How Botanical Gardens in Belfast Became My ‘Leaf’ Me Alone Zone
As a bookworm all her life (seriously, I probably owe some overdue fines somewhere), nothing’s more magical than being in a lush garden with colourful flowers and beautiful butterflies. For me, it’s like stepping into the pages of my favourite literary works!
When I was 7, I even dressed up in a yellow princess ball gown for a garden trip. I’d twirl around, sing fairytale songs, and take way too many photos with my parents! Basically, I thought of myself as the ‘Belle’ of the garden.
And even now, I still regularly read at my all-time favourite spot—the Botanical Gardens in Belfast! I even put together a handy travel guide from my latest visit, so check it out and see why I think it’s pure paradise.
What is the Botanical Gardens in Belfast known for?
The Botanical Gardens in Belfast is known for its great collection of exotic and vibrant plants, the iconic Palm House, adorable wildlife, and serene green spaces everywhere.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Botanical Gardens in Belfast depends on your preferences. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to visit in the morning when it’s not yet too hot. However, some flower beds may look (and even smell) better in the evening.
Things to Know
Entry Fees: Entering the Botanical Gardens in Belfast is free!
Operating Hours: The gardens are open daily, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. However, closing times may change as daylight lengthens or shortens. It’s good to contact the staff or check online updates beforehand.
Parking: While it doesn’t have designated parking, you may still opt for street parking options. This includes several roads near Queens University, including Stranmillis Embankment, Colenso Parade, Stranmillis Gardens, and Botanic Court.
Washroom: The male and female toilet facilities are in the public toilet block, east of the Botanical Gardens. The parent and baby changing facilities are also located within the toilet with adaptations on floor 1 inside the Tropical Ravine.
Dogs: Good news for dog owners: your pups are allowed in the gardens—as long as they’re kept on a leash. This is actually a popular spot for dog walkers, so you’ll often see furry friends running around here.
How to Get Around
Trains: The closest station to the Botanical Gardens is Botanic Station. Trains from various parts of Northern Ireland, including the main line from Dublin, stop here. Moreover, the gardens are only a short walk from the station.
Buses: The Translink Metro service operates several routes within Belfast that stop near the Botanic Gardens. The Metro services that will get you there are routes 8a, 8b, and 8c. This goes from Belfast city centre to Malone Road, passing the Gardens.
Taxis: As the most convenient transportation for many, taxis are available throughout the city so you can get to the gardens without hassle.
Car: Driving here seems like a breeze too, since the Botanic Gardens are well-signposted in the city! Do note that the gardens’ postcode for satellite navigation is BT9 5AB.
Bike: Want to burn some calories? Take advantage of Belfast’s public bike-share scheme called Belfast Bikes! There’s also a docking station near the entrance to the Botanic Gardens on Stranmillis Road.
On Foot: If you want to complete your 5k or 10k steps for the day, the Botanical Gardens is close to Queen’s University and is about a 20-minute walk from the city centre. For me, it’s a pleasant walk through some of Belfast’s historic and cultural areas!
What to Do in the Botanical Gardens in Belfast
Explore the Palm House
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Address: 3 College Gardens
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 4762
If you have a green thumb, The Palm House can be your sweet haven at the Botanical Gardens in Belfast! I also think the overall atmosphere can make you step back in time with its classic Victorian design and curved glass panels.
This glasshouse offers a lovely display of flowers, cacti, and other interesting flowers. On top of that, there’s a decent selection of small sculptures that I think complement the plants and scenery very well.
We reckon 20 minutes is enough to explore this glasshouse. Still, I can see some guests staying for an hour to take photos and marvel at this vibrant hotspot.
Visit the Tropical Ravine House
– Media credit: viewsfromthetrail
Website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tropicalravine
Address: 11 Colenso Parade
Contact Details: 07775 031345, [email protected]
Want to step into a mini rainforest? The Tropical Ravine House is another summery plant house in the gardens I feel is worth visiting.
