Discover more at Minnowburn
Find out how to get to Minnowburn, where to park, things to see and do and more.
Things to do at Minnowburn
From the majestic Minnowburn Beeches to the peaceful Terrace Hill Garden, Minnowburn is a haven just outside the city. Take a look at what you might find on your next visit.
Minnowburn Beeches
There are not many stands of trees in the greater Belfast area that have ever received the honour of being given a name by the citizens.
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. In spring and summer, they cast shade and are great to walk amongst.
In autumn the trees are at their best, as the leaves turn a crisp golden brown and an interesting array of fungi appears on the woodland floor. At this time of year, a great place to view them is from Terrace Hill rose garden just across the valley.
Terrace Hill Garden
After Terrace Hill Garden was purchased by the National Trust in 1952, generations of visitors from Belfast and beyond have explored Minnowburn’s ‘secret garden’ on Terrace Hill.
In the past decade, views have been opened up, walls and fences have been repaired and rebuilt, paths uncovered, and the beds and walls replanted with a mix of woody and herbaceous species, all done by volunteers.
The latest addition to the garden is seating, refashioned and recycled from the old decking of the Lagan weir bridge, where you can take in the sights and smells of the garden, or enjoy probably the best view in the Lagan valley beyond.
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Countryside and woodland
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Countryside areas in Northern Ireland
Whether you're looking for a heart-raising hike up Northern Ireland's highest mountain or a ramble by the river at The Argory, there are many countryside and woodland places to experience in Northern Ireland. Enjoy woodland respite at Minnowburn with the forest bathing beds or escape to the wild landscape of County Fermanagh with the countryside adventures at Florence Court, Castle Coole and Crom.