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Country Parks & Nature Reserves in Belfast

Belfast has some proper hills and water to walk beside without going far. Lagan Valley Regional Park is free and close in, with towpath walks along the river and a heritage cottage and old lighter barge to poke around if the volunteers have opened up. Out at Carnmoney Hill in Newtownabbey, also free, there is a choice of an easy loop or a steep climb, plus an orienteering course if your kids fancy a challenge. For something further out, Oxford Island Nature Reserve is a longer trip out to Craigavon, with woodland trails, bird hides and wildlife ponds along Lough Neagh, and a Discovery Centre for when little legs need a rest. If you want free and easy, Lagan Valley or Carnmoney Hill will do it, both with toilets and parking sorted. Carnmoney suits older children who fancy a proper climb, while the towpath at Lagan Valley is gentler going for toddlers and buggies. Oxford Island is the one to save for a day trip, with a restaurant on site so you are not stuck for lunch after all that bird spotting.

✓ 3 places✦ 2 free to visit