Ards Arts Centre Summer Family Programme

The Ards Arts Centre Summer Family Programme runs throughout July and August from one of the most characterful buildings in Co. Down - a restored Georgian Town Hall dating from the 1770s, sitting right on Conway Square in the middle of Newtownards. The programme is built around the Ards Arts Creative Summer Scheme, a full week of creative activities for children aged 8 to 12, but the broader summer calendar also pulls in workshops, theatre performances, and drop-in creative sessions running across the school holidays. It suits families with primary-school-age children and anyone who wants to give kids a week that feels genuinely different from screen time.

What to expect

The week-long summer scheme fills each day with a rotation of workshops - art, craft, clay, and drama - so no child gets stuck in the same activity all day. By the end of the week, children will have made several pieces of work to take home and will perform a short show for parents, which gives the whole thing a satisfying shape. The atmosphere is deliberately relaxed and friendly rather than competitive, which makes it a good fit for children who might be a bit nervous about joining something new. Alongside the scheme, the centre’s summer programme typically includes children’s theatre shows and shorter creative workshops that can be booked individually, with art and craft sessions running through the holiday period in a range of formats. Pricing varies depending on the activity - individual workshops can run from around GBP 5, while a full week-long scheme sits at the higher end of the price range. Booking is recommended as places fill up.

Getting there

Newtownards sits about 10 miles east of Belfast, reached quickly via the A20. From Belfast city centre, follow the A20 along Kempe Stones Road, take the first exit at the roundabout onto Blair Mayne Road South, then turn right at the traffic lights onto Church Street and Regent Street - Conway Square is on the right. The town has a one-way system so it is easy to navigate once you are in. Public transport is straightforward: Ulsterbus services 7, 9, and 10 run from Belfast to Newtownards bus station, a short walk from the arts centre. Car parks sit a few minutes on foot from Conway Square, and on-street parking bays are available throughout the town centre.

While you’re in Newtownards

Newtownards is a solid base for the Ards Peninsula - Strangford Lough and Mount Stewart House are both within easy reach, as is the coastal road south towards Portaferry. There is more to see in Newtownards and across Co. Down.

Good to know

• Running throughout July and August 2026; summer scheme weeks run Monday to Friday
• From GBP 5 per individual activity; week-long schemes at higher rates (varies by programme)
• Check the AND Culture website or contact the centre directly for the full schedule and to book
• The arts centre is housed in the accessible ground floor of the Georgian Town Hall on Conway Square