Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens
4.5
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Botanic Gardens and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Queen's Quarter
How to get there
- Botanic • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,070 within 3 miles
Attractions
242 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Ron M97 contributionsAidan provides an interesting tour of the Palm House and Tropical RavineThe tour of the Palm House and Tropical Ravine in Belfast's Botanic Gardens was very good. Our group of 15 was taken by Aidan (helped by Carl and Sabrine). The tour was relaxed and Aidan was well-informed. The history was interesting, covering both plants and architecture. Both the Palm House and Tropical Ravine have had periods of decline and restoration. The cafe in the Ulster Museum is adjacent and a convenient way to end the trip. The trip lasts about one hour and is free!Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 28, 2023
- Ann BBelfast, United Kingdom11 contributionsVery interesting and informative tour of Palm House and Tropical RavineWe had previously enjoyed visiting Botanic Gardens and its Palm House and Tropical Ravine. However this time we learnt so much more about the history of the buildings and all the plants, when we attended the guided tour of the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine. Thanks to our excellent volunteer tour guide Aidan, who was assisted by the botanic gardens staff who care for the amazing plants.Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 4, 2023
- hillfieldjpGloucester, United Kingdom237 contributionsA lovely walk with plenty of interesting plantsWe spent about an hour walking round the botanic gardens. We went through the restored ravine but were disappointed that it was not possible to go through it on the ground level and only from above. This limited the experience. The palm house was lovely too and a few more plant labels would have been good as a botanic garden is designed to instruct as well as be there for pleasure. Well done to the City Council and for investing in keeping this Percival space looking so good over all. So many councils have given up with their public gardens and it was great to see so many people enjoying the gardens.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 21, 2023
- Laura TMiddlesbrough, United Kingdom7,002 contributionsBeautiful gardens to spend a couple of hours in the sunshine - I can't believe they are free to visit!These gardens are a green oasis in the city. Located next to the University and a 20 minute walk from the city centre, or else easily accessible as a stop on the touristy Red Bus Tour (recommended and reviewed separately). Highlights are the Palm House, the Tropical Ravine and the rose garden. I took sooo many photos inside the 2 huge green houses, then we lucked out as the rose garden was still blooming in early July too. When we visited there was a ferris wheel and a drink stand selling frozen slushies, very tasty and it was lovely to sit on the grassy hill and relax for a while in the sunshine. Expect to spend upto 2 hours having a leisurely stroll around the gardens and exploring the 2 large greenhouses. Entrance is free.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 31, 2023
- ruthandvernWilton, California15,442 contributionsWhat a great community resourceWhat a spectacular natural wonder adjacent to the Queen's University Belfast, with the Ulster Museum out front. This has greenhouses for the Temperate Zone, and Tropical Zone, the Palm House Conservatory. The Ferris wheel, ice cream stand, kid friendly grass. Even a redwood tree. Our lodging was in the Queen's Quarter and we visited three different times.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 6, 2023
- Marianne HOslo, Norway3 contributionsGo for the rose garden!The park: Ok. The palm house: Good, but a little chaotic with many of the same plants. BUT the rose garden was fabulous! Didn't look so great from a distance, but when I started wandering around I found the most amazing, lovely roses of all shapes and colous. So wonderful!!Visited July 2023Written August 7, 2023
- Jane - BJNewry, United Kingdom1 contributionA Belfast gem worth visitingSpent Tuesday afternoon on a tour of Botanic gardens with an extremely knowledgeable guide called Aidan. He gave an overview of the history of Botanic Gardens before describing the origins and background of many of the plants in the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine. There are some amazing plants in both areas and it was definitely worthwhile having such a well informed guide to provide information and answer any questions, The beds outside the Palm house were an array of colours, there is also a Ferris wheel on site so something for all the family to enjoy. I would recommend a visit to the Gardens and if you decide on having a tour ask for Aidan.Visited August 2023Written August 16, 2023
