This Sunday, 5 April, Cockle Row will be opening its doors to families who will visit over the summer season.

Open for Easter, Cockle Row Cottages will host free themed entertainment on Easter Sunday including Easter Crafts, a visit from the Ark Open Farm and their small animal roadshow, Plant and Play will be holding a Garden Workshop for little ones and there will be the ever popular balloon modelling.

The Cottages are situated in the quaint village of Groomsport. These lovingly restored fisherman’s cottages will host a variety of free weekend family entertainment every Saturday and Sunday from 5 April to 6 September from 2pm to 4pm. Children will have the opportunity to join in on a range of activities from face painting, children’s crafts, archery, science shows, to magic shows and much more every weekend. There will something for adults too in the form of

Ulster-Scots music and dance in July and August in association with the Ulster-Scots Agency.

Set within the picturesque Groomsport Harbour, Cockle Row Cottages are the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy live video feeds which have been set up on Cockle Island giving visitors the opportunity to watch birds on two large screens, control cameras for a more interactive bird watching experience and you can even follow the birds from home via the internet.   Open to the public daily from 1 June, the cottages also stock a range of tourist and heritage information as well as a small gift shop full of local crafts and pottery.

Whether it’s a weekend of free family fun or an afternoon away – Cockle Row Cottages are the perfect place for you!

Cockle Row Cottages are open 11am-5pm during weekends in April and May and daily from 1 June to 6 September.  Free weekend family entertainment from 2pm to 4pm beginning 5 April to 6 September.

For more information and a list of weekend events, www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or telephone Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069.