Cave Hill Country Park

What You'll Find

Cave Hill Country Park is a brilliant free family day out in Belfast, with beautiful woodland walks, an adventurous playground and some of the best views over the city!

The park covers a huge area of woodland and open hillside surrounding Belfast Castle, with lots of different trails to explore depending on how adventurous you're feeling.

If you're visiting with younger children, I'd definitely start around Belfast Castle. The castle itself is beautiful, and the gardens are lovely for a little wander. And don't forget to look out for the hidden cat sculptures! See how many the wee ones can find as you explore the gardens.

You'll also find Cave Hill Adventurous Playground nearby, which is a brilliant stop for children who love climbing and exploring. The playground has climbing equipment, slides and plenty to challenge little adventurers.

There are several woodland trails to choose from, so you can enjoy a shorter family walk or head further up the hillside with older children.

For families who love a proper hike, the climb towards McArt's Fort at the summit is definitely one to try!

The higher you climb, the better the views become, and on a clear day you can see right across Belfast, Belfast Lough and beyond. It's quite a climb in places, but the views are absolutely worth it!

And if you're anything like me, a coffee stop is always a bonus!

The Tavern Coffee Shop is tucked away in the cellar of Belfast Castle, serving hot and cold drinks along with scones, muffins and traybakes. A lovely little treat after exploring the gardens or playground.

There are also toilets and baby-changing facilities inside Belfast Castle, which is always handy when visiting with younger children.

Whether you're planning a gentle woodland walk, a play at the adventure playground or a climb to the summit, Cave Hill has something for lots of different ages.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Hunting for the hidden cat sculptures around Belfast Castle gardens
• ✓Climbing and exploring Cave Hill Adventurous Playground
• ✓Wandering along the woodland paths and looking out for wildlife
• ✓Seeing Belfast Castle and enjoying the views across the city
• ✓Tackling the climb towards McArt's Fort with older, confident walkers

Before You Visit

The Belfast Castle car park is a handy starting point for the castle gardens, adventurous playground and walking trails.

If you're heading up Cave Hill, bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no facilities once you leave the castle area.

The higher trails are steep, uneven and can become muddy or slippery, so proper walking shoes are a must.

If you're visiting with a baby or toddler and planning to explore beyond the castle grounds, I'd recommend a baby carrier rather than a buggy.

The Tavern Coffee Shop has a step-free entrance, but check its opening times before visiting if you're planning a coffee stop.

The car park can get busy at weekends and during good weather, so it's worth arriving earlier if you can.

Keep children close around McArt's Fort and the steep cliff edges.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Don't miss the cat trail around Belfast Castle gardens! It's a lovely little activity for younger children, and they'll have great fun trying to find all the cats.
• ⭐Head to the adventurous playground for a play before or after your walk. The climbing equipment and slides are brilliant for active wee ones!
• ⭐You don't need to climb to the summit to enjoy Cave Hill. The castle gardens, playground and shorter woodland walks are lovely for families with younger children.
• ⭐Fancy a coffee? Pop into The Tavern Coffee Shop at Belfast Castle for a hot drink and a little treat after your walk.
• ⭐If you're tackling the climb to McArt's Fort, bring proper walking shoes, water and snacks. The views are beautiful, but it's definitely one for confident little walkers!