Visiting Downhill Demense After Lockdown
We did it. We braved public transport since lockdown ‘locked us down’ in March, earlier this year. It was strange, I cannot deny that, but everything went as smoothly as it could have and Translink {our transport service here in Northern Ireland} were on point with the cleanliness. We did, of course, bring our own wipes to clean the tables and backs of the chairs anyway, as you can never be too careful! Also aside from 4 out of 10 people not wearing masks on public transport {which is meant to be a must!} it was all good!
We took the plunge, mainly because lockdown was handled to the best of our abilities. But we were just sick and tired of seeing and walking in the same places, you know? So, we visited Downhill Demense in Castlerock and we had the best day!
Visit Downhill Demense!
Now, we didn’t just dive into this day trip because that would be bonkers, right? I did my research to see what was open, what wasn’t, what restrictions were in place regarding COVID-19 etc and the most important part? Making sure we all had face coverings to wear.
Every time we go to Castlerock, we do have 2 routines. Either we go bodyboarding on the gorgeous Blue Flag Castlerock beach all day. Or we hike it up to Downhill Demense and Mussenden Temple. For this visit, we hiked, played in the Bishops Play Park, flew kites, played catch and just enjoyed everything Castlerock has to offer. Even the beach before catching our train home! There was, however, no getting away from having soggy socks this time as my kids cannot deny the call of the sea! But we did being spares clothes and towels {this time!}.
Our time in Castlerock mostly begins with a walk up to Downhill Demense. During the seasonal months especially, you’ll find a National Trust booth in between the Black Glen & Downhill Forest. Lately, we’ve always been able to pay and then walk on by. However, due to covid and something I was unaware of {yes, I know, I said I did my research!} was that you needed to prebook to walk up to the National Trust site. Queue a small herd of disappointed children.
However, after a quick call to the Hezlett House team, it was confirmed if we bought a Family pass for the National Trust, we could indeed carry on our way. So we did just that and once again, our small herd of children where happy.
We had a lovely time walking through Downhill Forest and then up to revisit Downhill House. It was the perfect kind of day too, warm, but overcast and just the right amount of wind on the cliffs to fly our giant Octopus kite.
After flying kites and running around the ruins of Downhill House, it was time to head down to the beach. Not without paying a visit to the Bishop Playpark. However, due to everything going on, all of the climbing ropes and things had been taken away. So there wasn’t really much to play on, but they made it work.
The last leg of our journey was the beach. The gorgeous blue flag beach of Castlerock that we will never tire of. Sand for days {weeks if you bring it home in your shoes, which we did!} and it’s just a place that you can breathe, you know? It was pretty busy due to it being such a lovely day and the kids didn’t think twice about getting into the water.
All in all, it was a fabulous day. Tiring, as per! But fabulous all the same. We travelled home with sunkissed cheeks, full bellies, new memories and smiles on our faces. Which all sounds positively corny doesn’t it? But after the last few months? It was just what we all needed.
Have you ever been to Castlerock? It’s not got much by means of amenities, I mean it has everything you could need i.e a chemist, bakery, local shop, cafe, bar, restaurants, beach national trust site etc. It’s a small village by the sea and as small as she is, she packs a wallop with her charm and beauty. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend it.
Castlerock, until next time.
