Enjoy fun-filled family days this spring with these top ideas of places to go in Belfast and beyond. Explore the great outdoors, pack a picnic and make some memories.

Maritime Mile

Discover Belfast’s historic waterfront with a stroll along the Maritime Mile, which covers one mile of water and 10 kilometres of connected pathway. Stretching from Sailortown to the Titanic Pump House the pathway includes the Big Fish, SS Nomadic, Titanic Belfast and Titanic Slipways. It’s also perfect for cycling so why not bring your bikes and experience the whole thing on two wheels?

Outdoor Attractions

From the stunning formal gardens of Mount Stewart and Rowallane to the rolling hills of Black Mountain, get outside and enjoy a day out exploring nature, just moments from Belfast. All outdoor attractions are able to open again, including Castle Espie, Lets Go Hydro, Sky Trek and Archery at Colin Glen and The Jungle NI.

Colin Glen Forest Park

Visit Colin Glen Forest Park for some fun-filled, action-packed adventure! Have a go on the SKYTrek high ropes and low ropes course, try your hand at archery, or challenge friends to Laser-Tag combat. There’s also mountain biking trails, a driving range, a golf course, guided nature walks, and a Gruffalo Trail for little ones. Get your adrenaline pumping with the Black Bull Run, the Forest Flyover zipline and if you’re feeling really brave, check out Ireland’s longest zipline, the River Rapid.

Ark Open Farm

If you enjoy the great outdoors and lots of interaction with animals of all kinds, then the Ark Farm is just the place for you. Young and old, it suits all ages. The farm is open everyday from 10AM – 5PM!

Redburn Country Park

Spring is one of the best times to visit Redburn Country Park, when a carpet of bluebells, wood sorrel and anemones emerges among the woodland. The park is also home to lots of wildlife including birds, rabbits and the shy red squirrel, and it offers a variety of marked trails perfect for walking, exploring or running.

Moira Demesne

Moira Demesne is a parkland offering beautiful walks, picnic sites and a children’s play area. Explore the varied selection of award-winning rose beds and wander through the nearby village of Moira for coffee and food.

Cairn Wood

Visit Cairn Wood this spring – a haven of serenity, with enchanting walks through mature conifers and young trees in the hilly hinterland of Holywood. Look out for beautiful views towards Bangor and beyond. The wood boasts well marked paths popular with walkers, ramblers and runners.

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens

Hillsborough Castle’s glorious gardens boasts ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways and picturesque glens, with over 100 spectacular acres to discover. Don’t miss the Yew Tree Walk, Ice House, a Quaker Burial Ground and the beautiful Granville Garden created by HM The Queen’s aunt Lady Granville.

Bangor Walled Garden

Find Bangor Castle Victorian Walled Garden in the tranquil grounds of Castle Park. It was designed by the Ward family in the 1840s and opened as a visitor attraction in 2009. The garden is divided into four different sections, each with its own horticultural personality and sculptures inspired by North Down’s maritime history.

Lagan Valley Regional Park

Lagan Valley Regional Park offers miles of walking or cycling surrounded by beautiful scenery. 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 and Shaws Bridge.

Content sourced from Visit Belfast (visitbelfast.com).