The award-winning village of Scarva stands on the very western boundary of the Banbridge District on the main road west of Banbridge. It rests beside the Newry Canal Towpath, one of eight long-distance Waymarked Ways in Northern Ireland. Scarva continues to attract many visitors throughout the year and particularly in the summer months due to the many wonderful floral displays that adorn the village. Its true beauty can be seen during the months of July and August when its gardens are in full bloom. It has won the 'Small Village' category in Translink's annual 'Ulster in Bloom' competition on many occasions and has gone on to represent the District in the 'Britain in Bloom' competition too.

The floral decadence of the village is not the only attraction that sets it apart from other areas. Its bandstand concerts held every Sunday on the village green
throughout the summer months have the visitors coming in their droves. The village's newly acquired Victorian bandstand is located in a picturesque position overlooking the canal close to Scarva Visitor Centre. Visitors can enjoy some light refreshments at the Centre whilst soaking up the sun and enjoying the scenic views of Newry Canal. Scarva Visitor Centre invites you to trace the history of canal building and the role of the Newry Canal in the linen industry. The area boasts magnificent archaeological sites like the Dane’s Cast and Lisnagade Fort.

The village of Scarva holds some historic importance. In June 1690, an army of 30,000 men camped in the Scarva area for training before marching on to meet the forces of King James at the Battle of the Boyne on 12 July 1690. Whilst training this army King William is said to have camped under a magnificent Spanish chestnut tree. The tree still flourishes and has assumed an unusual spreading form of growth. It measures over 25 feet in circumference at the base. Each year, a sham fight known as the 'Re-enactment of the Battle of the Boyne' takes place on 13 July on the old training ground used.