VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at county Down’s Pickie Fun Park

Pickie Fun Park, located on Bangor’s seafront in County Down, is a beloved family-friendly amusement park known for its seaside charm and vibrant attractions. Situated near Bangor Marina with stunning views over Belfast Lough, this open-air park, redeveloped in 2012, offers a mix of classic and modern activities for children and families. Part of the North Down Tourism area, it’s a top visitor draw, celebrated for its nostalgic appeal and scenic waterfront setting.

Pickie Fun Park features a variety of attractions catering primarily to younger children (ages 1–12), with some activities suitable for all ages. Key highlights include:

Pickie Puffer Train: A narrow-gauge steam train offering a scenic ride around the park’s colorful landscape, beloved by toddlers and families. It runs daily unless weather is poor or maintenance is needed (e.g., past motor issues resolved). Suitable for infants on parents’ laps.
Giant Pedal Swans: Iconic pedal-powered swan boats navigate a shallow lagoon, offering family fun with panoramic views of Bangor Bay. Infants (e.g., 5-month-olds) can sit on parents’ laps.
Disco Ducks: Motorized duck boats for kids, though only a few will be operational, leading to longer queues. Priced at ~£4 for 5 minutes, some find it overpriced.
Splash Pads: Watery play areas for cooling off, ideal for hot days and popular with young children.
Adventure Playground: A free play area with swings, slides, and climbing frames, though older kids (10–11) on scooters can pose safety risks to toddlers.
Nautical-Themed Mini Golf: An 18-hole course for family competition, praised for its design but sometimes crowded.
Electric Car Track: A children’s driving circuit, adding excitement for young visitors.
Remote Control Boats: Available in the swan lagoon, appealing to kids and hobbyists.

The park offers a lively, nostalgic seaside atmosphere, with activities best suited for younger kids. Families enjoy the variety, spending 2–4 hours exploring, especially on sunny days. The splash pads and playground are free, while rides cost 3–6 tokens (£1/token) or require wristbands (£10–£15/child). Reviews highlight the fun for kids but note queues for popular rides like the Disco Ducks and occasional equipment downtime (e.g., broken ducks). The park’s cleanliness and marina views are praised, though some find it worn or dated compared to larger UK resorts.

Visitor Facilities:

The park features a modern café, ice cream kiosk, and Victorian-style beach huts for changing. Additional amenities include:

Pickie Café: Offers a family-friendly menu with Local favorites (e.g., fries, burgers) and views of Bangor Marina. Prices are high (~£7 for a fry), and the pink-themed interior divides opinions. An ice cream kiosk sells Barry’s Lemon Tops (ice cream with lemon sorbet).
Beach Huts: Brightly colored huts provide changing facilities, evoking a vintage seaside feel.
Toilets: Available on-site, though some reviews note cleanliness issues.
Parking: Free at Queen’s Parade car park (1-minute walk along the promenade) or limited spaces near Gray’s Hill/Princetown Road.
The café is a convenient break spot, though overpriced for some. The ice cream kiosk is a hit, and beach huts add charm. Staff, like Kieran and his team, are generally friendly, with notable gestures like free tea/coffee for a 2024 charity walk. However, some staff (e.g., at Disco Ducks) are described as disinterested, impacting the experience.
Accessibility and Logistics: Marine Court, Bangor, BT20 5AG, 25 minutes from Belfast via A2, adjacent to Bangor Marina. Accessible by train (Bangor Station, 10-minute walk) or Ulsterbus/Translink from Belfast (£5.50–£7.50, 30–40 minutes).
Hours: April–September: daily 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (until 9:00 PM in peak summer); October–March: weekends only, weather-dependent (closes early in bad weather). Check www.pickiefunpark.com or the park’s Facebook page for updates.
Admission: Free entry; rides require tokens (3–6 per ride, £1/token) or wristbands (£10–£15/child for unlimited access). Tokens will be discontinued after July 31, 2025, with a shift to digital or card payments encouraged. Pre-book wristbands online at www.pickiefunpark.com to avoid queues, especially in summer.

The park is partially accessible, with flat areas for wheelchairs but uneven surfaces in some zones. The playground and splash pads are toddler-friendly, and infants can join swans/ducks/train on laps. No dogs are allowed, except assistance dogs. Contact info@pickiefunpark.com or +44 (0)28 9145 0746 for accessibility queries. Picnics are permitted, but BBQs are banned.

Pickie Fun Park is a cherished family destination, with 44,127 Facebook likes and a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (top 10% of attractions). Its seaside setting, iconic swans, and free playground/splash pads delight kids, while parents appreciate the marina views and picnic areas. Reviews from 2024 praise its appeal for young children and cleanliness, with families from London and Belfast enjoying repeat visits. The park’s proximity to Marine Gardens and the North Down Coastal Path enhances its appeal for walks.

