Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park

About

Enjoy over 128 acres of meadows, woodland and gardens on a range of scenic walking trails throughout this historic park. The City of Belfast International Rose Garden is a must see and the children’s playground will tick all the right boxes for younger visitors. Refreshments are available from Stables Coffee Shop beside the lower car park where you can replenish all that spent energy.

Start Point:
J305674

Finish Point:
J305674

Route:
Choose between three walks of varying lengths: Garden Trail (Easy) 1.1 miles  Starting at the upper car park, this short trail leads through the quaint Japanese Garden (unsuitable for those with limited mobility) before passing to the right of Wilmont House. Continue along the lawn path before turning right towards the Golden Crown Fountain commissioned for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Walk along the perimeter of the walled garden (always on your left) before sweeping back up along Azalea Walk with the children’s playground on your right. Turn right at the T-junction, follow the path between the Yew Hedges to a crossroads where you can follow the orange waymarkers back to the upper car park. Terrain: A combination of compacted gravel and tarmac.  Steep steps in Japanese Garden are unsuitable for those with limited mobility. Meadow Trail (Moderate) 1.78 miles This trail begins at the lower car park and leads up the main drive with the children’s playground on your left. Passing Wilmont House (again on your left), the trail sweeps to the right over the stone bridge towards the gate lodge before turning left to follow the park perimeter. Look out for orchids, speedwells, clovers and hayrattle as you walk through the meadows. Turn left after the concrete bridge to make your way down to the River Lagan where you will turn left again to follow the wide path back towards the lower car park and coffee shop. Terrain: The majority of this trail is compacted gravel (some of which are slightly muddy underfoot) with a short stretch of tarmac. Woodland Trail (Moderate) 1.93 miles The woodland trail leaves the lower car park and follows the main drive with the children’s playground on your left before veering right to follow the park perimeter towards the upper car park. Take care when crossing over the vehicle entrance to the upper car park and continue towards the gate lodge where you will re-join with the Meadow Trail. Enjoy the flora and fauna on offer through these magnificent meadows before turning right into more dense woodland after the concrete bridge at waymarker 15. This section of woodland trail includes some steep climbs and descents however also offers splendid views over the entire park. Terrain: This trail is all compacted gravel some of which is slightly muddy underfoot. These trails are situated in a woodland environment and may be subject to temporary diversion and closures. In such circumstances, please ensure that all safety signage is complied with. Please keep your dog under control at all times, be considerate of other trail users and always follow the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’.

Distance:
1.1 - 1.93 miles

Terrain:
Surfaced and grass paths

Point of interest:
Azalea Walk, fountain, walled garden, Wilmont House, rose garden

Facilities:
Toilets on site, refreshments available from Coffee Shop.

Publication:
A Walk in the Park

Publication availability:
Belfast City Council, Parks Department, 02890320202 Ext. 3199

Nearest town:
Upper Malone Belfast

OS map:
Sheet 15 + Belfast Street Finder

Accessible toilet facilities:
Yes

Accessible terrain:
Surfaced and grass paths, some hills