Name: Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House
Rating: 5.0

Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House

College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1LP, Northern Ireland

1-90 Years

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Description

The Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House is a historic public park offering beautiful gardens, iconic glasshouses, and family-friendly attractions. Established in 1828, it has been enjoyed as a public space since 1895 and remains one of Belfast’s most popular green spaces. It is a perfect destination for relaxation, sightseeing, and cultural experiences.

Visitors can explore the famous Palm House, the restored Tropical Ravine, rose gardens, herbaceous borders, and rare historic trees. Activities include walking through scenic grounds, visiting the children’s playground, enjoying the bowling green, and attending events such as concerts, recitals, and opera performances. The gardens also feature interactive exhibits, accessible sensory facilities, and a café for refreshments.

There is no charge for entry, making it a completely free attraction for visitors.

The experience offers a wonderful blend of nature, history, and recreation in the heart of Belfast. With its stunning plant collections and elegant Victorian architecture, it appeals to all ages. It is a great place to unwind, explore, and enjoy a memorable day outdoors.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Palm House History: Designed by Charles Lanyon, the Palm House is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear cast iron glasshouse. Its construction was initiated by the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society in the 1830s. The two wings were completed in 1840, and were built by Richard Turner of Dublin, who later built the Great Palm House at Kew Gardens. The cool wing houses all year round displays of colour and scent using plants such as geranium, fuchsia, begonia and built displays. Construction of the Palm House began in 1839, and the Tropical Ravine, or Fernery, completed in 1889, is a fine example of horticultural Victoriana.
Tropical Ravine: The Tropical Ravine has had a £3.8m transformation and the listed building which dates back to 1887 has been restored with many of its original Victorian features reinstated and preserved. Split over two levels with an open reception area on the ground floor, the building has been modernised to make it more energy efficient with new triple-glazed windows installed to retain heat and create the right environment for the tropical plants it is home to. Visitors will now be able to learn about the conservation work and plant collection thanks to new interactive and digital exhibits. Accessibility has also been improved with the introduction of sensory facilities for sight and hearing-impaired visitors.
Other Features: In addtion to the Palm House and Tropical Ravine, there is a children's playground, beautiful walks around the grounds and a bowling green. Botanic Gardens is often used for events, such as band recitals, concerts and opera performances.