These 9 amazing weekend getaways in Belfast saved our sanity!
I used to believe that one day of ‘me time’ was enough for me to bounce back from my 9-to-5 grind. But when I got married, had kids, and kept my writing career, I figured one day of rest just can’t make me properly recover from burnout.
This is why my friends urged me to take weekend trips more often. That way, I won’t get too anxious about short walks becoming full-on hikes, spa days morphing into rooftop bar sessions, or quick stops turning into an all-out cafe crawl.
And to ensure I take an actual, well-deserved break, my friends would tag along when I’m free. Here are our favourite weekend getaways in Belfast that busy people must try at least once!
1. Cave Hill Country Park
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Website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Things-to-Do/Parks-and-Open-Spaces/A-Z-Parks/Cave-Hill-Country-Park
Address: Antrim Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9077 6925
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Free entry
If you want to see the entire cityscape for your upcoming Belfast weekend getaway, we recommend going to Cave Hill Country Park! This is a wonderful opportunity to escape the workday chaos and enjoy a countryside experience.
You can also get active and try various routes, no matter how fit you are. This goes from short, picturesque walks to longer, more challenging hikes. The highlights are the Napoleon’s Nose cliff and the Belfast Castle grounds for the scenery.
And if you love spotting wildlife, we say keep an eye out for kestrels (a species of falcon), sparrowhawks (small birds of prey), and seasonal wildflowers too—very ideal for backdrops, we say.
| Pro tips: We recommend wearing your best shoes to Cave Hill Country Park. That means comfy, sturdy, and stylish! The trails can get pretty rocky and uneven—with a side of muddy after rain—so we feel it’s best to be prepared. Also, it’s handy to bring a really good camera or binoculars. This would let you zoom in to see sweeping city views and landmarks around easily. |
2. Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum
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Website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Things-to-Do/Parks-and-Open-Spaces/A-Z-Parks/Botanic-Gardens
Address: College Park Ave, Botanic Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 4762
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
Want to touch some grass this weekend? The Botanic Gardens can offer you a serene blend of nature, history, and culture all at once—and you don’t even have to leave central Belfast!
Occasionally, there are garden fairs, cultural festivals, and outdoor performances to look forward to. Not to mention, Queen’s University adds a grand architectural touch to the vibe.
And when it rains, you can always find shelter at the Ulster Museum. You can bask in all things art, history, and natural science. Plus, you can see everything from dinosaur skeletons to the Armada room and Irish art.
| Handy hacks: It’s best to visit the Botanic Gardens mid-morning (especially on weekends)! This way, you can bask in its quieter hours with fewer crowds. And why not try a new hobby? You could have a picnic, read a mystery book, write in a journal, people-watch, or just chill out. |
3. Cathedral Quarter
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Website: https://visitbelfast.com/cathedral-quarter/
Address: Cathedral Quarter (BID), Cotton Court, 30-42 Waring Street
Contact Details: +44 28 9032 8332, [email protected]
Fees:
- Adults – £5 (self-guided tour), £8 (guided tour or audio-guided tour – every visitor would get a complementary colour guide book)
- Children – Free (up to 16 years old)
- Concession – students attending local colleges go free
- Group Admission – on request
Would you love a Belfast weekend trip full of art and food? The Cathedral Quarter is a colourful hub filled with art spaces and music venues for you and your fun crew.
The area is easy to explore without needing to commute.
There are seasonal festivals to look forward to, such as Belfast International Arts Festival, Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, and so on.
Apart from the vibrant murals and creative installations, we love that there are many dining spots and coffee spots around. If you stay long enough to see the sunset, you’ll also find cocktail bars and live music pubs to make nightlife exciting.
| Friendly advice: It’s smart to book your boutique hotel near the Cathedral Quarter weeks (or months) in advance. The area’s smaller, trendier accommodations fill up so quickly on weekends. This also goes the same for dinner reservations! We say bring a light rain jacket and umbrella too! You’ll likely walk between venues and murals now and then, so just be ready for any weather changes. |
4. Belfast Lough
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Address: Belfast Lough Nature Reserve, Harbour Estate
Contact Details: 02891 479009, [email protected]
Craving water adventures this Saturday? You can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing at Belfast Lough! It’s all super accessible from the city harbour and nearby marinas, so you don’t need to drive too far from Belfast.
It’s best to paddle during sunrise or sunset to truly enjoy the views. You’ll capture stunning light over the water, which photographs well. And if you want to stay dry, you can always walk or bike along the coastal cycle path—great for your health too!
