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Learn to SUP with an instructor on the calm bays of Strangford Lough, then warm up with woodfired pizza and garden salads at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen. A perfect half-day for families and groups who want water time plus local hospitality.
Learn to SUP with an instructor on the calm bays of Strangford Lough, then warm up with woodfired pizza and garden salads at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen. A perfect half-day for families and groups who want water time plus local hospitality.
Book with Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
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Operated by Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen · Newtownards, Northern Ireland
On the sheltered waters of Strangford Lough, just off the east coast of County Down near Newtownards, Paddle and Pizza pairs a beginner-friendly paddleboarding tour with a home-cooked farmhouse meal. Over three hours you’ll learn basic SUP technique with instructor Joe, push off into Ballymorran Bay, and skirt the small grassy islands that stud the lough’s tidal flats. The route favors calm bays and short crossings, so newcomers and families (children 10 and up) can focus on balance, local wildlife, and the odd playful gust of wind.
The geography here is quietly dramatic: shallow tidal channels, saltmarsh fringes, and low drumlin hills ringing the lough create clean lines against a wide sky. You’ll notice bands of kelp and rocky foreshore, wading birds like oystercatchers and eiders feeding the shallows, and occasional seals hauled on remote skerries. These elements define Strangford Lough’s distinctive coastal habitat and make every paddle feel like a moving shoreline portrait.
What truly sets this outing apart is the finish. After returning to Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, the group gathers around a wood-burning stove or in the garden room to savor handmade woodfired pizza, salads pulled straight from the kitchen garden, and a simple dessert. The contrast between salt-scented air and the warmth of a farmhouse meal is immediate and memorable; Tracey’s space provides changing facilities and indoor seating when the weather turns.
Practical notes: the session is weather dependent, so bring layers and waterproofs; arrive 15 minutes before the start; children under ten cannot take part. The experience works as a gentle introduction to paddleboarding or a sociable half-day with friends—the instructor-led format balances safety instruction with plenty of on-water exploring.
Locally, Paddle and Pizza is a small-scale offering that ties active recreation to local food and hospitality, making it an appealing option for visitors based in Newtownards or touring the Ards Peninsula. The lough has long supported fishing and ferrying, and today its sheltered bays invite gentle exploration rather than high-adrenaline sport.
Groups are deliberately small—sessions suit up to 15 people—so the instructor can offer individual attention, coaching body positioning and steering while pointing out tidal cues and local lore. Beginners leave confident on a board; more experienced paddlers enjoy the relaxed pace and food reward. Bookings are made through the Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen FareHarbor listing, and the lesson-and-lunch format makes this an easy half-day addition to any Ards Peninsula itinerary, especially for families and mixed-ability groups and friends.
Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult.
No—sessions include basic tuition from instructor Joe and are suitable for beginners.
The experience is weather dependent; Tracey’s will contact you if a session is postponed or cancelled due to unsafe conditions.
Groups run up to 15 people to keep instruction personal while retaining a social atmosphere.
Tracey’s offers homemade food; please note dietary needs when booking so they can accommodate where possible.
Meet at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen—arrive at least 15 minutes early to change and receive a safety briefing.
Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen is a small food and outdoor hospitality business based in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Specializing in guided paddle experiences on Strangford Lough paired with cottage-style baking and woodfired meals, the business combines local landscapes with hands-on food traditions. Visitors can join guided paddles around scenic islands, learn traditional Irish griddle bread techniques, or paddle and return to a farmhouse setting for woodfired pizza and salads. All experiences are led by experienced local guides and hosts who focus on safety, sustainable use of the lough, and a warm, approachable teaching style. Activities emphasize accessible outdoor skills, simple canoe and paddle techniques, and respectful exploration of tidal islands and shoreline habitats. Food elements highlight handmade recipes: soda breads, griddle breads, homemade jams and butter, and woodfired pizzas prepared in a farmhouse kitchen and thatched cottage. Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen operates from a rural Newtownards location near Strangford Lough, offering intimate small-group sessions that prioritize personal attention and relaxed pacing. Each experience includes instruction, tastings of freshly baked goods, and take-home recipes or baked items when applicable. The combination of guided paddling and hands-on baking offers a distinctive mix of adventure, local food culture, and seasonal hospitality. Booking information, availability, and practical details are provided through their listings and booking channels featured on tourism platforms. The business’s emphasis on local ingredients, traditional methods, and experienced guidance makes it a trusted option for visitors seeking authentic food-and-outdoor experiences in County Down. Sessions operate seasonally and suit a range of ages and abilities safely.
Book with Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen