Things to do & places to visit in Belfast City Region, United Kingdom

Belfast City Region #106 destination in United Kingdom 2023. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 4:18.

Top things to do (33)

Top places to visit (27 attractions)

5.0 Omeya Day Spa (1.118 reviews)
- Mermaid Toes!!!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Spas

Just a step a way from the hustle and bustle of our busy High Street is the calm, tranquil luxury of Omeya, Bangor’s award-wining day spa. Everyone needs to be pampered sometime, but actually going to a spa may have seemed out of reach. But now everyone can experience the same sumptuous surroundings for even the smallest of treatments. Offering 7 treatment rooms, inc. 2 x Wax Bars and luxury Spray Tan Room. Each treatment room is beautifully decorated and individually colour themed throughout, all offering that peaceful, stress free environment we all crave… See more..
5.0 Soak Seaweed Baths (321 reviews)
- Absolutely bliss
Monday: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spas

Head to Toe IndulgenceTreat your body and soul to a detoxing and invigorating seaweed sensation at Soak Seaweed Baths, the UK’s only seaweed bath house. Close the door of your private treatment room and listen to your favourite tunes as you melt all your troubles away in the steam room, before luxuriating in the amber goodness of the mineral-rich seaweed and hot seawater that make up a seaweed bath. Let the seaweed detoxify your body and enrich your skin with vitamins A – K, giving you a natural glow. Finally, close your pores with a freshwater shower and you’re ready to face the world again!Sessions last one Hour. Towels and hair drying facilities provided.Benefits Conditions Like• Arthritis• Rheumatism• Sports injuries• General muscle aches• Psoriasis• Eczema• Cellulite• Under active Thyroid • Stress• AcneVouchers AvailableGroups Catered for See more..
5.0 The Spa Dunamoy (217 reviews)
- Our Favourite Place
Spent More than 3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Spas • Thermal Spas

The Award winning 4 star Spa at Dunamoy is only 14 miles North from Central Belfast, but here you will find peace and tranquility in the heart of the rolling Co Antrim Countryside. The Spa features multiple treatment rooms, including the dual bath/massage suite, a 10m spa pool and solarium/ relaxation area. The Spa at Dunamoy is proud to be one of the few able to showcase award winning brand Elemis, featuring specially selected treatments from this leading luxury spa and skincare brand. These include signature facials, detox rituals and luxurious body massage, plus a well stocked shopping area for the perfect gift. Escape with friends or book a romantic getaway, either as a day spa customer or a resident in one of our beautiful stone cottages See more..
5.0 Royal County Down Golf Club (185 reviews)
- Royal County Down Golf Club
Golf Courses

One of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland with traditions dating back 100 years, this 18-hole Championship Course is rated among the best in the world. See more..
5.0 War Years Remembered (War Museum) (184 reviews)
- Excellent the best war era museum we have had the pleasure of visiting.
Military Museums

I can not recommend this museum highly enough, the exhibits are fantastic, the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guide really brought the stories to life. I have been to a few D-Day and Somme museums but this has topped them all. I spent 4.5 hours here and could easily have stayed for another 4.5 hours. Guides knowledge was so extensive that they were able to help trace where my wife’s great grandfather was taken prisoner with just his regiment and his date of capture. See more..
5.0 Strangford Lough Activity Centre (143 reviews)
- SUP/kayak bundle
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

My brother booked this for a Christmas present for us. It was an amazing experience, in the beautiful setting of Strangford Lough. Josh our guide was friendly a genuinely nice guy who took time to chat with all members in the group and naturally made it feel safe and fun. Two of our party were on the SUP and two in kayaks we were able to stay together and enjoy it as a family. The only thing I would say is the lack of changing facilities made it a little awkward with teenage girls. However the morning was enjoyed by all and we would highly recommend it as a family experience or with friends. See more..
5.0 Jeanette Kidd Beauty and Day Spa (125 reviews)
- TOP MARKS
Monday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Spas

An award winning salon and day spa, located only seven miles from Belfast and five minutes from Sprucefield, Lisburn. This Decleor Salon of Excellence, is a little hidden oasis in the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Finalists in the British Beauty & Spa Awards and proud holders of RNIB Model of Excellence for the Blind and Partially Sighted. We use a range of top quality products that include Decleor, St Tropez, Jessica, He-shi tanning, Australian body care tea tree range and Karaja, an Italian make-up range which clients and staff adore. With 30 years of business you can be assured of professional and friendly service from the moment you step through our doors. Established in the heart of Lisburn, our Decleor Salon and Day spa prides itself on fantastic customer service, being awarded by Lisburn City Council only confirms the standard of service that we provide. All our therapists are fully trained and able to offer advice on all aspects of skincare. See more..
5.0 NI Food Tours (77 reviews)
- Yummy morning out!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Cooking Classes

We invite you to join us in a truly unique and memorable experience. I live in an area of "outstanding natural beauty" on the shores of Strangford Lough just 30 minutes from Belfast. Join myself and my lovely multi award winning Bread maker - Fred, and you will make a variety of traditional Northern Irish breads - soda bread, wheaten / brown bread, potato bread in the very relaxed surroundings of my home - an 18th century thatched barn. We will be offering traditional Christmas themed bread making sessions from mid November. You will be treated to an impressive choice of local foods to accompany your breads. There will also be some tray bakes - northern Irish sweet treats. Tea and coffee will be served in my best bone china - I love the excuse to use it! This is a great way to meet other visitors and the locals! There will be no more than 10 Guests in the session so that it's personal and that we can work with everyone individually. You will be given a copy of all recipes also. See more..
5.0 ALTESC VR Arcade (77 reviews)
- Fantastic birthday party experience
Monday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

ALTESC Virtual Reality Gaming Arcade enables you to experience worlds and environments that you have only ever dreamed about. Don’t just play a game, live it! experience truly immersive gaming where you become one with the game. ALTESC VR is Northern Irelands Leading Virtual Reality Arcade - providing our community with access to cutting edge technology and experiences. We cater for all events, from kids birthdays to Corporate team building exercises. Explore galaxies & oceans, journey inside the human body, climb mountains, soar through the skies or just strap on the headset and blast hoards of zombies. You decide! At ALTESC VR we offer the latest in Virtual Reality Full Motion Racing Simulators. See more..
5.0 The Copeland Distillery (49 reviews)
- A hidden gem!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Distillery Tours • Private Tours

My sister & I were out for a walk around the commons & the lighthouse when the rain came on - it was running for shelter we spied the Copeland Distillery cafe. We had lovely flat white coffees in a very original setting! It's amazing to see the distillery up close. The staff are extremely friendly & welcoming We'll definitely be back! Well worth a visit! See more..
4.5 Ulster Folk Museum (1.044 reviews)
- FEEL What It Was Like to Live in the 1800's
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

First opened in 1964, the Ulster Folk Museum is a remarkable living museum and environmental resource situated at Cultra, three miles east of Belfast. The museum is home to a rich collection of heritage buildings and objects, which it uses to actively preserve and demonstrate traditions, stories and skills passed down through many generations of people in Ulster. Our talented team of demonstrators, visitor guides and first-person interpreters are here to take you on a journey to discover the past and how it connects to our present. Beyond the town area, wander the rolling hills of the countryside and conservation areas, where there's also a working farm. The museum offers a place to think about how we, as the current generation, are still adapting to change and how we might find meaning and inspiration from the many generations before us to help build a cleaner, greener and prosperous future. See more..
4.5 Antrim Castle Gardens (543 reviews)
- Beautiful Gardens
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

The Antrim Castle Gardens site is an absolute gem and you will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else. A recent £6m restoration project which received generous support from Heritage Lottery Fund has now preserved this historic site for generations to come. The Gardens are a unique living museum, with layer upon layer of design features and planting added over the centuries. Indeed, rarely is so much history preserved on one site. The many exceptional features include the ancient Motte, the Large Parterre, the Yew Tree Pond and the Pleasure Gardens. See more..
4.5 Bangor Castle Walled Garden (396 reviews)
- 1 way system currently in operation
Gardens

The walled garden has recently opened up from COVID lockdown and is in full bloom. The place is a welcome break for the bleakness of the times. There is a 1 way system in operation around the gardens which help to keep people distanced and reduce unnecessary contact between visitors. The great Coffee Cure cafe is open (note its cash only) and so it is possible to get back into enjoying this wonderful garden in all its glory as you usually would. See more..
4.5 Crawfordsburn Country Park (393 reviews)
- Crawsfordburn Country Park Walks
Parks

Lovely day trip to Crawfordsburn Forest Park and Helen's Bay on the North County Down Coast near Bangor. The latest Saturday excursion by me and my brothers during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions took us around muddy pathways, Autumnal leaf covered walkways and strolls along the sandy beaches on an unusual warm sunny day in November. We walked around the different terrains of the park for nearly two hours, exploring the whole of the park lands and also taking our time to admire the views from coastline looking towards the County Antrim coastal towns of Carrickfergus and Whitehead. Highly recommend people to visit the area with their families, friends and dogs and it is such an easy place to get to with great road links from Belfast and also a train station nearby on the Bangor - Belfast train line. I'll think i'll plan a summer visit next year. See more..
4.5 Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs (374 reviews)
- outstanding beauty
Dams

