Belvoir Park Forest

Admission to Belvoir Park Forest is free for everyone. The forest is technically open 24 hours a day, providing flexibility for early morning hikers or evening strolls. While there is no central visitor hub, the site features several waymarked trails, including a popular 2.3km circular route. Basic facilities are available at the main car park on Belvoir Drive, including public toilets with disabled access and a covered pergola area for picnics. The Belvoir Activity Centre is also located within the park grounds, offering additional leisure facilities. For those looking for a longer adventure, the forest paths link directly to the Lagan Towpath, allowing you to walk or cycle for miles along the river.

Because this is a working forest, you may occasionally see forestry operations taking place, so always follow local safety signage. The terrain is generally made of gravel paths, but some sections involve steep hills and can become quite muddy after typical Belfast rain; waterproof boots or sturdy trainers are highly recommended. While the forest is welcoming to dog walkers, pets should be kept under control to protect the sensitive wildlife, particularly the red squirrels. If you are interested in the historic sites, keep a sharp eye out for the 12th-century motte and the brick-lined ice house, which are located near the main trail. Note that while walking is encouraged, cycling is restricted to the specific paths that connect to the Lagan Towpath.

Belvoir Park Forest is located about four miles south of the city centre and is easily accessible. The most convenient way to reach it by public transport is the Metro bus service. You can take the 6C or 6D bus from Donegall Square West, which takes about 20 minutes and drops you right at the entrance on Belvoir Drive. For a quicker trip, a taxi from the city centre takes roughly 10 minutes. If you are driving, there is a dedicated free car park at the end of Belvoir Drive (postcode BT8 7QT). For more active travelers, you can actually walk to the forest from the city centre by following the Lagan Towpath southward, a scenic route that takes about an hour and fifteen minutes.