Tollymore Forest Caravan Park
Website: www.forestserviceni.gov.uk
Site warden Barry Wells
Inspector Alywin Barton
Tollymore nestles in a forest park set at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. It's easy to find and is well signed from the A2. Visitors enter the site via a lush, tree-lined avenue, which serves to set the tone for the relaxed atmosphere you will experience during your stay.
The site is constructed in two parts. The first is predominantly a campsite which also accommodates caravans and motorcaravans without electric hook-up. The second is equipped with hardstandings, and while none are fully serviced, they all have 6A electricity. The clean and well-equipped toilet blocks are located between these two areas. There are 15 free showers with adjustable flow and temperature. These blocks also incorporate the laundry, dishwashing and chemical disposal areas. The buildings look like log cabins and are designed to blend in with the forestry surroundings.
Dogs are allowed, but owners must keep them under control and clean up after them. Security is provided by gates which are closed between midnight and 8am, although pitches can still be accessed between these hours. There isn't an on-site shop, although a post office 200 yards from the gates provides a gas exchange and sells basic goods.
Tollymore is a spacious site set amid wonderfully-landscaped surroundings with free access to a number of colour-coded walks. It's the perfect base to walk or climb in the Mourne Mountains or explore local attractions such as Silent Valley and Spelga Dam.
Children can also find amusement at nearby Newcastle's water areas and play parks, and keen golfers can try the championship Royal County Down golf course. Castlewellan, another forest park owned by the same organisation as Tollymore (The Forest Service of Northern Ireland), is also not far away, with its mile-long lake, arboretum and gardens with terraces, fountains, ornamental gates and flower borders.
Also not far away is the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, which tells the story of Northern Ireland's people and their way of life over the years. It was also voted museum of the year for Northern Ireland.
Fans of the Belfast-built liner Titanic can also learn more at the museum about her only voyage, and unfortunate demise.
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