Chronicles of Narnia

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Journey Time:
2 Days
Distance:
140 miles (225 km)
Airport:
Belfast International/Belfast City

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner (visitbritain.transportdirect.info/web2)

While the real Narnia can only be reached via a magical wardrobe, you can visit several sites in Northern Ireland that shaped author C.S. Lewis' life and inspired the mystical Narnian landscape he created. From mythical forests to clifftop castles, C.S. Lewis' Northern Ireland is waiting to be explored.

Day 1: Crawfordsburn country park - Rowallane Garden - Tollymore Forest Park

Crawfordsburn Country Park - Rowallane House: 21 miles (34 km)
Rowallanne Garden - Tollymore Forest Park: 25 miles (40 km)
Totals for Day: 46 miles (74 km)

Crawfordsburn Country Park

Make your first stop in Northern Ireland Crawfordsburn Country Park (www.ehsni.gov.uk/crawfordsburn.shtml). Situated on the southern shores of Belfast Lough, C.S. Lewis visited the park regularly. Here, you can see the lamppost that inspired the one he wrote about in Narnia. While you're there, take the chance to explore the 3.5 miles of beautiful coastline and scenic walks at the park.

Must see and do:

Rowallane Garden

Drive 30 minutes south of Crawfordsburn Country Park to Rowallane Garden (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-rowallanegarden/) in County Down. This beautiful location, with 21 hectares of natural garden, captures the spirit of the Secret Gardens which C.S. Lewis loved and wrote about. Access this and other National Trust locations with a Great British Heritage Pass.

Must see and do:

Tollymore Forest Park

Explore the follies and water features of Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle, County Down and see where Lewis took his inspiration for Narnia. Walk along the River Shimna and explore the grottos and caves, and marvel at the exotic 100ft sequoia tree in the arboretum. Tollymore also offers pony trekking, fishing and walks in the Mourne Mountains.

Must see and do:

Bronte Homeland Interpretive Centre (www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=2857) | Murlough National Nature Reserve (www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=3004) | Castlewellan Forest Park (www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=2881) | Tyrella Beach (www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=3009)

Go to day 1 | 2

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If films and film stars are your thing then you've got to head to the world famous Madame Tussauds in London. This amazing wax works museum has been entertaining visitors for over 200 years, and their new ‘interactive experience’ promises a day out to remember.

Best of all you can avoid the huge queues to get in by booking ahead.

For full details and to orderclick here (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-GB/detail.aspx?ProductCode=TK1).