Stormont Estate

Description

• Stormont Trails

  There are three woodland interactive trails within the public area that seek to connect visitors, including families and young people, with the rich biodiversity of the Stormont woodlands, highlighting what the Estate has to offer and to give a brief insight into the history of the Estate.

  The trails have been created suitable for a range of age groups with each trail supported by a map incorporating a quiz. The trail routes include key marker locations and clues which provide for an enjoyable, educational and engaging experience for all whilst actively promoting and encouraging the evolving areas of interest.

  Trail guides are available in the Stormont Estate or can be printed at home by visiting the NI Direct website.

  • History Trail – this trail gives an insight into the rich history of Stormont Estate.
  • Woodland Trail – this trail consists of sensory points and features such as small tree houses, bird houses and woodland carved animals placed around the Estate.
  • Environment Trail – this trail allows visitors to discover some of the heritage, fauna and wildlife available on the Estate.

  Each trail takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

• Play Park

  The children’s playground is near the Upper Newtownards Road entrance, has climbing frames, slides and swings suitable for young children and seats where parents can relax. There are also picnic tables and facilities for table top barbeques

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• Fitness Trail and Outdoor Gym

  The fitness trail covers 1.6km, with outdoor gym equipment at various parts of the trail. Stormont Estate is also home to the Stormont 5k parkrun which takes place every Saturday at 9:30am.

• Orienteering Course

  There are three permanent orienteering courses of varying lengths within the grounds of the Stormont Estate.

• Points of Interest

  Around the estate, you will also find historic buildings, statues, memorials and some interesting WW2 sites, including the original barrage balloon anchors that held the balloons protecting the government buildings from bombings during the war.

• Dogs

  Dogs are welcomed within the grounds of the Stormont Estate as long as they are kept on a lead at all times. A large enclosed area has been provided where dog owners can exercise their dogs “off lead” and can take advantage of the picnic tables and seating.

• Location

  The Estate is in the east of Belfast, on the Upper Newtownards Road (A20). When travelling along the Upper Newtownards Road, the large entrance to the estate is visible on the left, about five miles from the city centre. A second entrance for the public on foot is available at Massey Avenue, Belfast BT4.

• Parking

  Parking is available in front of the main gates on the Upper Newtownards Road and the Massey Avenue entrance and at the play park car park 100m after the main gates to the Estate. The 20a and 23 Metro bus service runs regularly to and from the Stormont Estate.