Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes

About

Our unique estate has over 5,000 trees with ponds, pathways and bridges nestled in 18 acres of beautiful undulating surroundings just 25mins from Belfast, near Ballynahinch in County Down. We offer mini adventures for families, individuals, couples and groups seeking something different.

Alpaca Trekking Near the Mourne Mountains - A unique experience for friends, family or solo adventurers. Walk with a gentle alpaca around a stunning 1.4km stoned pathway that meanders through farmland, woodland and wetlands, over bridges and undulating picturesque terrain.

At the end of your guided alpaca trekking experience, you get to stop at a coffee trailer located on a small island in one of our ponds to enjoy a proper tea or coffee and of course a delicious bake or two!

Your mini adventure starts when you arrive at our beautiful planted car park, with toilet facilities, including facilities for reduced mobility users and baby changing. You will be met on arrival by one of our friendly guides who will then introduce you to your alpaca. Your guide will take the group along our unique trail. This will take approx. 30 - 40mins. Near the end of the trail your guide will then tie up the alpacas before taking you out on the island with the coffee trailer and picnic tables, where you can purchase refreshments and snacks. You will then be free to wonder around the rest of the walk or just stay with the alpacas.

Luxury picnic hampers can be pre-purchased for the lunchtime slots and taken to any of our many picnic tables or benches along the walk. Each slot is strictly 1hr 30mins in length and you must arrive at least 10mins before the slot time or the group will continue without you.

Muddy Tots Go Wild Forest School & Young Adventurers Forest School Ballynahinch - We offer an excellent forest school for young intrepid adventurers. 

The forest school is along a scenic 1.4km nature trail and is located approx. 10mins walk from the main car park. The forest school near Ballynahinch is located in a dense beech tree woodland and has two tiers. The upper tier is covered by a large tent canopy and is all weather. The lower tier has a campfire area and a short trail down to a small pond for fishing out swimming wildlife.

Our professionally run forest school is packed full of activities led by a trained forest leader. Your child will be immersed in a dense woodland setting with lots of mini activities to promote fun learning and understanding about nature.

Each session is 2hrs long. Parents and kids will be met at our car park by the forest leader and taken to the forest school. At the end of the session the group will make their way to our coffee trailer via our scenic trail for a free hot chocolate for the kids. Parents can purchase hot or cold drinks and traybakes. Then back to the car park.

Parent & Baby / Toddler Day - Welcome to our beautiful 1.4km trail, a perfect outdoor activity for parents and babies or toddlers to enjoy nature's serenity. This picturesque trail offers a delightful experience, winding through a variety of enchanting landscapes, including over nine wooden bridges, farmland, woodland, and scenic ponds. It provides an excellent opportunity for parents to connect with nature while spending quality time with their little ones.

As you embark on this adventure, you can choose to explore the trail with your baby in a pram or a baby carrier, ensuring maximum comfort for both of you. The trail's well-maintained paths and wooden bridges make it easily accessible, accommodating various mobility needs.

Walking along the trail, you'll be captivated by the surrounding beauty. You'll pass through farmland, where you can admire the idyllic countryside scenery and perhaps even spot some friendly farm animals. The tranquillity of the woodland will envelop you as you stroll amidst towering trees, their branches reaching towards the sky.

The highlight of your journey awaits at the end of the trail—a peaceful island situated on a picturesque pond. Here, you can find respite and relax with your baby, enjoying the soothing sounds of nature. To enhance your experience, a delightful coffee trailer awaits, serving a range of hot and cold beverages and delectable cakes. Take a moment to savour a cup of freshly brewed coffee or indulge in a sweet treat while admiring the serene surroundings.

Whether you choose to sit by the coffee trailer, watch the gentle ripples on the water, or venture over to the Japanese garden, this is the perfect spot to unwind and create lasting memories with your baby. The enchanting ambiance of the pond, combined with the convenience of the coffee trailer, offers a unique and enjoyable experience for parents seeking relaxation in nature.

Remember to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the trail, as well as the precious moments with your baby. This outdoor activity promises not only a rejuvenating stroll but also an opportunity to connect with your child and revel in the wonders of the natural world.

So lace up your walking shoes, pack the baby essentials, and embark on this enchanting 1.4km trail. Let the beauty of the trail, with wooden bridges, farmland, woodland, and ponds take your breath away, and indulge in a well-deserved moment of tranquillity on the island with a coffee trailer serving tempting treats.

Luxury Picnic Experience - Fancy an outdoor escape with a luxury twist? Then this could be for you! Book a slot and picnic table of your choice on one of our dedicated luxury picnic days and choose one of our luxury picnic hampers, filled with delicious bites and refreshments for families or adult only couples.

When you arrive at our beautiful car park, a member of staff will inform you where your table is located. You will then be able to walk to your pre-booked picnic table and enjoy the beautiful surroundings along the way. Your table will be setup with everything you need including your luxury picnic hamper. Relax and enjoy your peaceful surroundings while also benefitting from the contents of a fabulous luxury picnic hamper.

Each picnic slot is strictly 2hrs in length and bookings can be made from 11.30am or 2pm on select days of the week. Luxury picnic hampers are also available for alpaca trekking days.