The Dark Hedges

Things to do near The Dark Hedges

At The Dark Hedges, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including ferry rides, rock climbing, and golf. For those seeking guided experiences, there are tour buses and organised tours departing from Belfast. Additionally, a scenic forest walk allows guests to immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Castlecroft Square, just 4.3km away, offering a charming market vibe perfect for family and local goods. If you're up for a drive, visit Causeway Speciality Market, located 6.8km away, for a lively public market atmosphere.

Recreation

At Royal Portrush Golf Club, enjoy a challenging round of golf surrounded by breathtaking coastal views, just 6.8km from The Dark Hedges. Alternatively, relax at Glenariff Forest Park, 8.1km away, where serene walking trails and tranquil scenery create the perfect atmosphere for rejuvenation.

Adventure

At The Dark Hedges, you can splash around at Waterworld, a family-friendly waterpark located 7.5km away, perfect for adventure seekers. Try your hand at fishing at Moorbrook Trout Fishery, 10.6km distant, or enjoy the scenic beauty along the Millennium Riverside Walk, situated 11.2km away.

Nightlife

At The Dark Hedges, the nightlife is serene yet enchanting, with nearby pubs like The Hedges Hotel offering live music and local brews. Explore the mystical landscape under moonlight, or enjoy a quiet evening stroll, soaking up the atmospheric charm of this iconic location.

Find the best attractions near The Dark Hedges

While visiting The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney, explore nearby attractions such as beautiful beaches, historic bridges, and charming harbours. This area offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and exploration. Don't miss the iconic Dark Hedges estate, renowned for its stunning tree-lined avenue, which has become a famous landmark in Northern Ireland.

• Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge: Experience an exhilarating walk across this historic rope bridge suspended 30 metres above the sea, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the surrounding landscape. The bridge connects the mainland to Carrick-A-Rede Island and embodies the region's rich fishing heritage.
• Ballintoy Harbour: Enjoy the stunning scenery and tranquil beach vibes at this picturesque harbour. Known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, Ballintoy Harbour is a perfect spot for photography and relaxation, making it a hidden gem along the Causeway Coast.
• Kinbane Castle: Step into a romantic setting at this 16th-century castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Explore its historical ruins and immerse yourself in the captivating views, making it an ideal location for history enthusiasts and couples alike.

Best time to go to The Dark Hedges

The best time to visit The Dark Hedges is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	42.4°F (5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
February	42.4°F (5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	50.4°F (10.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
October	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	43.9°F (6.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Dark Hedges

To save money during your visit to The Dark Hedges, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January, February, or November. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, ideally on a Tuesday, as Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find deals by sorting hotels by price and filtering for eco-friendly options. Look for last-minute offers if you're booking late, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Lastly, explore the area on foot to enjoy the scenery at no extra cost.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Dark Hedges are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around The Dark Hedges is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Dark Hedges is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around The Dark Hedges is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget and preferred location, among other criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel booking for The Dark Hedges with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.