Scrabo Tower
A striking 19th-century folly on Scrabo Hill, offering panoramic views over Strangford Lough and the North Down countryside.
A Victorian Folly on a Historic Hill
Rising 125 feet above Scrabo Hill, Scrabo Tower is a dramatic Scottish Baronial Revival folly constructed in 1857 as a memorial to Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry. Designed by the Belfast firm Lanyon & Lynn, the tower was originally known as the Londonderry Monument and stands on the site of an ancient hill fort, adding layers of history to its imposing silhouette. Funded by a subscription of 730 local people, including tenants and gentry, the tower was intended as a tribute to a powerful Anglo-Irish landlord whose estate dominated the surrounding landscape. Despite budget constraints that led to a shortened design, the completed tower became an instantly recognizable landmark, visible for miles across County Down.Architecture and Symbolism
The tower’s Scottish Baronial style, with its turrets and thick stone walls, evokes the image of a peel tower – a fortified structure symbolizing the landlord as a chivalrous protector of his tenants. Built from local Scrabo freestone, the same material used in many of Belfast’s grand Victorian buildings, the tower reflects both regional craftsmanship and the ambitions of its patrons. Though conceived as a purely ornamental folly with no practical function, it later served as a caretaker’s home and even housed a tearoom run by the McKay family until 1966. The state acquired the tower and surrounding land in the 1960s, preserving it as a protected historic structure and transforming the hill into a country park.Views and the Country Park
Scrabo Hill itself, rising about 540 feet above sea level, offers some of the finest panoramic views in North Down. From the tower’s base and the surrounding park, visitors can gaze across Strangford Lough, the Ards Peninsula, and on clear days, even the Scottish coast. The surrounding Scrabo Country Park encompasses beech woodlands, disused sandstone quarries, and a network of walking paths that wind through quiet, scenic countryside. These quarries once supplied high-quality freestone for buildings across Ireland, including Belfast’s Albert Memorial Clock, and now form an integral part of the park’s character, blending industrial heritage with natural beauty.Visitor Experience Today
Today, Scrabo Tower is not open to the public due to structural and conservation concerns, but the country park remains freely accessible and is a popular destination for walkers, families, and photographers. The climb up Scrabo Hill is moderately steep, but the effort is rewarded with expansive views and a sense of being above the world. Picnic areas and woodland trails make it ideal for a relaxed day out, while the tower’s striking profile continues to serve as a powerful symbol of Newtownards. The site has also gained cinematic fame, with scenes from films like Dracula Untold shot in Killynether Wood, adding a touch of modern storytelling to its long history.Local tips
- Check current access information before visiting, as the tower itself is not open to the public, though the surrounding country park is freely accessible.
- Wear sturdy footwear and dress for changeable weather, as the hilltop can be windy and the paths through the woods and quarries can be uneven.
- Visit on a clear day to enjoy the best views across Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside, with the chance to see as far as the Scottish coast.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Killynether Wood and the disused quarries to appreciate the full character of Scrabo Country Park and its industrial heritage.
- Arrive early in the day or on a weekday to enjoy quieter paths and more peaceful views, especially during peak seasons.
A brief summary to Scrabo Tower
- 203A Scrabo Rd, Newtownards, BT23 4SJ, GB
Getting There
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Car
From Newtownards town centre, follow Scrabo Road west for about 2.5 km to the Scrabo Country Park entrance. A small on-site car park is available near the base of the hill, from where a well-maintained but moderately steep path leads up to the tower. Parking is free, but spaces are limited and can fill quickly on weekends and in good weather.
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Public Transport
Regular bus services from Belfast and Newtownards stop near the town centre, about 2.5 km from Scrabo Tower. From there, a walk along Scrabo Road and into the country park takes around 30–40 minutes on paved and surfaced paths. The route is suitable for most walkers but involves a steady climb up the hill.
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Walking
From Newtownards town centre, a 2.5 km walk along Scrabo Road leads to the country park entrance. The path is mostly on pavement and then a surfaced park path, but the final ascent to the tower is steep and can be muddy in wet weather. Allow 30–45 minutes for the walk up, depending on pace and fitness.
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Cycling
Cyclists can follow the same route from Newtownards along Scrabo Road to the country park entrance. Bikes must be left at the car park or designated area, as the paths up to the tower are not suitable for cycling. The climb is moderately challenging, with a steady gradient and some exposed sections on the hilltop.
