Northern Ireland

Portstewart Strand

Miles of golden sand

118 Strand Road, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7PG

Opening times
Prices
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A photograph of dogwalkers and visitors walking along Portstewart Strand in February 2025.

Opening times for 18 April 2025
Asset Opening time
Beach Dawn - Dusk
Car Park 10:00 - 18:00
Toilet 10:00 - 16:00
The beach may close earlier than stated in inclement weather. For parking after closing hours, please use the out of hours car park from the entrance of the beach. Water Craft activity's only permitted during the months of June , July and August on a base of National Trust Permit.
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Open

Partially open

Closed
Free parking for National Trust members and blue badge holders.

Opening times may vary due to weather conditions.

Last admission for vehicles is one hour before closing time.

Water Craft activities Permited only during the month of June, July and August, free permit for National Trust Members

Toilets may be open more than stated. Changing Places facilities are open only on Saturday and Sunday up to 10th April 2025

Payment by card only.

Need to reserve an accessible wheelchair? Please use this link to book.

Portstewart Strand Winter Winter Car Park Charge
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid
Cars Winter Tariff from October to March £4.00
Portstewart Strand Summer Car Park Charge
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid
Cars Summer Tariff from April to September £8.50
Water Craft Permit Yearly Admission
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid
Water Craft Permit per year £160.00
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All dogs welcome, including Assistance Dogs. We ask that dogs are kept on leads between posts one and ten which are marked out on the beach. Variable mobile phone reception. Blue badge parking.
Click here to access the full Accessibility Guide for Portstewart Strand
Accessible toilet
Changing Places
Changing Places Facility are accessible by RADAR Key during opening times
Wheelchairs available
Inclusive beach, to book the equipment please follow https://www.maemurrayfoundation.org/projects/inclusive-beaches/
Map
Directions via Google Maps
By road
Portstewart Strand is a few minutes drive from the centre of Portstewart. Drive time from Belfast: 1.15 hrs
Parking: You don’t need to book but car parking space on the beach is limited. Contactless card payments only. Members park for free.
By train
Coleraine train station is closest. You'll need to get a bus connection, as it is 5 miles away.
By bus
140 service from Coleraine, alight at Strand Corner (connections from Belfast via route 218)
Cycling
NCN93 runs nearby
Cycling - more information

Opening times for 18 April 2025
Asset	Opening time
Beach	Dawn - Dusk
Car Park	10:00 - 18:00
Toilet	10:00 - 16:00

Portstewart Strand Winter Winter Car Park Charge
Ticket type	With Gift Aid	Without Gift Aid
Cars Winter Tariff from October to March		£4.00

Portstewart Strand Summer Car Park Charge
Ticket type	With Gift Aid	Without Gift Aid
Cars Summer Tariff from April to September		£8.50

Water Craft Permit Yearly Admission
Ticket type	With Gift Aid	Without Gift Aid
Water Craft Permit per year		£160.00

Two boys jumping off sand dunes on a sunny summer day with blue skies at Portstewart Strand in Northern Ireland

Things to do at Portstewart Strand

Spend the day on one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches. Stride out for a walk along the strand, wander through the 6,000-year-old dunes and spot seasonal wildlife. Dip you toes in the water or brave the waves with your bodyboard. There's plenty of things to do at the beach and the wildlife haven in the dunes.

A wide shot of Portstewart Strand inclusive beach.

Article

Beach safety when visiting Portstewart Strand

When visiting Portstewart Strand, it is important you are aware of some of the safety procedures to ensure a safe visit to the reserve. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe and ensure this landscape stays beautiful.

A photograph of a wheelchair user being pushed along Portstewart Strand.

Article

Our work to make Portstewart Strand an Inclusive Beach

Portstewart Strand is proud to be an Inclusive Beach where people of all ages and abilities can take part, have fun, and be included. Working in partnership with Mae Murray Foundation, we want to make all our places on the north coast inclusive and ensure people of all ages and abilities can enjoy them.

A small dog on the lead standing at the beach

Article

Visiting Portstewart Strand with your dog

Dogs are welcome on Portstewart Strand and with two miles of golden sand to enjoy, there are plenty of opportunities for walking and splashing along the beach. Portstewart Strand is a one pawprint rated place.