Outdoor things to do in Belfast: 5 places to get some fresh air

Belfast has a green space for every kind of traveller. Here are our five favourite places to get outdoors without leaving the city, from the easiest stroll to a proper hike.

5. Lagan Meadows and Belvoir Park

This walk is one of my favourite things in Belfast. It’s one of those places you’d never go unless someone told you it exists: a path along the river, with the Lagan on one side and meadows on the other. The icing on the cake is Belvoir Park at the end, a stretch of pure forest in the middle of the city. Well, not exactly the centre, but it’s worth the walk.

We put it fifth because the route takes you further and further from the centre and is better done by bike: it’s long and linear. But at the start (and end) you’ll find your reward: Cutters Wharf, a pub with a terrace on the riverbank and a very relaxed atmosphere. The pint after the walk will taste like heaven.

Best: more a forest than a park. Worst: the location. It isn’t designed for tourists, but sometimes that’s the charm.

4. Ormeau Park

Much smaller than the previous one, but just as leafy, and much closer to the centre. This one is great with children. And if the rain catches you, no problem: you’re next to Ormeau Road, full of cafés, pubs and restaurants to shelter in with a cup of tea.

If you’re just passing through you can cross it in 15 to 20 minutes; if you leave the main path it really feels like the countryside. If you don’t want to give it a whole morning, this is your best option.

Best: the location. Worst: it isn’t as vast as the other green spaces.

3. Botanic Gardens

One of the best-known outdoor spots in Belfast, where everyone gathers as soon as the sun comes out, but that’s not why it’s third. When the weather in Belfast turns bad, it turns bad, so going outdoors is a challenge, and the Botanic Gardens have glasshouses full of species where you can stay warm all year round. A delight.

Right next door is the university area, starting with Queen’s University, with plenty of good-value places to eat and stay. Our favourite is the Belfast Empire, an old church turned concert hall and pub. Next to the Empire there’s a train stop that takes you to the centre in two minutes. A little shortcut.

Best: a bunker against the rain, with impressive flora in the glasshouses. Worst: it can feel a bit small, but if you’re in the south of the city it’s well worth it.

2. Cave Hill

By far the best-known hill in Belfast. With its caves, where you’ll take an Instagram photo only beaten by the one at the summit, it’s a way of hiking without leaving the city.

The usual route is to go up to Belfast Castle by taxi or bus (plenty of lines from the centre, and taxis are surprisingly cheap), spend five minutes at the castle, take the path on the left and head for the top. If you look at Cave Hill from the centre you’ll see it has the shape of a face: that’s what inspired Jonathan Swift for the giant in Gulliver’s Travels.

Best: the caves and the summit. Worst: the influencers taking photos. Joking, but the top can get busy.

1. Divis and Black Mountain

My favourite walk, because there’s only one highest point in Belfast. With the best views of the city, this one earns the name hike. You cross West Belfast, famous for its murals, reach the foot of the hill, and from there, get ready to walk.

Go in the morning, especially in winter, because you’ll probably linger longer than planned. The views are stunning and the hill itself, called Black Mountain for its limestone and basalt, makes this a walk worth doing. To get to the base you can walk, take a bus or a taxi, all at reasonable prices.

Best: the views and the place itself. Worst: the location. But hey, a mountain next to the city.

In short, Belfast has a green space for every traveller; you’ll have to decide which one suits you. And to answer the most common question: yes, bring an umbrella.