Description
Give your children a brilliant space to stretch their legs, hunt for magical creatures, and explore magnificent historic grounds in an exceptionally scenic lakeside setting. If you are exploring the best things to do with kids in County Westmeath, this sweeping 160-acre estate provides an exceptional outdoor playground and nature trail category for an active family day out. It features multi-level climbing frames, a dedicated zipline, magical woodland paths, and fascinating historic follies for a fantastic afternoon of family entertainment.
Securing your family's entry is direct, with general admission tickets readily available upon arrival at the visitor services centre. Standard ticket prices start from highly competitive day rates, with child entry priced from approximately £5.00 to £6.75 (€6.00 to €8.00) and adult tickets costing roughly £10.15 to £11.85 (€12.00 to €14.00). The expansive facility sits directly on the shores of Lough Ennell just outside Mullingar town, making it a reliable and stress-free option for a weekend trip.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that bridges physical exercise, safe outdoor exploration, and fascinating local legends, this country estate is an excellent option. It gives younger toddlers a gentle, magical space to spot tiny doors in the trees while providing older children with sprawling lawns and climbing challenges. It is an ideal option to let your youngsters get active, breathe fresh air, and build coordination skills through outdoor play.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- Sensory Play in the Forest: Young children love searching for tiny woodland homes, hidden steps, and interactive surprises along the dedicated forest trail.
- Interactive Exhibits of Heritage: The historic estate features giant architectural follies and historical walking routes that bring local legends to life.
- Educational Day Out: The grounds provide a great lesson in landscape history, showcasing centuries-old tree avenues and a Victorian walled garden.
- Active Outdoor Challenges: Four separate children's play areas, including specialized climbing frames and a zipline, keep kids active all afternoon.
What Makes Belvedere House Gardens & Park Unique?
- The Magical Fairy Garden: A beautifully designed interactive walk tucked away at the bottom of the walled garden. Children love spotting the miniature homes of sprites, elves, and pixies hidden in the glen.
- The Famous Jealous Wall: Ireland's largest and most spectacular Gothic ruin folly built in the 1760s. Kids love learning the dramatic history of the feuding brothers behind this massive mock-castle wall.
- The High-Energy Zipline: A thrilling, fast-paced aerial slide located in the main woodland play zone. Older kids love soaring through the trees while wearing comfortable, loose clothing and sturdy shoes.
- The Victorian Walled Garden: A stunning, beautifully kept 19th-century pleasure garden featuring a historic glasshouse. Families enjoy walking among rare and unusual plants while exploring the vibrant garden terraces.
- The Lakeshore Woodland Trail: A collection of peaceful walking pathways snaking right along the edge of Lough Ennell. Children enjoy watching the lakeside birds and playing hide-and-seek among the massive old trees.
Estate Walks, Ruins & Attractions
- The Children's Fairy Garden: The main woodland fantasy path built specifically for younger kids.
- The Magnificent Jealous Wall: The historic, towering Gothic ruin open to visitor exploration.
- The Main Woodland Playground: A large play area hosting swings, slides, and climbing towers.
- The Gothic Arch Folly: A castellated mock-entrance tower built as a landscape focal point around 1760.
- The Octagonal Gazebo: A lakeside viewing tower positioned beautifully on a raised terrace.
- The Historic House Exterior: A grand Palladian hunting lodge designed by architect Richard Cassells.
- The Lakeside Café: A cozy on-site eatery serving fresh food and treats to families.
23.10 miles
