timetables, visit Translink NI.

Accessibility                                                                                                                                  As restoration works are underway, this experience may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. If anyone has a particular re accessibility you are asked to contact Lorraine by email, info@thewalledgardenhelensbay.com before booking.                                                                     

Carers  Where practicable providers within the Experience Programme will aim to accommodate carers and be as inclusive as possible. With such a diverse range of activities, operated by a number of providers, it is necessary for this to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069, and they will be able to address your enquiry.

Tickets now on sale - book now! | Terms and conditions apply

Online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres.

All details subject to change.

Entrance Fee