CS Lewis Square
Description
Are you trying to discover the best things to do with kids in Belfast? CS Lewis Square is a spectacular public plaza and outdoor art trail activity category where families can wander through beautifully landscaped pathways, hunt for hidden fairy-tale creatures, and step straight into the magical world of Narnia. Dedicated to the famous Belfast-born author, this open-air community space brings classic literature to life for young explorers.
Prices start from £0.00 as accessing this vibrant outdoor square is completely free for everyone. Families can explore the trails, sit among the sculptures, and enjoy the public spaces without spending a single penny.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fresh-air exercise with literary magic, this wonderful urban art trail is an excellent option. It provides youngsters with an active, educational day out where they can follow in the footsteps of heroes, learn about local history, and spark their creative imaginations.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- Educational Day Out: Children can learn about the life of Belfast author C.S. Lewis, explore themes from legendary literature, and discover native urban wildlife along the surrounding greenways.
- Interactive Exhibits: The square functions as a living storybook trail where kids can use maps to track down seven distinct bronze character sculptures scattered across the site.
- Sensory Play Elements: Feeling the cold bronze of the massive lion sculpture, hearing the rustle of the trees along the Connswater Community Greenway, and running across the open paved plazas provides great sensory feedback.
Detailed Highlights
- Aslan the Lion Sculpture: A magnificent, towering bronze statue of the Great Lion that serves as the heart of the square. Children will love standing in his giant shadow, marveling at his detailed mane, and taking family photos beside him.
- The White Witch Statue: A chillingly detailed sculpture representing the famous Narnia villain. Kids can observe her stone-cold expression and learn about her role in the classic stories while exploring the paths.
- Mr. Tumnus the Faun: A charming life-sized statue of the beloved faun carrying his umbrella and packages. Youngsters will enjoy getting up close to examine his hooves and imagining they have just stepped through the wardrobe doors.
- The Wardrobe Sculpture: A bronze replica of the magical doorway that started all the adventures, complete with coats hanging inside. Children love peering into the open door to see if they can spot a path leading to a snowy forest.
- The Connswater Community Greenway Paths: The intersection of two major walking trails that pass directly through the public square. Families can extend their walk along the quiet riverside paths, spot local birds, and burn off extra energy.
Detailed Inventory & Beyond the Main Attraction
- Aslan Bronze Statue
- The White Witch Bronze Statue
- Mr. Tumnus Bronze Statue
- The Wardrobe Portal Sculpture
- Maugrim the Wolf Statue
- Mr. and Mrs. Beaver Sculpture
- The Stone Table Display Feature
- The Connswater Greenway Trail Intersection
Facilities
- Toilets & Changing: Public toilets and baby changing facilities are available next door inside the EastSide Visitor Centre during standard operating hours.
- Buggy Parking: There is no dedicated pram storage zone, but the entire square features wide, smooth, flat paving that is perfect for pushchairs and strollers.
- Food Options: The adjacent visitor centre cafe serves a lovely selection of hot drinks, light snacks, and kid-friendly treats.
What to see
What Visitors Love
- The wide, open spaces allow young children to run around safely away from busy traffic roads.
- The statues are exceptionally well-made and spark wonderful storytelling conversations with older kids.
- Being completely free makes it a fantastic, budget-friendly stop during a family trip to East Belfast.
- The proximity to the visitor centre cafe makes it easy to grab a coffee while the kids explore the statues.
What Visitors Don't Like
- A standard loop of the square is quite short, meaning you will need to pair it with a longer walk along the greenway to make it a half-day trip.
- There is no traditional playground equipment like swings or slides within the immediate plaza area.
Pro-Tips
- Visit at Dusk: The square features beautiful integrated lighting that illuminates the statues as daylight fades, creating an extra magical atmosphere for the kids.
- Grab a Trail Map: Pop into the visitor centre before you start to see if they have any active trail leaflets or event sheets to make the sculpture hunt an official game.
- Dress for the Weather: Because the attraction is entirely outdoors with limited sheltered spaces, bringing umbrellas and waterproof coats is essential on rainy days.
Price
Price: Free
Birthday Parties
Offer Birthday Parties: No
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the entire year.
Address: Visitor Centre, 402 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1HH, United Kingdom
Post Code: BT4 1HH
Council: Belfast City Council
County: County Antrim
- By Car: Located in East Belfast just off the Newtownards Road (A20), roughly 10 minutes from Belfast city centre.
- By Bus / Glider: Take the G1 Glider service directly to the Connswater stop, which sits immediately adjacent to the public square.
- Parking: Free on-site parking spaces are available at the EastSide Visitor Centre car park, with additional local street parking nearby.
Rating breakdown
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