Some plants here, like the cycads, are over 200 years old and endangered in their native habitat! Also, I’m in awe that the banana stumpery has been there since the early 1900s—this was used to feed Musgrave Hospital patients during World War 1!
It’s also cool for me that the building has been modernised to make it more energy-efficient. It has new triple-glazed windows installed to keep the heat and create an ideal setting for tropical plants. Quite interesting for history and planet buffs, I say.
Relax with a Picnic
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What could be a better setting for a fun picnic in Belfast than a lively botanical garden? I recommend bringing a small basket of your favourite snacks, as well as a picnic blanket large enough to fit you and your crew.
But if you don’t feel like eating, you may bring your favourite books, listen to music, or just chill facing the gorgeous scenery. When you get hungry, I find it handy that there’s a restaurant and a cafe near the Ulster Museum as well.
Pop into the Ulster Museum
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Website: https://www.ulstermuseum.org/
Contact Details: +44 28 9044 0000, [email protected]
The Ulster Museum is a classical Renaissance-themed venue within the Botanical Gardens that displays Irish art, natural history, and industry.
We love that you can explore a different exhibit with every visit. For example, there’s an annual display for popular artists to present their works, as well as discovery centres for art, history, nature, and more.
Just note that the museum is closed on Mondays, except for bank holidays. It’s also free to enter, but donations are appreciated.
Where to Eat around the Botanical Gardens in Belfast
Orto
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Website: https://www.ortopizza.com/
Address: 11a Stranmillis Rd
Pricing: $$
Orto is an all-day Pizzabar concept with its popular wood-fired pizza ovens. Here, you can get pizza and focaccia (flat-leavened, oven-baked Italian bread) at any time, as well as its speciality coffee and tea.
Our top picks are the pepperoni pizza with mozzarella and honey and the chargrilled chicken pizza with blue cheese. Dessert-wise, I like the chocolate brownie sundae, but I appreciate the vegan, gluten-free warm chocolate brownie ice cream too!
Just remember that this restaurant doesn’t take bookings, so it’s wise to arrive earlier or right on time. This way, you’re likely to secure enough seats for everyone.
Molly’s Yard
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Website: http://www.mollysyard.co.uk/
Address: 1 College Green Mews, Botanic Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9032 2600, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Molly’s Yard is a small dining spot in a converted Victorian stables, serving modern Irish cuisine. I like that it’s also got covered outdoor seating and sanitising stations to keep the diners comfortable.
For the mains, I suggest getting your hands on the pan chicken supreme or the signature whiskey burger! To sweeten the deal, I say go for the classic apple and pear crumble ice cream afterwards—this can be vegan upon request too!
Maggie Mays
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Website: http://maggiemaysbelfast.com/
Address: 2 Malone Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9066 8515, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Heading out for a coffee break? Maggie Mays is a chill, family-run cafe near the Belfast Botanical Gardens. It offers traditional British and international fare, so I bet there’s something for everyone.
If you’re a traveller who wants to embrace the local culture, I say try the Irish Breakfast first! It’s got eggs, bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, and more for a hearty treat. But for burger lovers, the Classic Mags Burger is a crowd-favourite too!
And don’t forget about the homemade desserts, like the sticky toffee pudding or banoffee pie. For me, both of them go well with the iced latte or breakfast tea.
Where to Shop around the Botanical Gardens in Belfast
SPAR Botanic
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Website: https://www.spar-ni.co.uk/store-locator-ni/hen75738-spar-botanic
Address: 4 Botanic Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9032 9162, 028 9033 7888, 028 9034 2733, [email protected]
In case you forgot to bring something to your garden picnic, SPAR Botanic is the go-to convenience store for you! This is open 24/7, so I believe this spot is quite handy if ever you’re in a pickle.
It mainly sells groceries, ready-to-eat meals, and own-label products. It has beer and wine too, though these may not be allowed in the park.
And if you’re stopping by on the way home or to your hotel, I suggest stocking up on beauty products or bath essentials too—it’s got plenty!
