Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is an award-winning green space on the outskirts of Belfast City.
Home to the International Rose Garden, the park was donated to the city by Lady Dixon, a Dame of the British Empire, in 1959.
It has something for everyone, including walking trails, forests, a café, playground and formal gardens.
What to know before visiting Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park in Belfast
Although a visit to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is 4 miles southwest of Belfast City Centre. It is on the Upper Malone Road (B103) near Drumbeg and the Malone Golf Club. It’s a 5-minute drive from Colin Glen, a 20-minute drive from Crumlin Road Gaol and a 15-minute drive from the Black Mountain.
2. Home to the International Rose Garden
The park is home to the world-famous City of Belfast International Rose Garden which contains over 20,000 rose bushes, including trial and display beds. There’s a historical section and a heritage garden showcasing the best roses from local growers.
3. Parking and toilets
Entrance to the park is on Upper Malone Road and there is plenty of free parking in the Upper and Lower car parks (see map above). Disabled parking is also available. There are good facilities including picnic tables, a café and toilets.
The history of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
Photos by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland
In the mid-18th century, this beautiful park was part of the Wilmont Estate.
Originally the land belonged to the Stewarts, a farming family from Scotland. They built a home where the main car park now stands, grew crops and bleached linen on the estate.
In the mid 19th century, the estate was sold to the Bristow family and they built Wilmont House. Designed by Thomas Jackson, it was completed in 1859.
Various owners added the walled garden, gate lodges and gardens before Sir Thomas (High Sheriff of Belfast) and Lady Dixon bought the estate in 1919.
During WW2, troops were stationed on the estate and officers were accommodated in the main house. Lady Dixon was made a Dame of the British Empire for her work assisting the troops.
She donated the parkland to the people of Belfast in 1959 in memory of her late husband, Sir Thomas.
Things to do at Lady Dixon Park
There’s plenty to see and do at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park in Belfast, regardless of whether you’re after a long walk or a leisurely stroll.
Below, you’ll find everything from the cafe and the gardens to the various walking trails that you can tackle.
1. Kick-start your visit with coffee from Ability Cafe at The Stables
Photos via Ability Cafe The Stables on Facebook
Located within the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, the Ability Café at The Stables offers a range of drinks, snacks and refreshments.
I’m a big advocate of Ability cafés as they offer employment and training opportunities for those living with a disability.
This is one of several places for coffee in Belfast offering similar service.
2. And then head off on one of the walks
Map via Belfast City Council
The circular Garden Trail (one of 3 in the park) has gravel and grassy paths, is just over a mile long and is one of the more popular walks in Belfast.
From the upper car park, head to the Japanese Water Garden (some steep steps here) before passing Wilmont House.
Continue along the grassy path and turn right towards the Golden Crown Fountain. Pass the walled garden, keeping to the right, and head to the Azalea Walk and children’s playground.
Turn right at the T-junction and follow the path between the yew hedges to a crossroads. Follow the markers back to the car park.
3. Explore the gorgeous gardens
Photo via Google Maps
The gardens in this award-winning green park include the celebrated Rose Garden, a sheltered Walled Garden and a Japanese Water Garden with serene plantings and water features.
There is also an area dedicated to Camellia Trials which are a magnificent picture of heavy blooms in spring.
Beyond the formal plantings, the park has rolling meadows, copses and woodland areas.
Things to do nearby
One of the beauties of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Belfast.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the park:
- Colin Glen Forest Park (5-minute drive): Home to SKYTrek, golf an indoor Sports Dome along with the Gruffalo Trail – one of the more popular things to do in Belfast with kids.
- Explore the city (20-minute drive): Belfast city is packed with attractions including the Cathedral Quarter, the Botanic Gardens and the Black Cab Tours
- Food and drink: See my guides to the best restaurants in Belfast and the best pubs in Belfast
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.