Moreover, you’ll spot adorable wildlife, such as seals and seabirds. If you’re lucky, you might see porpoises (small-toothed whales) too!
| Smart move: We recommend wearing quick-dry clothing to Belfast Lough. Even seasoned kayakers and paddleboarders get splashed a lot, so we say don’t let soggy clothes ruin your experience. Need a chill activity after being in the water? We encourage adding a coastal town visit to your itinerary! Besides several cafes and shops, we think history buffs would love the Carrickfergus Castle! |
5. Ormeau Park
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Website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/things-to-do/parks-and-open-spaces/a-z-parks/ormeau-park
Address: Ormeau Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9032 0202, 028 9049 1813, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Should you only need a quick weekend escape in Belfast, Ormeau Park offers a city oasis only a short stroll from the centre. Throughout the year, the rose gardens bloom, adding a few bursts of colour around the area.
It’s a destination perfect for families given its mature trees, walking paths, and playgrounds.
The sports amenities are worth checking out too! There are bowling greens, football pitches, and tennis courts—no more excuses, just play.
And when you get hungry, nearby establishments like the General Merchants cafe or Bread & Banjo Bakery are right around the corner.
| For the sporty peeps: We suggest packing your own ball or Frisbee to Ormeau Park, in case other sports facilities are occupied. There are other areas in the park for casual games too! |
6. Belfast Castle
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Website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastcastle
Address: Antrim Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9077 6925, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
Want to feel like royalty? Belfast Castle offers 19th-century historic elegance with its Scottish Baronial-style castle. The way we see it, you’ll love the Victorian architecture—lots of period detailing, carved stonework, and grand turrets!
It’s filled with themed areas (like the Cat Garden with decorative cat statues), as well as fountains and floral displays worth the visit. Patrons also come here to experience the lavish afternoon tea with the local bakes combined with the beautiful views.
| Cool idea: Did you know that at Belfast Castle, there’s an adorable local legend that says good fortune will come to those who spot the cats here? We suggest playing ‘I Spot’ with the kids for this! Check the walls, ledges, and flowerbeds! |
7. The Merchant Hotel
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Website: https://www.themerchanthotel.com/spa
Address: 16 Skipper St
Contact Details: +44 28 9026 2712, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Thursday – 9:30 AM to 8 PM
Fees:
- Deluxe HydraFacial (45 minutes) – £130
- Platinum HydraFacial (60 minutes) – £155
Are we talking VIP self-care treatment for the weekend? The Merchant Hotel provides an opportunity for vacationers to have a lavish spa day within its elegant interiors.
We like the full-service treatments, such as hot stone massages, facials, body wraps, and aromatherapy sessions. But don’t forget the thermal area too—this includes the sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool.
| VIP recommendation: Ensure you get the best experience at The Merchant Hotel by upgrading to a package! If you have the means, your spa day can be combined with a champagne afternoon tea or dinner at The Great Room for the best rest weekend ever. |
8. Black Mountain and Divis Ridge Walk
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/divis-and-the-black-mountain
Address: Divis Rd, Hannahstown
Fees:
- Free entry
In need of a remote solo weekend trip in Belfast? The Black Mountain and Divis Ridge Walk is perfect for introverts with its countryside vibe. This is true, though they’re only minutes from the city.
No matter how fit you are, a walk or hike would lead you to see pretty 360-degree sights, the Mourne Mountains, and even Scotland (when it’s not foggy).
Of course, don’t be surprised to see skylarks (small, brown, streaky birds), Irish hares, and seasonal wildflowers here too.
| Must-know move: There might be no cafes on the Black Mountain and Divis Ridge Walk, so we encourage packing a bunch of snacks and water! Though for easy reference, the nearest food spot is at the visitor car park. |
9. St. George’s Market Weekend
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Website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stgeorgesmarket
Address: 12 East Bridge St
Contact Details: +44 28 9043 5704, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Friday – 8 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM
Why not end your weekend getaway in Belfast with a bit of shopping (or window shopping) at St. George’s Market?
If you’re all about having a festival-like vibe surrounded by many stalls, you’re in for a treat. This is also one of the city’s oldest attractions since the 1890s, so we imagine many would adore its historic charm.
There are a bunch of foods to explore here, such as fresh fruits and veggies, meat, artisanal breads, cheeses, and street food from around the world. As for souvenirs, we believe you’ll fill your tote bag with numerous unique trinkets and cute home decor.
| For the shopaholics: It’s best to arrive early, like around 9 to 10 am, at St. George’s Market to beat the crowds! This is so you’ll get first dibs at fresh produce and baked goods. Take cash with you too! While most stalls accept cards, other vendors might prefer or do faster transactions with bills and coins. |