Botanic Gardens
This route explores an historic city park with many interesting features, buildings and botanical collections.
County Antrim
Distance 0.7 miles
OS Map 15
Terrain Tarmac paths, some steps
Nearest Town University area, Belfast
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J336727
Route Type Parkland & Grassland, Urban
This is a circular walk that can be started from any of seven entrances to Botanic Gardens. This description begins at the main entrance at the Stranmillis Road.
Once inside the main gates of the park you will see the statue of Lord Kelvin (1) in front of you. Follow the path to the right; this leads past the front of the Ulster Museum and to the entrance of the Tropical Ravine. From the ravine take the tarmac path to the right. Continue past an entrance gate to your right and straight ahead to the herbaceous borders.
The path goes along the top border and then doubles back on itself along the lower border. Follow this until you reach a low wall and set of steps on your right that leads through the stone pergolas in the centre of the rose garden.
Beyond the rose garden, go right on the tarmac path and then take the narrow path on your left which leads on to the main path round the park. Turn right and follow this path past the bowling green and two further entrances on your right.
Pass the rockery and then the main lawn on your left, until you reach a three-way junction. From here you can see the Palm House. Pause to enjoy the splendour of the Palm House, both inside and out.
To complete the walk, continue along the path, which leads past the oak and conifer collections, back to the entrance at Stranmillis Road.
Palm House, Tropical Ravine, Rose Garden, Ulster Museum
On street car parking around Botanic Avenue and Stranmillis area.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
All dogs to be kept on a lead
Public toilets in the park, refreshments available locally. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Café (wheelchair accessible) – 10am – 5 pm Tues – Sun, closed Mondays – Disabled toilets.
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Botanic Gardens