Some visitors find it overpriced (£4 for 5-minute Disco Ducks rides) and underwhelming compared to larger UK seaside resorts, with a “worn” or “run-down” appearance noted in 2024 reviews. Queues for rides, limited operational equipment (e.g., only two Disco Ducks), and occasional staff disengagement frustrate some. Safety concerns arise from older kids on scooters in toddler areas. The park is less engaging for teens or adults without kids.

Major Redevelopment:

As part of the £73m Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment under the Belfast Region City Deal, Pickie Fun Park will undergo a significant transformation starting March 2025, led by McAdam Design and a new operator selected by Ards and North Down Borough Council. The project, with a £500,000 design contract, aims to “seamlessly connect the waterfront to the city” and enhance the park’s appeal for children and young adults. Key planned features include:

Pickie Puffer Extension: The train will extend to Queen’s Parade, offering a continuous path around the park and beyond.
Enchanted Forest: A terraced area with light displays and evening events for ages 3+, adding an all-weather attraction.
Pop-Up Seasonal Funfair (Development Zone 1): Temporary fair rides for families, teens, and adults, enhancing variety.
Mini Golf and Forest Adventure: An expansion above the existing mini-golf course, with new obstacles or themes.
Indoor Arena (Development Zone 2): An insulated, heated, acoustically treated space for sports (futsal, basketball), concerts, art exhibitions, and seasonal events, ensuring year-round appeal.
Bike-Hire Service: A cycle route and bike-hire station outside the park’s fence to improve accessibility.
While construction begins in March 2025, some areas may remain operational, but expect disruptions (e.g., ride closures). The final design, submitted to planning in 2025, may differ from concept images. These upgrades aim to address criticisms of the park’s dated feel and limited teen appeal, promising a modern, all-weather destination. Check www.pickiefunpark.com for construction updates.

Discontinuation of Tokens (July 31, 2025):

Tokens, used for rides, will be discontinued after July 31, 2025, with a shift to digital payments or wristbands to streamline transactions.
Visitors should use existing tokens by mid-2025, as they’ll be invalid afterward. The change aims to reduce queues and modernise ticketing, aligning with the park’s redevelopment. Pre-booked wristbands will remain a cost-effective option.
Public Information Sessions are planned for late 2025 to gather feedback on the redevelopment, involving residents and businesses. Paul McNaught from the Department for Communities joins the project in February 2025, bringing urban revitalization expertise.
Visitors may encounter promotional events or surveys in 2025, offering a chance to shape the park’s future. These sessions emphasise community involvement, enhancing local pride.
Enhanced Family Combo Pass: The Family Combo Pass, pairing Pickie Fun Park with Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, continues in 2025, offering value for regional exploration.
Families can enjoy discounted access to both attractions, ideal for a multi-stop day trip. Book via www.pickiefunpark.com or www.explorisni.com.

Visitor Expectations and Tips

Pickie Fun Park is a family favorite for its seaside charm, free playground/splash pads, and iconic attractions like the Pickie Puffer and pedal swans. Its Travellers’ Choice Award and 2024 reviews highlight its appeal for young kids, with scenic Bangor Marina views and picnic-friendly spaces. The 2025 redevelopment promises to elevate its status as a premier attraction.
High ride prices (£4 for 5-minute Disco Ducks), long queues, and occasional equipment issues (e.g., broken ducks) frustrate some. The park’s dated appearance and limited teen/adult activities are drawbacks, with safety concerns from scooters in toddler areas. Construction from March 2025 may disrupt visits, and token discontinuation requires planning.
Tips: Book wristbands online at www.pickiefunpark.com to save time and money, especially for summer visits. Visit weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Bring picnics to offset café costs, and use free Queen’s Parade parking. Check www.facebook.com/PickieFunpark for weather-related closures or construction updates. Use tokens before July 31, 2025. Combine with nearby Bangor Marina, North Down Museum (5-minute walk), or Crawfordsburn Country Park (10-minute drive) for a full day. For accessibility or group bookings, contact info@pickiefunpark.com or +44 (0)28 9145 0746.

Pickie Fun Park offers a nostalgic seaside experience with attractions like the Pickie Puffer, pedal swans, and splash pads, ideal for families with young children. Its Bangor seafront location and free entry (with paid rides) ensure broad appeal, though some find it pricey and dated. The major redevelopment starting March 2025, including an extended train, Enchanted Forest, and indoor arena, promises a modernized, all-weather park, with token discontinuation by July 31 streamlining ticketing. Visitors should plan around construction and check www.pickiefunpark.com for updates. A cherished gem, Pickie is set to shine brighter in the years ahead.