Cotswold Outdoor
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Website: https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/stores/belfast-city.html
Address: Unit 2, 7-11 Castle Ln
Contact Details: +44 28 9024 8607
Whether you’re camping or picnicking in Belfast, Cotswold Outdoor is a handy shop to ensure you’re well-equipped and good to go.
It provides outdoor clothing, boots, camping tools, and accessories from over 250 brands! On top of that, I appreciate that shoppers can find bargains here now and then—just keep on the lookout in the shop for promos!
Carrolls Irish Gifts
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Website: http://www.carrollsirishgifts.com/
Address: 51-53 Donegall Pl
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 3350, +353 29 62556
First time in Belfast or the UK? Carrolls Irish Gifts is a cosy Irish store that sells locally made clothing and jewellery, as well as other items for gifts and souvenirs!
Should you enjoy collecting lucky pennies, I bet you’ll appreciate that there’s a penny press machine inside! How it works is that you insert a regular penny and the machine flattens it while stamping a design or image as a unique souvenir—fun, right?
Cancer Research UK
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Website: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/find-a-shop/belfast-botanic-ave
Address: 94A Botanic Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9032 4137, [email protected]
Feeling charitable today? Cancer Research UK is a thrift store that offers donated secondhand items, such as books, clothing, shoes, and household goods to charity.
There are also plenty of unique pieces here, which makes me feel this is great for casual retail therapy or if you’re shopping early for holiday presents (and for a good cause too!).
Where to Stay near the Botanical Gardens in Belfast
Number 11 by the Warren Collection
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Website: https://warrencollection.com/
Address: 11 Malone Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9099 5121, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Number 11 by the Warren Collection is a 3-star haven only a 7-minute stroll from the Botanical Gardens in Belfast. It’s 4 minutes on foot from the Ulster Museum and a mile from the Grand Opera House, so I feel your fun day never stops!
I’m also in awe that it’s set in a Victorian townhouse, making it charming and unique for old souls. But even if the rooms are simple, the hotel still offers flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi, as well as en suite bathrooms and tea and coffeemakers.
And like the old times, I like the communal lounge where you can dine and pretend you’re in a Victorian-era book or film.
Holiday Inn Express
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Website: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/gb/en/belfast/bfsex/hoteldetail
Address: 106 University St
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 1909, 1800 1110 2295, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Holiday Inn Express is a 3-star hub that I reckon is handy for commuters—it’s only a 4-minute walk from Belfast Central railway station! Plus, it’s about 8 kilometres from the George Best Belfast City Airport and 9.7 kilometres from Belfast Castle.
Its vibrant rooms offer desks, free internet, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemaking facilities. I also recommend asking the staff if they can find you a room with a sofa bed for extra comfort—not every unit might have one.
There’s free breakfast here as well! Although, I like that there are other dining options too, like its on-site restaurant and bar.
The Gregory Belfast
– Media credit: warrencollectionhotels
Website: http://www.warrencollection.com/
Address: 32 Eglantine Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9099 5121, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
The Gregory Belfast is a 4-star family-run guesthouse I think is made for shoppers, as it’s only 2 blocks away from the fancy Lisburn shopping district! It’s conveniently a 10-minute walk from Belfast’s Botanical Gardens too.
The sophisticated rooms showcase en suite bathrooms, along with other necessities. But for me, it’s good to ask or check which rooms you’re getting, since only some have sitting areas.
Tips When Visiting the Botanical Gardens in Belfast
Now that you’re in the know about the Botanical Gardens in Belfast, check out these nifty tricks to make your flowery trip your best one yet:
| Plan for any weather. The weather in Belfast can be unpredictable, so I believe it’s great to be prepared by bringing a jacket or umbrella with you. Wear your comfiest shoes. Even if you’re planning for a chill day at the gardens, having long strolls seems inevitable around here. So, don your comfiest shoes and let your feet thank you later! Bring your favourite (or a new) book. For me, the calming nature is among the best places to bury your face in a new book! Why not try a new genre, like mystery, romance, or self-help for a change? Bring your own water. There are no water fountains in the gardens, so it’s wise to bring your own water. Stay hydrated, especially during sunny days! |