CATEGORY · A HUDDLEPIN LIST
Parks & nature in Belfast
Country parks, woods, lakes and trails for burning off energy.
12 places 8 free to visit
FreeBallyholme Beach
Bangor
A long sandy beach with a play area alongside it, plus dog walking room and free entry.
Accessible toiletBlue badge parkingDog friendlyOutdoor play+2 more
Cairn Wood
Newtownards
Three woodland walks through mixed forest, with unsurfaced tracks that get steep in places.
Dog friendlyFree parkingPicnic area
FreeCarnmoney Hill Local Nature Reserve
Newtownabbey
Free trails up a proper hill, from an easy loop to a steep climb, plus an orienteering course to try.
Accessible toiletFree parkingToilets
FreeClements Wood, Larne
Larne
A free woodland walk through hazel copses, marshland and grassland, with spring flowers to spot and no entry charge.
Outdoor playParking
FreeGlasswater Wood
Downpatrick
Broadleaved woodland trails for a free wander, though it's closed until winter 2026.
Outdoor playParking
FreeGlen Park
Newtownabbey · ages 3-12
A free, open-all-hours park with a small play area and a walk through to Threemile Water park.
Outdoor play
FreeIsland Hill
Newtownards
A free circular walk out to Rough Island across a causeway that only appears at low tide, with views over Strangford Lough.
Accessible toiletBlue badge parkingParkingPicnic area+2 more
Lagan Valley LeisurePlex
Lisburn
Water flumes, a wave-style pool feel and go kart obstacle courses under one roof, with parties from soft play to swimming.
Birthday partiesCaféFree parkingParty rooms
FreeLagan Valley Regional Park
Belfast
Free towpath walks along the Lagan, with a heritage cottage and an old lighter barge to poke around if the volunteers have opened up.
Booking requiredParkingToilets
from £6.50Moira Lakes Paddle Sports & Event Centre
Lisburn · ages 6+
Cold water swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, laser tag, archery and climbing, all on one lake site outside Lisburn.
CaféGroup bookingsOutdoor playToilets
Oxford Island Nature Reserve
Craigavon
Woodland trails, bird hides and wildlife ponds along Lough Neagh, with a Discovery Centre to poke around when little legs need a rest.
Restaurant
FreeThrone Wood
Newtownabbey
Free woodland walk with ponds to peer into and, if you're lucky at dusk, seven kinds of bat overhead.
Baby changeOutdoor playToilets
Good to know: parks & nature in Belfast
Are any of them free?
Yes, Ballyholme Beach, Carnmoney Hill Local Nature Reserve, Clements Wood, Larne, Glasswater Wood and 4 more are free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £6.50 at Moira Lakes Paddle Sports & Event Centre. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find parks & nature in Bangor, Newtownards, Newtownabbey, Larne, Downpatrick and 3 more. Every place we list is in or around Belfast, and each listing has the full address and directions.
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