Four Acres Farm

Head to the fishing village of Donaghadee (five minutes’ drive) for views of the landmark lighthouse and across the Irish Sea to the Scottish coastline (on most days, as this is weather-dependent) from the 19th-century folly atop its medieval mound. There are also plenty of waterside pubs, cafés and restaurants in which to while away afternoons with your beloved. Stretch your legs and those of any canines on waterside walks at Strangford Lough (15 minutes), taking binoculars with you to see if you can spot red squirrels in the woodland and otters near the shoreline. Drive round the lake to the peaceful relics of the monastic site at Nendrum (40 minutes), or the spectacular, pink-stoned and crumbling Greyabbey Monastery (15 minutes). There’s more local history and culture to be ingested at National Trust-owned Mount Stewart (15 minutes), a grand, mid-19th-century mansion open for tours of its sumptuous interiors. If you feel like a full day’s sightseeing, head to Belfast (40 minutes) to visit the interactive displays at Titanic Belfast and the maritime museum aboard the neighbouring ‘SS Nomadic’.