Located on the North Down coast just west of the town of Newtownards, the looming Scrabo Tower is an imposing sentinel in the Northern Irish countryside. Built in 1857 as a memorial to the third Marquis of Londonderry, the turreted tower is constructed from dark stone and resides on a hill 540 feet above sea level. The tower itself is 125 feet high, affording visitors with unbeatable views over the countryside and coastline beyond.

Despite the simplicity of its design, Scrabo Tower’s walls are over a metre thick and its four turrets make a visible landmark for miles around. The undulating countryside around it is now a country park, freely accessible to visitors. Over the years, Scrabo Tower has been everything from a family home to a tearoom. It is now a visitor’s centre, which hosts an exhibition about Scrabo Country Park and surrounding area.

In summertime, find a space in the car park at the foot of Scrabo Hill. Although it’s a steep scramble, once you’re at the peak you can climb 122 steps to the top of the tower for truly magnificent panoramic views over Strangford Lough and the County Down countryside. On a very clear day, you can even see the Scottish coastline.

In recent years, Scrabo Tower has been somewhat pummelled by the elements, meaning it is sometimes closed at short notice. As such, it is advisable to check opening times before you visit.