Minnowburn

Important notice -

Our countryside space and car park is open. We have limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time.

Close to the city, in the heart of the country

More about this place

Adults and two children taking an autumn walk amongst the trees

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

You'll find lots of places open now – more than 135 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside locations. We have opened many of our houses in England and Wales. However, following the latest official guidance, all houses in Northern Ireland are now closed. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Read this article to find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

Visitors play pooh sticks

Play Pooh sticks at Minnowburn 

Pooh sticks is a simple but thrilling sport. It was first invented by the famous bear of the same name in the stories by A. A. Milne. It also happens to be no. 19 of our '50 things to do before you're 11¾' activities!

Kids can have their own adventure at the natural play trail in Minnowburn

Go wild with the natural play at Minnowburn 

Step into a world of imaginative play with the natural play forest trail at Minnowburn. The rustic trail in the heart of Belfast features recycled tree trunks expertly carved and crafted into balance beams, seesaws and log ladders. Discover a giant Xylophone, willow den and a teddy bear picnic seating area.

Neds Meadow Minnowburn National Trust Play Video
Video

Restoring Ned's Meadow

We're on a mission to restore Ned's Meadow, a ten acre field at Minnowburn, transforming it from overworked agricultural land, to a landscape rich in wildlife and biodiversity.

Watch the video
View from Terrace Hill garden at Minnowburn, County Down

Terrace Hill garden 

Built in the 1930s by linen merchant Edward Robinson in the style of an Italian sunken garden, it has some of the finest views in South Belfast

The beeches at Minnowburn

Amazing trees 

This majestic body of trees tower over the Ballylesson road, the silvery grey bark of the huge stems take on a haunted look in the mists of winter.

Discover Terrace Hill Garden at Minnowburn

Take the Terrace Hill trail 

Terrace Hill is home to a pond buzzing with wildlife, a walled garden and dotted with wooden sculptures.

The Riverside Trail at Minnowburn

Explore the Riverside Trail 

Walk the banks of the River Lagan into the heart of the Lagan Valley Regional Park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Fallen leaves on the Giants Ring trail

Discover the Giant's Ring Trail 

Discover the ancient and modern influences that make up the landscape of the Lagan Valley around Minnowburn.

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Minnowburn

What's on

Upcoming events

Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place.

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Minnowburn

History

The beeches at Minnowburn

Learn about our past 

Delve into the history of Minnowburn and find out how years of campaigning and purchasing land saved this special woodland area.

Take a look at Minnowburn's past
Pop for Peace at Minnowburn, 1969

Pop for Peace at 50 

It was the summer of 1969. Bryan Adams bought his first real six-string. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. Meanwhile at Minnowburn on 2 August 1969, a free open air concert called Pop for Peace was held. The event, which aimed to provide the young people of Belfast and Northern Ireland with the opportunity to say, 'Give Peace A Chance,' was endorsed by The Beatles legend John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

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Minnowburn

Our work

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Woodland management 

Our Rangers are working hard to implement a woodland management plan to reinstate native mixed woodland at Minnowburn.

Green Woodwork Ireland at Minnowburn, County Down

Try your hand at green woodworking 

Try this ancient craft with Stephen of Green Woodwork Ireland in his workshop at our Ranger base at Minnowburn

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Minnowburn

Get involved

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Grow with us 

Growers from the local community love our flourishing allotments at Minnowburn. This land has had a history of food production and keeps growing today.

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Volunteer with us 

We couldn't exist without our dedicated team of volunteers, they help us out with all sorts. Take a look at some of our projects and how you can get involved.

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© National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA

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