Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park in south Belfast is one of the city’s most popular parks. Home to the City of Belfast International Rose Garden, which attracts thousands of visitors to Rose Week celebrations in July each year, the park covers more than 128 acres of rolling meadows, woodland and gardens. Stables Coffee Shop on site offers tea, coffee and hot and cold food.
Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen Forest Park
Put on your walking boots and choose from four colour-coded routes, from a gentle stroll to a more challenging hike, we cater for everyone. They’re also wheelchair and pram accessible. With over 6 miles of walkways through wonderful woodland, it’s sure to breathe some life in to your soul. Why not step into the glorious world of the Gruffalo. Enter the deep, dark wood, meet the clever little mouse, the fox, the owl, the snake, before stumbling upon those knobbly knees and turned out toes and that poisonous wart on the end of his nose: The Gruffalo!
Antrim Castle Gardens
Antrim Castle Gardens is an historical gem, with nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. The gardens are a complex living museum containing over four centuries of culture and heritage. Within the heart of the 60 acre gardens is a unique visitor experience, Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the gardens or the Oriel Gallery art exhibitions.
Stormont Estate
Recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious green spaces with a Green Flag award, Stormont Estate is a woodland park open to the public with beautiful gardens, walking trails, enclosed dog park, outdoor gym and a children’s play park. Follow the History Trail, Environment Trail or Woodland Trail, and find public art, picnic tables and BBQ areas throughout the grounds.
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.
Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens was established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society, in response to public interest in horticulture and botany. The site contained exotic tree species and impressive plant collections from the southern hemisphere, many of which can still be seen in the park today. It’s home to the Palm House, the Ulster Museum and The Tropical Ravine which is receiving a 3.8 million restoration, expected to be completed by early 2017, which will house many tropical and native plants in the unique, listed building nestled in the heart of Botanic Gardens.
Barnett Demesne
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).
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.
Moira Demesne
Visit Moira Demesne in the busy village of Moira, County Down. The parkland offers beautiful walks, picnic sites and a children’s play area, plus a selection of award-winning rose beds. Moira Demesne was laid out by Sir Arthur Rawdon (1662-1695) with exotic plants from Jamaica, making it one of the foremost botanical gardens in 17th Century Europe. After a walk, enjoy a bite to eat in the pubs and cafés or visit artisan boutiques in Moira village.
Ormeau Park
Ormeau Park is the oldest municipal park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, having been officially opened to the public in 1871. It is owned and run by Belfast City Council and is one of the largest and busiest parks in the city and contains a variety of horticulture, woodland, wildlife and sporting facilities.
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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.
