Antrim and Newtownabbey Summer Schemes 2026

Every July and August, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council runs one of Northern Ireland’s most popular school-holiday programmes for children. The summer schemes cover the full borough - leisure centres, community halls and the historic grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens - and give kids aged 5 to 14 a proper structured run of activity through the long school break. Worth booking early; places go fast.

What to expect

The programme splits into two strands. Summer schemes take children aged 6 to 12 through a mix of sports, games, creative workshops and outdoor adventures over weekly blocks. Sports camps run for ages 5 to 14 and lean into team and individual sports in a coached setting. Both strands make use of the borough’s main leisure centres - Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey and Antrim Forum Leisure Centre among them - as well as community venues spread across the area.

One of the standout settings is Antrim Castle Gardens - a 400-year-old formal garden on the edge of town with 17th-century Anglo-Dutch canals, avenues and parterre beds, a Victorian pleasure garden and an ancient 12th-century motte. Running children’s activities here gives the week a different feel from a sports hall: there is real space to move and proper greenery around you.

Prices start from £5, with a range of concession rates available to make the programme accessible. Bookings opened in May and fill quickly - check the council website to see what is still available for any given week.

Getting there

Antrim town sits at the north-western corner of Lough Neagh, about 18 miles from Belfast. By road, use the M2 then the A6 or A26. Translink runs regular bus and rail services from Belfast Great Victoria Street and Belfast Lanyon Place; Antrim train station is about a 20-minute walk from the castle gardens. Parking is available at the leisure centres and at Antrim Castle Gardens. For Newtownabbey venues, the M2 corridor makes access from Belfast quick.

While you’re in Antrim

After a scheme session, Antrim Castle Gardens are worth a wander in their own right - the formal gardens, the old motte and the café at Manns Garden Kitchen make for an easy hour. There is more to see in Antrim and across Co. Antrim.

Good to know

• Running throughout July and August 2026 at multiple venues across the borough
• Summer schemes: ages 6 to 12; sports camps: ages 5 to 14
• From £5 per session; concession rates available
• Bookings opened 21 May 2026 - popular weeks sell out early
• Full programme, venue list and booking at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/summer-schemes