I traded nightlife for Belfast’s Botanic Gardens (worth it)!
There are many ways one can take a breather from a stressful week. Some enjoy a vibrant nightlife with friends, while others prefer to stay indoors. I’m one of those who prefer to go out—but not to party, no. I’d like to chill under the sun alone in public.
I’ve always been like this. I go to a park, read a book, and eat lots of ice cream.
If you want to de-stress in the best way possible like me, I’d say go to the Botanic Gardens in Belfast. For me, giving up sports bars for greenery and peace is well worth it. Here’s a little travel guide I wrote to make your trip hassle-free.
What are the Botanic Gardens in Belfast known for?
The Botanic Gardens in Belfast are known for being a 28-acre, intricately designed public garden. It features many tropical and exotic plants, as well as an elegant domed conservatory popular with locals and tourists.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Botanic Gardens in Belfast is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) to experience mild weather. You can also go during the summer (June and July) to enjoy the festivals and events.
Things to Know
History: The Botanic Gardens date back to 1828 as a private park for botanists and academics.
Entry Fees: Entry to the Botanic Gardens in Belfast is free.
Operating Hours: The gardens are usually open every day from 7:30 am to 8 pm, but they can close earlier during winter.
Parking: There’s no on-site parking, but you can park for free around the garden on weekends. Alternatively, you can park on other streets. It’s best to arrive early to ensure a spot. Take note of the charging zones and time limits, too!
Washroom: There are accessible toilets within the Tropical Ravine building and in the general public bathrooms.
Dogs: Furry friends are welcome at the gardens! Just be a responsible pet owner and keep your dogs on a leash at all times. It’s best to bring their water bowls and waste bags as well.
How to Get Around
Trains: The gardens are near Botanic Station. After taking the train, you’ll walk to your destination in about five minutes.
Buses: Translink Metro buses often stop along Botanic Avenue and the Queen’s Quarter. Routes from the city centre take around 10 minutes.
Taxis: If you don’t want any hassle, getting a cab is the most convenient option. Black cabs and app-based taxis are easy to book in the city. The driver will drop you off directly at the main entrance.
Car: You can also drive yourself there, but parking is limited. It’s smart to allot some time to scope out the nearby streets first.
What to Do at the Botanic Gardens in Belfast
Explore the Palm House
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One of the most popular areas in the Botanic Gardens is the Palm House. History buffs frequent this indoor garden because it reflects the Victorian era. It opens at around 10 am, so you’ll have to wait a few hours after the park’s opening time.
You’ll find tropical orchids, giant lilies, and other exotic flowering plants that are perfect for an Instagram backdrop. It’s also a curvilinear (bounded by curved lines) cast-iron glasshouse—great for photography enthusiasts!
Overall, it has great facilities for plants that wouldn’t be able to survive outside. To bask in its beauty, you can either take a guided tour or just enjoy a relaxing walk.
Visit the Tropical Ravine
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Website: http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/TropicalRavine
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 4762, 07775 031345, [email protected]
The Tropical Ravine is another small gem that nature fans should see at least once. You’ll feel the warmth of the tropical climate and see plants from several continents, so prepare to take your coat off to adjust to the higher temperature.
On the lower floor, you can explore a diverse aquarium, too. And if you feel the urge to embrace your green thumb, why not join the occasional gardening workshops?
Stroll Through the Rose Garden
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Looking for a romantic date idea? The Botanic Gardens’ rose garden by the gazebos is a must-see from May to June, so you can enjoy the flowers in full bloom.
There are different types of roses, and it might be time to learn what each colour might represent (e.g., red for love, white for new beginnings, and yellow for joy or friendship)—just in case you’re planning to gift your special someone a bouquet!
You might also get inspired to switch your perfume after your visit, because many visitors really like the sweet scent here.
Plan a Picnic on the Lawns
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Great for the whole family, the Botanic Gardens are among the locals’ favourite places to indulge in tasty picnic snacks. There’s usually plenty of space for everyone to enjoy without it feeling too crowded.
It’s also not uncommon for solo travellers to chill here and read all day. If you don’t have a picnic rug, that’s alright too—people usually sit on the benches around anyway!
Also, there’s usually a coffee cart near the museum entrance for a solid pick-me-up. Plus, there’s an ice cream van to keep you cool during hotter days. You can observe squirrels running around too—bring some nuts or crackers if you want to feed them.
Stop by the Ulster Museum
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Website: https://www.ulstermuseum.org/
Contact Details: +44 28 9044 0000, [email protected]
If you’re interested in art, history, and natural sciences, you’ll probably like wandering around the Ulster Museum! It’s free and you’ll learn many things, from dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies to modern masterpieces.
There are organised exhibits and interactive features that kids (and kids at heart) would appreciate. In case you get lost, there are helpful markers on the lifts, too! Overall, it’s best to allow around 2 to 3 hours for exploring, so you don’t miss out on anything.
Where to Eat Near the Botanic Gardens in Belfast
Deanes at Queens
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Website: https://www.michaeldeane.co.uk/deanes-at-queens/
Address: 1 College Gardens
Contact Details: +44 28 9038 2111, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Deanes at Queens is a dining spot near the Botanic Gardens, serving local produce cooked in a hearty, Modern British style. It’s known for its relaxed ambience with amazing date views—it’s got a glass-fronted space with garden views!
As for the grub, one of the bestsellers is the Irish beef paired with a local beer. There are seasonal pasta dishes that go well with the fine wines, too! For a sweet note, you can try the classic sticky toffee pudding or the chocolate fondant.
