A QUICK VISIT TO BELMONT PARK IN BELFAST
I GOT LOST BUT DISCOVERED BELMONT PARK [THEN WAITED 45 MINUTES FOR A BUS]
When I visited Belfast in May 2025 I used two new cameras, Leica Q3 and Fujifilm GFX100RF, which arrived a few days before I travelled to Belfast so I did not really know how to use them and the Fujifilm, in particular, gave me a lot of problems and I had problems with geotagging. My iPhone also gave me problems aa I could not access Google Maps which is why I got lost.
I had finished exploring the Stormont Estate and decided to exit via the Massey Avenue Gate. As there was a heavy shower of rain, I took shelter and waited for a bus for about thirty minutes. The rain stopped, and as there was no sign of a bus, I decided to explore the area at random. I soon found myself lost, which led me to the discovery of Belmont Park.
After about thirty minutes of exploring, the rain returned. I found a bus shelter and waited once more; forty-five minutes passed before a bus finally arrived. According to the timetable, the service frequency is meant to be every 30 minutes.
About Belmont Park
Located in East Belfast, Belmont Park is a 28-acre "semi-wild" urban oasis known for its tranquil walking paths and seasonal beauty. It offers a more natural, rugged experience compared to the manicured flowerbeds of other city parks, making it a local favourite for dog walkers and nature lovers.
The park is characterised by its varied landscape, which changes significantly with the seasons:
Wildflower Meadows: Large areas are left to grow naturally to support local biodiversity, blooming with colour in the summer.
Bluebell Copses: In late spring, the woodland areas are famous for their dense carpets of bluebells.
"Unmasked" Sculptures: Scattered throughout the park are large, colourful carved wooden figures designed by artist Owen Crawford. They add a whimsical, artistic touch to the forest trails.
Facilities & Activities
Walking & Running: A 0.8-mile (approx. 1.3 km) primary loop circles the park. For those looking for more distance, it connects to larger networks leading towards the Stormont Estate.
Playground: There is a well-maintained children’s playground located near the main entrance.
Dog Friendly: It is widely considered one of the best spots in Belfast for dogs, with plenty of space for off-lead exercise (though owners should keep an eye out for wildlife).
Allotments: Adjacent to the park are the Belmont allotments, a hub for local gardeners.
Practical Information
Location: Cairnburn Road / Circular Road, Belfast, BT4 2HR.
Access: There are two main entrances—one on Cairnburn Road and another on Circular Road.
Parking: Small car parks are available at both main entrances.
Opening Hours: Typically opens at 7:30 am daily. Closing times vary depending on the season (earlier in winter, later in summer).
Historical Context
The land was originally part of the Belmont Estate (which gave the surrounding area its name). The park was once part of the grounds of Campbell College and was known as "Campbell College Park" before the city council took over its management and renamed it in 1926. Today, it consistently holds the Green Flag Award, recognising it as one of the best-managed open spaces in the UK.
When I visited Belfast in May 2025 I used two new cameras, Leica Q3 and Fujifilm GFX100RF, which arrived a few days before I travelled to Belfast so I did not really know how to use them and the Fujifilm, in particular, gave me a lot of problems and I had problems with geotagging. My iPhone also gave me problems aa I could not access Google Maps which is why I got lost.
I had finished exploring the Stormont Estate and decided to exit via the Massey Avenue Gate. As there was a heavy shower of rain, I took shelter and waited for a bus for about thirty minutes. The rain stopped, and as there was no sign of a bus, I decided to explore the area at random. I soon found myself lost, which led me to the discovery of Belmont Park.
After about thirty minutes of exploring, the rain returned. I found a bus shelter and waited once more; forty-five minutes passed before a bus finally arrived. According to the timetable, the service frequency is meant to be every 30 minutes.
About Belmont Park
Located in East Belfast, Belmont Park is a 28-acre "semi-wild" urban oasis known for its tranquil walking paths and seasonal beauty. It offers a more natural, rugged experience compared to the manicured flowerbeds of other city parks, making it a local favourite for dog walkers and nature lovers.
The park is characterised by its varied landscape, which changes significantly with the seasons:
Wildflower Meadows: Large areas are left to grow naturally to support local biodiversity, blooming with colour in the summer.
Bluebell Copses: In late spring, the woodland areas are famous for their dense carpets of bluebells.
"Unmasked" Sculptures: Scattered throughout the park are large, colourful carved wooden figures designed by artist Owen Crawford. They add a whimsical, artistic touch to the forest trails.
Facilities & Activities
Walking & Running: A 0.8-mile (approx. 1.3 km) primary loop circles the park. For those looking for more distance, it connects to larger networks leading towards the Stormont Estate.
Playground: There is a well-maintained children’s playground located near the main entrance.
Dog Friendly: It is widely considered one of the best spots in Belfast for dogs, with plenty of space for off-lead exercise (though owners should keep an eye out for wildlife).
Allotments: Adjacent to the park are the Belmont allotments, a hub for local gardeners.
Practical Information
Location: Cairnburn Road / Circular Road, Belfast, BT4 2HR.
Access: There are two main entrances—one on Cairnburn Road and another on Circular Road.
Parking: Small car parks are available at both main entrances.
Opening Hours: Typically opens at 7:30 am daily. Closing times vary depending on the season (earlier in winter, later in summer).
Historical Context
The land was originally part of the Belmont Estate (which gave the surrounding area its name). The park was once part of the grounds of Campbell College and was known as "Campbell College Park" before the city council took over its management and renamed it in 1926. Today, it consistently holds the Green Flag Award, recognising it as one of the best-managed open spaces in the UK.
BELMONT PARK