Accessible Outdoor Experiences

Botanic Gardens in the south of the city has tropical plants, giant bird feeders, a rose garden, an alpine garden, mature trees, flower beds and sculptures. It was established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society. It is relatively flat with tarmacked paths linking grass and flowerbeds.  

The Tropical Ravine, which was recently restored to its original Victorian design, is a rich sensory experience and has interactive panels. Some doors are automatic with level access throughout. There is a lift to the lower floor and accessible toilet.  

The Palm House is a white painted cast-iron glasshouse. There’s a rich mix of floral smells and array of exotic plants. There are a couple of steps into the main entrance with a level access door to the side. Grated metal flooring is used for drainage, so care is advised if you have a walking stick or cane.  

You can find more access information about Botanic Gardens on AccessAble.  

“I especially like the recorded sound design of tropical birds in the Tropical Ravine –  it makes the plants feel more at home.” 

Helen and her husband are blind. They love to visit Botanic Gardens as there is lots to feel, touch and hear. They can easily spend half a day here, and the Topical Ravine is a particular highlight.  

CS Lewis Square is a level-access public space celebrating the Belfast-born author of the Chronicles of Narnia, CS Lewis. You can touch and interact with seven bronze sculptures from the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which is a great sensory experience.  

The nearest railway stops are at Titanic Quarter Halt and Lanyon Place Station. Titanic Quarter Halt is not suitable for people with reduced mobility as it involves steps and a footbridge. There are frequent buses that stop within 150m of the square, and it is less than five minutes by taxi from the Value Cabs taxi rank at Lanyon.   

The square is beside the EastSide Visitor Centre, where there are interactive information screens, interpretative panels and a wall map. A number of self-guided trails start and finish from EastSide Visitor Centre, whether you want to follow in the footsteps of George Best and find out what inspired some of Van Morrison’s most famous songs. 

The visitor centre includes a coffee shop with accessible toilets. Disabled parking bays are also available on street and in the nearby Connswater Shopping Centre.  

“It’s a great place to run around and the sculptures are cool.” 

Joshua, 10, is Autistic. He loves that there is lots of space to run around, and it never feels crowded.  

With spectacular panoramic views over Belfast, Divis and the Black Mountain is home to heath and bog, rich biodiversity and archaeological remains. On a clear day there are views of Strangford Lough, Scotland and Donegal. 

The mountain is best accessed by car. There are two car parks with disabled parking bays. The upper car park, behind the Barn Café, is closest to the start of the walking trails. This is also the location of accessible toilets and a Changing Places. Car parks can get particularly busy at peak times.  

Access to the mountain is free, and there are a choice of three waymarked routes. The Lough Trail is a wheelchair accessible, circular route. It slopes gently for one mile (1.5km)  over compacted gravel.  

The other routes are described as moderate to challenging covering between 2.8 and 4 miles (4.5 and 6.4km) over a mixture of boardwalk, gravel, heath and bog. There may also be stiles across a river. Suitable clothing must be worn.   

The National Trust and Walk NI have detailed guides and route descriptions. 

Rowallane Garden has a mix of formal and informal gardens, filled with unique plants from across the world. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a bite to eat in the café. Younger visitors can borrow free bicycles and explore the natural play area.  

Rowallane Garden is located outside Saintfield and is 12 miles (19km) south of Belfast. There is a 17-minute walk from the nearest bus stop. For those arriving by car, there is a car park, disabled parking bays and visitor drop-off point at the visitor centre.  

The grounds are mainly gravel and grass paths with terrain that rises and falls. There is some uneven terrain, steps and steep slopes, particularly in the lower garden and around Rock Garden Wood, but there are also accessible routes, and staff will be happy to show you on the map. Two mobility scooters and a wheelchair are available to borrow – booking in advance is recommended.  

“Calm Bags” are also available to borrow for those who need a little extra support during the busy periods. They include fidget toys, ear defenders and other sensory items. 

The National Trust and AccessAble have produced detailed access guides.  

The inclusive beach initiative is run by the Mae Murray Foundation, a charity that was set up to allow people of all ages and abilities to take part in activities in an inclusive environment.  

There is accessible parking within 100m of Groomsport beach, and there is step-free access across a paved and tarmacked path. There is also an accessible toilet and Changing Places in the car park.  

Mae Murray’s all-terrain beach wheelchair is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre across all surfaces. Booking must be made at least 72 hours in advance.  

You can find more information on getting to and around Groomsport and its beach on AccessAble. 

Mae Murray also has other inclusive beaches and equipment at Benone, Cranfield, Portrush and Portstewart.   

“You can easily become a member of Mae Murray Foundation to access their beach equipment loan scheme, all of which is free.”  

Jo is an adventure-loving wheelchair user in her 20s. She loves exploring the outdoors when she goes away, and while the beaches in NI may not be the sunniest, she thinks they are among the most beautiful.