Botanic Gardens of Belfast Walk
This route explores an historic city park with many interesting features, buildings and botanical collections.
A
Belfast walk
posted on 30/01/23 by Walk NI. Last update : 09/02/23
Description
Start : Junction Stranmillis Road and B23 at the Botanic Gardens main entrance.
(S/E) 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 (A) 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 (South). 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.
(1) Beyond the rose garden, go right (North-East) 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.
(2) 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. (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 21 m - Stranmillis Road
- 1 : km 0.5 - alt. 17 m - The Rose Garden
- 2 : km 1.02 - alt. 17 m - Palm House
- S/E : km 1.23 - alt. 21 m - Stranmillis Road
Useful Information
Start : Junction Stranmillis Road and B23 at the Botanic Gardens entrance.
This is a circular walk that can be started from any of seven entrances to Botanic Gardens.
Parking : On street car parking around Botanic Avenue and Stranmillis area.
Terrain : Tarmac paths and some steps
Public Transport : Translink
Facilities : Public toilets in the park, refreshments available locally.
Dog Policy : All dogs to be kept on a lead
Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
(A) Lord Kelvin : William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin was a British mathematician, mathematical physicist and engineer born in Belfast. Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow for 53 years, he did important work in the mathematical analysis of electricity and formulation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and did much to unify the emerging discipline of physics in its contemporary form. He received the Royal Society's Copley Medal in 1883, was its president 1890–1895, and in 1892 was the first British scientist to be elevated to the House of Lords.
Belfast Botanic Gardens : Botanic Gardens was established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society, in response to public interest in horticulture and botany.
Originally known as the Belfast Botanic Garden, the site contained exotic tree species and impressive plant collections from the southern hemisphere, many of which can still be seen in the park.
Today, the park is popular with residents, students and visitors and is an important venue for concerts, festivals and other events. It is home to the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine.
Source and more information about Belfast Botanic Gardens here.