The reservoir itself is located at the mourne mountains which makes the overall scenery of the place an outstanding beauty. We climbed the Moolieve mountain so we were able to see the reservoir from the top. There are different walking routes which you could follow and there is a map for it on the reservoir. We didn’t follow any routes when we visited and just made our own. They have toilet facilities, picnic areas, cafe and play area. They have car park which can fit 63 cars and its first come-first serve basis. To see video of our travel, click the link on the website section of my account/page. See more..
4.5 Murlough National Nature Reserve (329 reviews)
- Lovely Beach near Newcastle
Monday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Its a very lovely Beach near Newcastle with views of the beautiful Mourne Mountains. During high tides, water can reach to the rocky part of the beach as shown on the picture but during low tides it would expose a long and wide sandy dunes. You have to pay for car parking £3 or £5 per day depending on the month. They have toilet in the car park. From the car park to the beach itself, it has a boardwalk which is accesible for those who have babies as they can use the pram... Some visitors though just leave their garbage or let the bins overflow so probably need more trashcans/bins. See more..
4.5 Slieve Donard (309 reviews)
- Lovely stay
Mountains

Great location. From checking in to checking out the experience was great. Staff are friendly, courteous and very helpful. Very Covid conscious, felt really safe. The bedrooms are very good, clean and comfortable, beds really cosy and the pillows blissful, really good nights sleep. Tea coffee making facilities placed in the dresser giving you more space to place any accessories. Bathroom well equipped, toiletries are very good quality. Breakfast is well organised, showed to your table and given orange juice and menu which covers the cold buffet and hot breakfast, the service was slower than usual but considering the COVID restraints very well done too all the staff, not easy in these times. Breakfast was really enjoyable and no problem getting a second pot of coffee. Great stay, will be back. We ate in the Percy French great meal and service too. See more..
4.5 Drumbo Park Greyhound Stadium (242 reviews)
- Awesome nights craic
Monday: Dog Tracks

Nothing beats the flutter of excitement when you place your bet; the rush of adrenalin as you see your dog sprinting from the traps; or the sheer exhilaration of watching your dog race across the finish line in pole position. You really need to experience it for yourself, as words only fail to do it justice. Suffice to say, the adrenaline rush whether trackside or at your table, is second to none. If quality counts down on the track, it counts just as much inside and throughout the stadium. Exciting as the racing is, we understand that people should have more than one reason to come to 'The Dogs'. That's why we have spent the last few years perfecting the social side of things and Drumbo Park offers plenty of opportunity to dine and unwind with friends, while enjoying the electric atmosphere of a race night. So whether you are on a large work outing, with a group of friends or simply enjoying a night out - you can really make a night of it. Of course, you don't want to miss anything, and you won't.Wherever you go, wherever you sit to eat or have a drink, you can watch all the live racing action on large plasma screens. You can even watch live satellite- linked races from other great stadia throughout the country every night. Your comfort is key for an enjoyable night out - so with our well informed tote staff taking bets right at your table and a panoramic view over the track, the only reason to leave your seat is to jump for joy as your dog comes in for the win. See more..
4.5 The Ark Open Farm (227 reviews)
- Fantastic day at the Ark Farm. Be back soon!
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Zoos • Farms • Playgrounds

The Ark Open Farm is a fantastic family day out; the farm itself is set in 40 acres of beautiful countryside between Newtownards and Bangor. It’s home to a huge selection of farm animals and some that are a little more exotic. We opened the farm back in 1990 as one of the first open farms in Northern Ireland specialising in rare breeds of farm animals. Over the years we have added to our collection as well as developing our facilities to include indoor & outdoor play areas, quad & tractor rides and a really cool fairy-tale forest. The Ark Open Farm is a family run business and our team consists of passionate, animal loving folks who strive to make your experience on the farm extra special. There is something for everyone; animals, activities, lovely food and friendly people. See more..
4.5 Bangor Marina (199 reviews)
- Nice to see a UK resort that isn’t rundown these days
Marinas

