Islands Park

Right on the edge of town with the Mournes sitting pretty in the background, this park punches well above its weight for a quick family outing. The Shimna River walk is the real draw — it’s genuinely one of the nicer riverside strolls in the area, and you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve escaped the high street. Kids have slides and swings to keep them busy while the adults stretch their legs on the paved paths or let younger ones loose on the open grass. Shade trees dotted around make it bearable on the rare sunny day, and parking nearby means you’re not lugging everything half a mile. If you’re already in Newcastle, it’s worth the detour.