Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and discover Northern Ireland’s royal residence. Immerse yourself in history and royal splendour in the Castle, explore the 100 acres of beautiful gardens and discover the Imaginary Menagerie play trail. Highlights of a visit to the gardens include ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens.
Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park in south Belfast is one of the city’s most popular parks. The park is home to the City of Belfast International Rose Garden, which attracts thousands of visitors to Rose Week celebrations which take place in July each year. Covering more than 128 acres, the park is made up of rolling meadows, copses, woodland and gardens and is home to a wide range of plants and animals.
Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens is an important part of Belfast’s Victorian heritage and a popular meeting place for residents, students and tourists. Enjoy a picnic on the grass before viewing Belfast from a height with their panoramic wheel, or visit the Palm House and Tropical Ravine.
Stormont Estate
Explore Parliament Buildings and the beautiful surroundings of the Stormont Estate. View the House on the Hill from the majestic lawns and flowerbeds that envelope the main avenues. Explore winding forest paths mapped out for walkers and joggers, and discover ducks in the wetland habitat and red squirrels.
Mount Stewart
The beautiful gardens of Mount Stewart provide a wealth of opportunity to enjoy a New Year stroll. The scenic lake is surrounded by picturesque woodland, the formal gardens with their Mediterranean feel, and an extensive variety of plants in the gardens. Enjoy one of the walking trails, take the red squirrel trail or explore the Walled Garden. The gardens, shop and restaurant are open 10am-5pm during the winter months.
Montalto Estate
Montalto Estate aims to reconnect visitors with nature through access to a range of captivating gardens and beautiful walks and trails. The visitor experience includes: public access to the estate’s beautiful gardens along with unique and surprising garden features; historic walks and trails; and an exciting play area where children can explore, learn and wonder at their natural surroundings.
Wallace Park
Wallace Park is ideal for families, with an excellent children's play area and a variety of gentle walks. During the summer there are a number of free entry family fun events in Wallace Park with crafts, dance, theatre, music and arts on offer.
Park-run events, an outdoor gym and tennis dome facility are also available within the park.
Belfast Hills
The Belfast Hills offer beautiful scenery encompassing a variety of nature and wildlife. Take a stroll amongst the trees in Colin Glen Forest Park, enjoy an energetic walk to McArt’s Fort on Cave Hill or admire the view from the rugged landscape of Divis Mountain.
Malone House and Barnett Demesne
Malone House and the surrounding Barnett Demesne offers walking, jogging or picnics, free exhibition in the Higgin Gallery and several pieces of public art in the manicured gardens. Surrounded by acres of majestic parkland, and within easy reach of nearby Shaw’s Bridge and the Lagan towpath, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including canoeing and kayaking. Park features include an arboretum, ecotrail, orienteering routes and children’s playground (near Shaw’s Bridge). Refreshments are available in the Barnett Restaurant in nearby Malone House.
Lagan Valley Regional Park
Lagan Valley Regional Park is a mosaic of countryside, urban parks, heritage sites, nature reserves and riverside trails. The Lagan Towpath offers miles of walking or cycling surrounded by beautiful scenery. A great place to get out and stretch your legs and enjoy the flora and fauna in tranquil surroundings. Begin your journey from the many access points to the River Lagan and the towpath by foot, bicycle and car at Stranmillis, Loughview Road, Shaws Bridge and many more.
The Coronation Garden and Hazelbank
In the beautiful setting of Hazelbank Park you will find The Coronation Garden, designed by award-winning gardener, Diarmuid Gavin. The garden has been planted in a pollinator-friendly and sustainable way, reflecting some of the great loves of His Royal Highness. The three-floor pavilion topped with a crown welcomes its guests with a musical performance of dancing topiary and spinning conical trees every 15 minutes, a true spectacle.
Rowallane Garden
Enjoy beautiful gardens filled with unique plants from around the world. Take a stroll through the Rock Garden Wood and admire a variety of trees and shrubs, and visit the Walled Garden where you’ll find spectacular displays of herbaceous plants. Rowallane Garden is ideal for leisurely walks, afternoon tea in the cafe or just simply relaxing on a seat in the walled garden.
Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen Forest Park
Colin Glen Forest Park is home to the amazing eight foot tall Gruffalo, complete with knobbly knees, turned out toes and a poisonous wart on the end of his nose and his very famous friends. From entering through the Gruffalo Archway, through the forest park to a beautiful Gruffalo themed seating area next to the cascading Colin river, your children will be completely amazed at meeting their favourite Gruffalo characters, whilst getting out in the fresh air.
Castle Ward
Inside the beautiful 820 acre walled demesne you will find an exotic sunken garden and paths that wind their way through woodland and suddenly open onto the quiet shores of the Lough. Walk or cycle along the Lough Side Walk through sheltered woodlands and spot rabbits, ducks and swans. Take the Shore Trail and you may even see some seals. There are six trails to choose from for walkers, cyclists and riders.
The Argory
The Argory’s garden, woodland and riverside walks boast wonderful sweeping views making a stunning winter walk. Don’t miss the scenic walks and fascinating courtyard displays. Pack your binoculars and take a stroll down to the River Blackwater and you might be rewarded with the sight of a kingfisher. You can also visit the second-hand bookshop, adventure playground and Lady Ada’s award-winning tea-room which provide retreats for children and adults alike.
