Family fun days out in Belfast this Summer.
Planning a short break in Belfast with the kids this Summer? If so, check out our list of some of the best family attractions which will help you make the most of your stay.
Just a short walk from Belfast City Centre the Botanic Gardens are an important part of Belfast’s Victorian Heritage. Botanic Gardens was established in 1828 in response to the public interest in horticulture and botany. One of the most popular features of the Botanic Gardens is the Palm House with its tropical plants and birds of paradise. Botanic Gardens has a number of family-friendly walking trails and is adjacent to Queen’s University Belfast and the Stranmillis Embankment.
Located within the grounds of Botanic Gardens the Ulster Museum will allow visitors of all ages to come face to face with dinosaurs, meeting an ancient Egyptian mummy and see a collection of modern masterpieces. The museum tells the story of the people of the north of Ireland from earliest times to the present day. Admission to the museum is free and children will love the interactive discovery zones.
The world’s largest Titanic visitor experience is a must for all visitors to Belfast. Names as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in 2016 the visitor centre is located next to the Titanic Slipways where the ship was designed, built and launched in 1912. Titanic Belfast shares the story of the famous liner from conception through to construction, launch and the devastating aftermath.
Are you a fan of the Chronicles of Narnia? Did you know that the tales were inspired by the city of Belfast? Pay a visit to CS Lewis Square, a new public space commemorating the Belfast-born author. The Square features seven bronze sculptures from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and is located next to the Eastside Visitor Centre from which visitors can find out information on the city’s major attractions from interactive screens and interpretive panels.
Step back in time and watch old-time candy making. Aunt Sandra’s is one of Belfast’s most popular family attractions and for good reason. Visitors can watch chocolate, sweets and fudge being made before there very eyes, all of which can be sampled and purchased on site. The Candy Factory is particularly famous for its yellow man, macaroons and Belfast fudge.
Belfast Zoological Gardens is home to more than 140 species, many of which are in danger within their natural habitats. The Zoo is one of the oldest visitor attractions in Northern Ireland and welcomes more than 300,000 visitors each year. Major attractions include the Asian Elephants, Californian sea lions, penguins, apes and Sumatran tigers.
Embark on a voyage of discovery at W5. From the very young to the very old, visitors can allow their imaginations to run wild at the centre which is found in the Odyssey Complex in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. W5 is home to more than 250 hands-on permanent exhibits, while the centre also presents a changing programme of large and small scale temporary exhibitions and events and has a daily programme of live science demonstrations to amaze all ages.
Hastings Hotels has four Belfast based hotels for visitors to choose from. The Europa Hotel and Grand Central Hotel are located in the heart of the city while the Stormont Hotel is situated just a few minutes drive from the city centre in the leafy suburbs of East Belfast. The five star Culloden Estate and Sap can also be found just along the County Down coast at Cultra. For further information call us on 028 9047 1066.