Molly’s Yard
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Website: http://www.mollysyard.co.uk/
Address: 1 College Green Mews, Botanic Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9032 2600, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Want to step back in time for lunch? Molly’s Yard is a compact courtyard restaurant in a converted Victorian stables, serving modern Irish cuisine. Its cosy, rustic vibe is perfect after a long day in the sun.
Besides its quirky historic building, its changing menu reels patrons in. You can get started with the slow-cooked lamb or even go with a vegetarian special for a change!
Of course, the meals wouldn’t be complete without the Hilden craft beers—a crowd favourite. Otherwise, you can just order some of the bestselling desserts, such as the cheesecake and the crème brûlée (burnt cream custard).
French Village Cafe & Bistro
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Website: http://frenchvillage.com/
Address: 99 Botanic Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9029 7999, [email protected]
Pricing: $
French Village Cafe & Bistro serves Mediterranean food and homemade cakes in a trendy, BYOB (bring your own beer) cafe-deli. It offers casual, all-day dining that’s perfect for a brunch hangout with friends.
There’s a bunch of options here, from breakfast to mains. Savoury fans love the gourmet burgers and chicken dishes, while the sweet-toothed enthusiasts adore the French pastries and chocolate brownies. Speciality coffee and fresh juices are available too.
Where to Shop Near the Botanic Gardens in Belfast
No Alibis
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Website: http://www.noalibis.com/
Address: 83 Botanic Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 9601, [email protected]
Planning to read a new romantic or mystery novel at the Botanic Gardens? No Alibis is a quirky independent bookstore you can drop by first.
It’s got everything, from crime fiction and classic books to American studies. But if you’re staying for a while, you can grab a cup of coffee or stay in the reading area to cool down and relax. Perhaps you can meet other book lovers, too!
Eco Fresh Food
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Website: https://www.ecofreshfood.co.uk/
Address: 43 Botanic Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9013 1852
If you’re embracing an active lifestyle by strolling around the Botanic Gardens, why not pair it with some fresh fruits and veggies or organic foods at Eco Fresh Food?
It’s an independent supermarket popular with locals and students on grocery runs, mainly because of its health-focused items. There are many international items, too! Take your pick from Asian, Middle Eastern, or European goods.
And while you’re at it, why not grab spices, sauces, and other exotic ingredients from around the world?
British Red Cross Shop
Website: http://www.redcross.org.uk/shop/find-a-charity-shop/belfast
Address: 28 Botanic Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 5544
Want to kill some time before going home from the gardens? The British Red Cross shop is a thrift store where you can shop for a cause.
Besides secondhand or vintage clothing, you can find books, DVDs, household items, and other affordable bargains. There are also some cute toys you can gift your little ones!
The stock is also ever-changing. If you visit again next week, that one skirt you’re eyeing may already have been snagged.
Where to Stay Near Botanic Gardens
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
Website: https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/
Address: 45 Malone Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9460 0123, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
Want a unique weekend getaway? The Harrison Chambers of Distinction is an eclectic, adults-only Victorian boutique hotel. It’s only a five-minute walk from the Botanic Gardens and a 13-minute walk from the Botanic railway station, making it highly accessible.
There are individually decorated plush rooms, vibrant wall coverings, mahogany floors, and antiques here. But don’t worry—you won’t be totally trapped in the past.
There are modern comforts like Wi-Fi, rain showers, and coffeemakers, too.
If you want to upgrade, you can also marvel at some interesting features. This includes original fireplaces, ornate cornicing (decorative moulding), freestanding baths, or sitting areas. There’s breakfast, room service, and parking as well.
The Malone Hotel
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Website: https://www.themalonehotel.com/
Address: 60 Eglantine Ave, Malone Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9038 8000, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
The Malone Hotel is a classy four-star accommodation at a redbrick Victorian townhouse. It’s got trendy, modern rooms and suites—all of which include free Wi-Fi, en-suite (connected) bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers.
If you go for a suite, you can have a separate living room. Otherwise, the self-contained apartments have one to three bedrooms to accommodate a bigger crew.
When you get hungry, the hotel offers a stylish bar-grill and deli. Those with a hearty appetite can go to the lounge bar serving a gastropub menu too.
Premier Inn Belfast City Centre
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Address: Alfred St
Contact Details: +44 333 777 3688
Pricing: $$
Looking for an affordable and quiet hub? Premier Inn Belfast City Centre is a three-star modern hotel worth checking out. You can also sneak in some exercise since it’s a four-minute walk to Donegall Square and a nine-minute stroll to the waterfront area.
There are rooms ranging from singles to family rooms with two pull-out beds. It’s also easy on the wallet since kids aged 15 and under can stay and eat for free (as long as there are paying adults).
And for lunch or dinner, there’s a resto bar. Just note that you can get breakfast at an extra cost, but this already includes all-you-can-eat options and lighter choices for the health-conscious.
Tips When Visiting the Botanic Gardens in Belfast
Now that you know all about the historic gardens, here are tips and tricks to make your trip even breezier:
| Choose your season based on the flora and fauna. Want to see vibrant roses? Visit in the summer. Fancy lovely cherry blossoms, daffodils, and tulips? Go in the spring. But if you’re all about the colourful leaves, take a stroll in the autumn. Plan your parking ahead of time. There’s free parking around the gardens on weekends, so why not make the most of that? Just remember that parking slots are limited. Wear your comfiest shoes. You’ll be doing lots of walking around the glasshouses, grassy lawns, and gravel paths—ensure your feet are well-prepared for the day! Enjoy the gardens as soon as they open. Besides having a peaceful time in the mornings, some gardens close after 3 pm. It’s best to check out all the facilities while you can! Check out the noticeboards at the gates beforehand so you’ll stay informed too. Get necessary permits for photoshoots. Planning to shoot wedding photos in the gardens? Cool! Just be sure to get a license from the council so everything’s in order. |