0.7 miles
Loop
Easy
Botanic Gardens
This route explores an historic city park with many interesting features, buildings and botanical collections.
TRAIL INFORMATION
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.
TRAIL INFORMATION
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.
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest Palm House, Tropical Ravine, Rose Garden, Ulster Museum
- Facilities 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.
- Dog Policy All dogs to be kept on a lead
- Accessibility Information
Accessibility Grade: Grade 4 Terrain: Tarmac paths, some steps Toilet Facility: No Signage: No - Getting to the Start On street car parking around Botanic Avenue and Stranmillis area.
- Public Transport Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
- Level of Difficulty Easy TRAIL GRADE DISCLAIMER
The trail grades shown on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com are based on desk-based assessments of available trail information. The categories—Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Very Strenuous—follow the Sustainable Trails Development Guide grading system.
These grades are provided as a general guide to help users choose trails that may be suitable for them. They are not a substitute for official, on-site grading or safety information provided by the relevant land manager, which may differ from the information on these websites.
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including the risk of injury, death, property damage, and other hazards. By using information from OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of this information.
Conditions on trails can change, and the actual environment may differ from what is described online. Users should always exercise their own judgment, take appropriate precautions, and remain responsible for their own safety and conduct at all times.
All information provided on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com is intended as a guide only and should be used alongside your own experience, awareness, and careful decision-making.
Relatively flat or gently rolling trails with a mostly smooth surface. You might come across some obstacles like bridges, gates and steps.
Normal clothing and footwear can be worn.
