Botanic Gardens

What You'll Find

Belfast Botanic Gardens is one of my favourite types of free days out with the kids, especially when you want somewhere to wander without having to spend a fortune. Right in the heart of Belfast's Queen's Quarter, there's plenty to explore, from beautiful glasshouses and colourful flower beds to big grassy lawns for a picnic.

One of the first things you'll notice is the Palm House, the beautiful curved glass building that's become one of Belfast's best-known landmarks. Inside, when open, you'll find all sorts of tropical plants, including huge leafy palms and unusual plants that you wouldn't normally see growing outdoors in Northern Ireland.

Another lovely spot to explore is the Tropical Ravine. This Victorian glasshouse is home to tropical plants, with a raised walkway that lets you look down into the greenery below. It's a little different from an ordinary garden walk, and children who enjoy plants and nature might love spotting the different shapes and sizes of the leaves.

Outside, there are plenty of paths to follow, along with flower beds, mature trees and the rose garden, which is particularly pretty when the roses are blooming.

The large lawns are brilliant for spreading out a picnic blanket, and there's plenty of room for the kids to have a wander between stops. It's a popular spot, especially on sunny days, so expect it to be busy when the weather is nice.

And one of the best things about Botanic Gardens is that the Ulster Museum is right beside it! You can easily combine the two for a full day out, starting with the gardens and heading into the museum afterwards. It's especially handy when the weather changes halfway through your plans.

There isn't a traditional children's playground within Botanic Gardens, but between the glasshouses, gardens and nearby museum, there's still plenty for curious wee ones to discover.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Stepping inside the Palm House to see the huge tropical plants
• ✓Exploring the Tropical Ravine and looking down at the plants from the raised walkway
• ✓Spotting colourful flowers and visiting the rose garden when it's in bloom
• ✓Having a picnic on the big grassy lawns
• ✓Popping into the Ulster Museum right beside the gardens

Before You Visit

Entry to Botanic Gardens is free, but check current opening arrangements for the Palm House and Tropical Ravine before travelling, as the glasshouses can close for maintenance or other reasons.

The main garden paths are generally suitable for prams, although some areas may have steps or uneven surfaces.

There isn't a dedicated children's playground, so this is more of a nature walk and exploring day out.

The gardens are popular during weekends and sunny weather, particularly around the main lawns.

The Ulster Museum is beside the gardens and is free to visit, making it a handy indoor option if the weather turns.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Don't miss the Tropical Ravine. The raised walkway and huge tropical leaves make it one of the most interesting parts of the gardens.
• ⭐Take a wander through the Palm House if it's open. It's a lovely little stop, particularly with children who enjoy discovering unusual plants.
• ⭐Pack a picnic blanket for the lawns, especially on a sunny day.
• ⭐Combine your visit with the Ulster Museum next door. It's a brilliant way to enjoy two free Belfast attractions in one outing.
• ⭐If you're visiting in summer, look out for the rose garden when the flowers are in bloom.