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About
Wander along rolling hills on banks of the River Lagan. This park is the home of the City of Belfast International Rose Garden, which attracts thousands of visitors in July each year. There are over 40,000 roses to see scent and colour during the summer. The park also has a café, children's playground, and picnic areas.
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park was donated to the people of Belfast by Lady Dixon in 1959. Originally formed in the mid-18th century, as part of the Wilmont estate, the park was first owned by the Stewarts; a farming family from Scotland. The estate was used for growing crops and bleaching linen.
A family home, Wilmont House, was designed by Thomas Jackson and was completed in 1859. Take a look for the false window added to balance the brick façade.
During World War II, American troops were stationed in the grounds of the estate while their officers lived in Wilmont House. Lady Dixon was well-known for her work with the troops and was created Dame of the British Empire as a result. Before she died in 1959, she donated the estate to the city of Belfast in memory of her late husband, a former High Sheriff of Belfast.
As well as the formal rose garden the park has woodland, walled gardens and even meadows. There are ten kilometres of trails with three waymarked routes to follow. The park has surfaced paths which are waymarked. The paths are tarmac and bound gravel.
Garden Trail - 1.1 miles, 1.8 km, circular - Starting in the upper carpark, follow the orange trail through the Japanese Garden and around Wilmont House. Continue along the lawn path through the yew hedges to the Golden Crown Fountain. From here follow the path around the perimeter of the walled garden and along the azalea walk. Continue along the path as it sweeps left and passes alongside the children’s playpark. Take the path to the right and cross the drive to Wilmont house. Continue to the left and follow the path back to the upper car park.
Meadow Trail - 1.8 miles, 2.9 km, circular - Starting in the lower carpark, follow the red marked trail along the main drive to Wilmont House. Follow the path at the back of the house over the stone bridge towards the privately owned gate lodge before turning left around the park perimeter. Continue walking through the meadows. Turn left over the concrete bridge, making your way towards the River Lagan. Turn left again and follow the path back towards the lower carpark and Stables Coffee Shop.
Woodland Trail - 1.9 miles, 3.1 km, circular - This trail starts in the lower carpark. Follow the yellow trail along the main drive passing the children’s playground and continuing towards the upper carpark. Take care when passing the vehicle entrance. Continue following the path around the park’s perimeter and through the open meadows. Turn right and follow the path through the mature dense woodland. Continue following the trail back to the Stables Coffee Shop and lower carpark.
Facilities
Catering
- Picnic Area - An ice-cream van can also be found on site. Additionally, there are picnic areas.
- Tea-room/Cafe onsite - The park is home to the Stables Coffee Shop located adjacent to the lower car park.
Establishment Features
- Toilets - There are two toilet blocks. One can be found at the Stables. The second is near the Japanese Garden.
Parking & Transport
- Car parking - The park is served by two car parks which are both on the Upper Malone Road. There is no charge for parking or admission.