- Leanne BEdinburgh, United Kingdom2 contributionsBanana plants in bloom!Fantastic scenery. Went with my husband mainly so we could see the tropical plant house! We are on our honeymoon from Scotland and this has been one of our highlights. The banana banana plants were producing fruit and this was an amazing sight to see. The rare purple banana plant was flowering with purple bananas. This is a very rare occurrence so I'd definitely recommend you go as soon as possible if you're reading this, so you can witness the fruits. Unfortunately I cannot upload my photos of it from my camera as I don't have my laptop with me here in northern Ireland, like I say we are on our honeymoon from Scotland. I'm so glad we visited the botanical gardens in Belfast, well worth a visit! Cannot believe this experience was entirely free and so enjoyable. We followed up this beautiful experience with a visit to the adjacent Ulster museum...a MUST for any tourist visiting Belfast. The staff within the botanical gardens are very knowledgeable and we were very impressed by their welcome and friendliness. Thank you! Leanne and Andrew Brooks. 07.09.2023Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 7, 2023
- Bree LLondon, United Kingdom20 contributionsLovely place for plant enthusiasts!These were great! Much better than I was expecting in NI. It’s very immersive and you can get up close and personal and really see everything. The greenhouse itself adds to the scenery. Amazing to go at sunset! The light is amazing. would totally recommend :)Visited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 29, 2023
- Heathsr1167 contributionsWorth a visit if you’re in the areaThis is situated next to Ulster Museum and is free to enter. It was a nice visit and worth doing if you’re in the area. The Belfast University next door is beautiful and worth taking a photo of.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,958 reviews
Excellent
986
Very good
724
Average
218
Poor
23
Terrible
7
LauraDaveJames
Solihull, UK4,246 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
We would have liked to spend a lot more time here, but very much enjoyed our quick visit. There is a very well preserved 19th century palm house. We also walked through the Tropical Ravine house. It was full of interest, free to enter and certainly warmed us up on a chilly November day in Belfast.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leanne B
Edinburgh, UK2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Fantastic scenery. Went with my husband mainly so we could see the tropical plant house! We are on our honeymoon from Scotland and this has been one of our highlights. The banana banana plants were producing fruit and this was an amazing sight to see. The rare purple banana plant was flowering with purple bananas. This is a very rare occurrence so I'd definitely recommend you go as soon as possible if you're reading this, so you can witness the fruits. Unfortunately I cannot upload my photos of it from my camera as I don't have my laptop with me here in northern Ireland, like I say we are on our honeymoon from Scotland. I'm so glad we visited the botanical gardens in Belfast, well worth a visit! Cannot believe this experience was entirely free and so enjoyable. We followed up this beautiful experience with a visit to the adjacent Ulster museum...a MUST for any tourist visiting Belfast. The staff within the botanical gardens are very knowledgeable and we were very impressed by their welcome and friendliness. Thank you! Leanne and Andrew Brooks. 07.09.2023
Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK7,002 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
These gardens are a green oasis in the city. Located next to the University and a 20 minute walk from the city centre, or else easily accessible as a stop on the touristy Red Bus Tour (recommended and reviewed separately).
Highlights are the Palm House, the Tropical Ravine and the rose garden. I took sooo many photos inside the 2 huge green houses, then we lucked out as the rose garden was still blooming in early July too.
When we visited there was a ferris wheel and a drink stand selling frozen slushies, very tasty and it was lovely to sit on the grassy hill and relax for a while in the sunshine.
Expect to spend upto 2 hours having a leisurely stroll around the gardens and exploring the 2 large greenhouses. Entrance is free.
Highlights are the Palm House, the Tropical Ravine and the rose garden. I took sooo many photos inside the 2 huge green houses, then we lucked out as the rose garden was still blooming in early July too.
When we visited there was a ferris wheel and a drink stand selling frozen slushies, very tasty and it was lovely to sit on the grassy hill and relax for a while in the sunshine.
Expect to spend upto 2 hours having a leisurely stroll around the gardens and exploring the 2 large greenhouses. Entrance is free.
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane - BJ
Newry, UK1 contribution
Aug 2023
Spent Tuesday afternoon on a tour of Botanic gardens with an extremely knowledgeable guide called Aidan. He gave an overview of the history of Botanic Gardens before describing the origins and background of many of the plants in the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine. There are some amazing plants in both areas and it was definitely worthwhile having such a well informed guide to provide information and answer any questions, The beds outside the Palm house were an array of colours, there is also a Ferris wheel on site so something for all the family to enjoy.
I would recommend a visit to the Gardens and if you decide on having a tour ask for Aidan.
I would recommend a visit to the Gardens and if you decide on having a tour ask for Aidan.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scenic511741
62 contributions
Oct 2022
The garden are lovely in the summer when all the flowers are in bloom. We visited in October when they were changing the flower beds. However it was interesting walking around the Palm House and other indoor tropical plants sections.