While we were in Belfast, we decided to take the train to spend a few hours in Bangor as we had never been the town before. What a pleasant surprise when we reached the seafront after walking from the railway station. It was nothing like I had imagined it to be and seemed to be a thriving resort and well maintained with a marina, the public toilets were open and clean unlike a lot of the UK resorts with all the cut backs. The gardens seemed to be well looked after with a small children’s area at the one end of the waterfront next to the marina. We’ll have to revisit again in the future allowing more time to explore the area and possibly even find accommodation and base ourselves there to travel around Northern Ireland. See more..
4.5 Donaghadee Harbour (176 reviews)
- The Donaghadee Rocks on the Harbour
Bodies of Water

Loving the Donaghadee Rocks at the Harbourside along the pier towards the Donaghadee Lighthouse. So many rocks and some talented artists who have painted them, it looks like everyone in the village have played there part and probably alot of tourists visiting the area and there's even a Facebook Page dedicated to it. I'll have to paint some myself for the next time I visit the area. See more..
4.5 Somme Heritage Centre (172 reviews)
- Excellent museum
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Somme Museum The Somme Museum opened in 1994, it examines Ireland's role in the First World War, with special reference to local cross-community involvement in the three volunteer Divisions raised in Ireland: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions, and the 36th (Ulster) Division. The Museum is fully registered and accredited and houses an extensive collection of material from the Great War period which is displayed on a rotational basis. The collection includes uniforms, medals, weapons and personal items which tell the stories of those who served, fought and experienced the First World War. Visitors to the Museum have an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the First World War as they make their way from the Home Rule Crisis to the Recruiting Office and on to the trenches of the Western Front. Audio visual displays and experienced and knowledgeable guides bring the experience to life. See more..
4.5 Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum (137 reviews)
- Learning about Linen and Royalism
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Explore Ireland’s industrial heritage in the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum’s award-winning exhibition ‘Flax to Fabric: the Story of Irish Linen’. Trace the history of linen production in Ulster, from the earliest times to the present, and see live spinning and weaving demonstrations. Visitors can also learn about the early development of Lisburn in the Museum’s ‘Making of a Town: 17th Century Lisburn’ exhibition. The Museum offers free tours of historic Lisburn and Castle Gardens, as well as a range of free educational workshops for groups, including WWII, Ancient Egypt and Science Week. Contact reception for bookings. Please note: the Assembly Rooms and Old Market House galleries are currently closed while the building undergoes extensive renovation. They will re-open for your enjoyment in early 2014. See more..
4.5 North Down Museum (113 reviews)
- Worth a visit if visiting Bangor
Monday: History Museums

North Down Museum tells the story of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day through a series of rooms, each dedicated to a particular era of history. Key artifacts on display include the Bronze Age Ballycroghan Swords, the Bangor Bell from the hugely important Bangor Abbey settlement, and the Raven Maps, the only complete folio of Plantation era maps in Ireland. North Down Museum is situated at the rear of the Town Hall, Bangor Castle, on Castle Park Avenue. The Castle, built for the Hon. R.E. Ward in 1852, had a courtyard and stables and the Museum has developed around these. North Down Museum is a FREE attraction in the heart of Bangor. Here you can also rest and enjoy a meal or snack in Coffee Cure, the Museum café. See more..
4.5 The Spa at Culloden (99 reviews)
- Best Spa in Northern Ireland
Monday: 7:00 AM - 9:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Health Clubs • Spas

The best Spa in Northern Ireland. Beautiful pool area, stunning hot tub. Cafe on site and bubbles too if you are feeling extra special. The spa facilities are just perfect, treatments are excellent and the spa staff can't do enough for you. See more..
4.5 Nendrum Monastic Site (93 reviews)
- An oasis of peace, beauty and tranquillity with superb views(weather allowing over Strangford Lough!)
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Ancient Ruins

Somehow you always end up meeting interesting people at Nendrum, artists, photographers and a wide assortment of locals and tourists. A useful little on site "museum" explains much of the history. mainly it is just a lovely place to visit and soak up all of the peaceful vibes! See more..
4.0 Pickie Family Fun Park (329 reviews)
- AMAZING DAY OUT AT PICKIE PARK
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Pickie Fun Park was extensively redeveloped in 2012. Children can play in the adventure playground,enjoy the watery fun of the splash pads, enjoy a ride on the electric car track or climb aboard the Pickie Puffer for a narrow-gauge railway journey around the colourful landscape. All the family can pedal a giant Swan around the shallow waters of the lovely Lagoon, compete with each other in our mini golf course or take a break in the cafe. The fun park is at the gateway to the Marine Gardens, a delightful stretch of coast for leisurely walks. There are panoramic views of Bangor Bay and the hills of Antrim beyond. Just take a seat, relax and marvel at the wonders all around, or eat your picnic before making your way round to Wilson's Point. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the views over Belfast Lough. See more..