Top Things to do in Belfast City Region
Top Hotels in Belfast City Region
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What to do and see in Belfast City Region, Northern Ireland: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Belfast City Region, United Kingdom including Bangor Marina, Castle Park, Crawfordsburn Country Park, Dundrum Castle, Murlough National Nature Reserve, Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs, Tollymore Forest Park, Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Slieve Donard.
Restaurants in Belfast City Region
1. Bangor Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By TamaraW6
My friend and I stayed at the Marine Court Hotel for a week. From this convenient location, we were able to tour Bangor on foot, including the Marina. The Eisenhower Pier wraps its arm around the marina and, along with its interesting WWII history, boasts walking path along the wall with views out to the channel, inlaid mosaic art, and the iconic little red lighthouse at pier's end. I enjoyed a morning stroll along both sides of the marina, including little beach covered in smoothly rounded pebbles and seagrass and the path past Pickie Fun Park to the coastal walkway (which, unfortunately, I didn't have time to do). We watched a young rowing team practicing in the bay. The Red Berry coffee, snack and ice-cream shop is on the corner by the Marina with outdoor seating. We enjoyed the night lights and activity of the city streets at dusk and the fog rolling in or bright sunshine for breakfast. We weren't moored there, but we heard from locals the friendly hope that those who do will spend time in Bangor in addition to their other Northern Ireland activities. Close to train and bus routes to Belfast, coastal village routes and a main road into the Mourne Mountains.
2. Castle Park
3. Crawfordsburn Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
Reviewed By Y4712ZCnicholasd - Larne, United Kingdom
Lovely day trip to Crawfordsburn Forest Park and Helen's Bay on the North County Down Coast near Bangor. The latest Saturday excursion by me and my brothers during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions took us around muddy pathways, Autumnal leaf covered walkways and strolls along the sandy beaches on an unusual warm sunny day in November. We walked around the different terrains of the park for nearly two hours, exploring the whole of the park lands and also taking our time to admire the views from coastline looking towards the County Antrim coastal towns of Carrickfergus and Whitehead. Highly recommend people to visit the area with their families, friends and dogs and it is such an easy place to get to with great road links from Belfast and also a train station nearby on the Bangor - Belfast train line. I'll think i'll plan a summer visit next year.
4. Dundrum Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By jade191215
We were the only ones to visit the castle. It is incredible with a lovely view of Dundrum when you climb on top of it, and it is a 7 minute walk from the center of Dundrum.
5. Murlough National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By machinmad - Norwich, United Kingdom
From the car park we took the right hand boardwalk to the beach then followed the shoreline right round the peninsular and back inland to the road bridge. It was high tide and very wet, but was just manageable . The sea walk was spectacular, as the big waves crashed in. Seals basked on the opposite shore, oblivious to the sound of gunfire from the military firing range. A stunning 2hr circular walk despite the heavy rain on the way back!
6. Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 365 reviews
Reviewed By Destination84931
Arrived on a sunny Saturday, the view ofthe reservoir was absolutely amazing .Walk a mere three miles and up 270 steps to Ben crom dam.one wishes a drone would capture the true essence of the beauty of the scenery. Stop of on your way back for a cup of coffee in the victorian tea room.
7. Tollymore Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 763 reviews
Reviewed By dermotc502
Great place to visit loads of scenic walks the river walk is fantastic Toilets on site and a mobile eatery
8. Tollymore National Outdoor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is located on the northern edge of the Mourne Mountains on the fringe of Tollymore Forest Park. We provide a wide range of skills and leadership courses in outdoor adventure activities including rockclimbing, hillwalking, canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering and orienteering to groups and individuals. On site facilities include high and low ropes courses, indoor and outdoor climbing walls, canoe rolling pool, and a mountain bike skills course. The Centre also includes ensuite accommodation and a range of meeting and conference rooms.
Reviewed By TravelBuds1and2
we rented electric bikes and had an awesome adventure. We rode higher than we would have on regular bicycles and saw some amazing Irish scenery. Wonderful memories!
9. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By jonathanbU6118AH - Belfast, United Kingdom
Really lovely spot with lots to see, and contrary to a few other comments, we found the cafe to be excellent, staff were kind and courteous, found the food reasonably priced and tasty. Good way to spend a day out with the family
10. Slieve Donard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By 888Sausage
We stayed at the Slieve Donard on a spa-stay deal. Wow this is a classy hotel. We were upgraded to a sea view which is the advantage of visiting during November I guess, but there were plenty of people there, the hotel wasn’t empty. Set in lovely grounds beside the sea, this is a large hotel with multiple restaurants and bars. Breakfast was incredible - look out for the cream, honey and WHISKEY that you’re encouraged to have with your porridge - that really set me up for the day! It was impressive to read the booklets on the tables about where in Northern Ireland all the breakfast ingredients were sourced from, and read the interviews with the local business owners. In the evening we had cocktails in the Charlie Chaplin bar, lovely place and good cocktails, the staff even went off menu when my husband asked for a particular favourite cocktail of his. Hotel guests can use the pool and sauna/steam room/jacuzzi at any time. The second day we then went to the spa area for massages - would highly recommend this as this area also has its own sauna/steam room/jacuzzi on a different floor to the one for hotel guests. I visited on a Tuesday morning and had the place to myself. I could really relax here. All staff were so friendly. Do check out the museum room documenting the history of the hotel.