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akkers1
London, UK916 contributions
Apr 2022
We noticed the botanical gardens when we were going round on the hop on and off tour bus so decided to get off and have a look.
We were glad we did and easily forgot that we were in the city centre when we wandered round here. Everywhere was clean and litter free, the flower beds were well kept with spring flowers daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips etc. There was a very pretty camelia and lots of different types of trees. I should imagine that it is even prettier there in the summer months when the roses are out in bloom.
I would have liked to have gone in the palm house, but it was closed when we were there, but we did get to go in the tropical ravine which was quite interesting.
I would certainly go back there again if I visited the city.
We were glad we did and easily forgot that we were in the city centre when we wandered round here. Everywhere was clean and litter free, the flower beds were well kept with spring flowers daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips etc. There was a very pretty camelia and lots of different types of trees. I should imagine that it is even prettier there in the summer months when the roses are out in bloom.
I would have liked to have gone in the palm house, but it was closed when we were there, but we did get to go in the tropical ravine which was quite interesting.
I would certainly go back there again if I visited the city.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann B
Belfast, UK11 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
We had previously enjoyed visiting Botanic Gardens and its Palm House and Tropical Ravine. However this time we learnt so much more about the history of the buildings and all the plants, when we attended the guided tour of the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine. Thanks to our excellent volunteer tour guide Aidan, who was assisted by the
botanic gardens staff who care for the amazing plants.
botanic gardens staff who care for the amazing plants.
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hillfieldjp
Gloucester, UK237 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We spent about an hour walking round the botanic gardens. We went through the restored ravine but were disappointed that it was not possible to go through it on the ground level and only from above. This limited the experience. The palm house was lovely too and a few more plant labels would have been good as a botanic garden is designed to instruct as well as be there for pleasure. Well done to the City Council and for investing in keeping this Percival space looking so good over all. So many councils have given up with their public gardens and it was great to see so many people enjoying the gardens.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil H
Brighton, UK396 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Belfast Botanic Gardens provides a beautiful green space in a nice part of the city. If you're a lover of (or just interested in) tropical plants and especially succulents, the Palm House is a must-see, but the rest of the gardens are lovely, too, very well-maintained and clean. The tropical ravine (covered in a separate review) is also here, as is the Ulster Museum, with the lovely buildings of Queens University just around the corner.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
canuckduet
60 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The rose garden had many flowers in bloom, nice to have the varieties labelled. Lovely that so many were scented roses. Enjoyed all the plants in the palm house; they were well displayed. Some of the rest of the gardens look a little shabby and unloved but overall a very enjoyable visit.
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan B
Jacksonville Beach, FL7 contributions
How long would it take to walk the gardens?
Thomas.traveller
Sligo, Ireland65 contributions
Just walking,one to one and half hour will be sufficient.
cg2792
England, UK2,587 contributions
Is there a fee to enter the glasshouse? If so how much is it please?
HeatherandSteve2009
Magherafelt, UK103 contributions
We just came ot of the museum into the grounds and did not pay a charge, so as far as I am aware it is free unless there is somehing special on.
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Claim your listingBotanic Gardens - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Botanic Gardens
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Botanic Gardens:
- Belfast Hop-on Hop-off Tours (From $26.00)
- Private Belfast Explore Like a Local (From $741.11)
- Belfast City Tour (From $104.02)
- Belfast city tour and Hillsborough - Private shore excursion (From $474.20)
- Half Day Private Tour Belfast City (From $555.44)
- Hotels near Botanic Gardens:
- (0.12 mi) Dukes at Queens
- (0.13 mi) Ibis Belfast Queens Quarter
- (0.26 mi) Tara Lodge
- (0.19 mi) Global Village
- (0.14 mi) Lagan Backpackers
- Restaurants near Botanic Gardens:
- (0.04 mi) Hope Cafe
- (0.10 mi) Molly's Yard
- (0.12 mi) Villa Italia
- (0.18 mi) Holohans Pantry
- (0.11 mi) The Practitioner
- Attractions near Botanic Gardens:
- (0.05 mi) Queen's University
- (0.09 mi) Queens Film Theatre
- (0.07 mi) Lord Kelvin Statue
- (0.10 mi) The Naughton Gallery
- (0.17 mi) Ulster Museum