Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park (How To Visit In 2024)
Interested in visiting Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park in Northern Ireland?
Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park on the outskirts of Belfast City, is the perfect spot for a quiet stroll or a weekend walk with your pooch!
We love to go early on a Saturday or Sunday morning & spend about an hour or so walking Luka & enjoying the trails.
There’s a Japanese Garden here with a lovely pond, a Rose garden which really comes to life in the summer & a secret Walled Garden that you must check out if you visit!
Here is our quick Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon visitor guide, including where to park, how to get there, trails you can walk, places to eat nearby & more!
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Quick Overview Of Lady Dixon Park
Location
The Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park is located in South Belfast, Northern Ireland.
It takes about 15-20 minutes to drive there from Belfast City Centre, depending on the traffic of course!
It’s a huge park nestled in between the River Lagan & Dunmurry Golf Club.
Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park's Address is: Upper Malone Road, Belfast BT17 9LA
Parking
Parking is absolutely free at Lady Dixon Park.
There are two main car parks – The Lower Car Park & The Upper Car Park.
If you want to start your walk off with a coffee & traybake in the Ability Cafe, we recommend parking in the Lower Car Park, as that’s where the cafe is located.
Although there are plenty of spaces, do bear in mind if it’s a really hot summer’s day in Northern Ireland, it can get quite busy!
Quick Tip: If you’re really stuck, park at Drum Bridge Car Park just round the corner.
Opening Times & Hours
The park is open all year round, so you have the freedom to visit whenever suits you!
It opens from around 7.30am, however closing times will change during the year – depending on what time it gets dark.
We recommend checking out the current closing times which are all listed on the Belfast City Council Website!
Walks & Terrain
The park has a mixture of woodland trails, dirt tracks, meadows, grassy hills & concrete walkways. Depending on which way you walk, you can find some steep hills but otherwise it is mostly flat with the occasional sloping path.
You can follow the Meadow, Garden or Woodland Trail.
Ability Cafe (Coffee, Traybakes, Lunch)
If you fancy a coffee to take on your walk around the park, head to the Ability Cafe, which is in the lower car park. They also do traybakes, sandwiches etc! They have outdoor seating which is lovely in the summer.
Is Lady Dixon Park Dog-Friendly 🐕🦺?
YES, Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park is dog-friendly!
Luka absolutely loves exploring the trails & enjoying space to run about on his extendable lead!
It is recommended at Lady Dixon to keep your dog on a leash at the park, as there are lots of people about & other dogs. However as with most places you may find off-leash dogs running around.
NOTE: If it’s been raining the trails can get SUPER mucky 😆! Don’t forget to bring some towels!
How To Get To Lady Dixon Park
By Car
The easiest way to get to Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park is by car.
If you are coming from Belfast City Centre, the best route is probably via the B23 and Upper Malone Rd/B103.
If you are visiting Northern Ireland & want to book a car for your stay - check out rates & availability at Discover Cars!
Walking Trails At Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park
You can of course explore the park at your own leisure, or there are 3 walking trails you can follow:
Garden Trail
The Garden Trail is a short walk which will take you from the upper car park, & through the Japanese Gardens, past Wilmont House, the walled garden & the fountain.
Woodland Trail
The Woodland Trail is probably our favourite route, taking you right around the periphery of the park through mostly wooded areas. It takes us about 45 mins (ish) to walk right round – depending how much sniffing Luka is doing! 🐾
Meadow Trail
The Meadow Trail is quite similar to the Woodland, just ever so slightly shorter. It will take you past Wilmont House & the Japanese Gardens if you wanted to have a nosey!
Visit the WALKNI website for all the details on each of these walks!
Things To See At Lady Dixon Park
Japanese Gardens
Just past Wilmont House you’ll find steps down to a quiet & quaint Japanese style garden area. You can walk the path around the small pond in the middle! A really peaceful area to sit & enjoy!
Wilmont House
Wilmont House was once owned by Sir Thomas & Lady Edith Dixon, whom the park is named after. Lady Edith gifted their house to the city to be used as an old people’s home, & the grounds to be opened up as a public park. Unfortunately the house isn’t open to the public anymore but you can still view it from the outside. Read more of it’s history here.
The Walled Garden
We call this the secret garden, as it feels hidden away from the rest of the park. To find it, walk down the hedge-lined path beside the playpark, through to the fountain, & the gate will be on your left. There are a few benches if you want to take a seat.
International Rose Garden
The Rose Garden here at Lady Dixon is a must-see, especially in the summertime! In July they have a ‘Rose Week’ attracting hundreds of visitors!
Best Places To Eat Near Lady Dixon Park
Here are a few of our favourite spots nearby to Lady Dixon for a bite to eat or drink!
- Bob Stewart’s – best for some traditional Irish pub grub & a pint!
- Coop Coffee – best for a quick coffee & sweet treat!
- Laganview Farm – best for breakfast, brunches & light lunches!
- Suntrap Cafe – best for a caffeine fix & a pastry!
Other Walks & Parks Near Lady Dixon
If you want to explore more walks & parks close-to Lady Dixon, here are some of our dog-friendly suggestions:
- McIlroy Park (3 minute drive)
- Belvoir Park Forest (9 minute drive)
- Musgrave Park (8 minute drive)
- Lagan Valley Regional Park (5 minute drive)
Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park: FAQS
What Is The Admission Charge to Lady Dixon Park?
You don’t have to pay an entrance fee or buy a ticket to enter the park. It is completely free to visitors!
Is There A Parkrun At Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park?
No, the Parkrun does not currently operate here. If you want to attend one nearby, you can head to Wallace Park, Queen’s or Colin Glen!
Is There Parking At Lady Dixon Park?
Yes there are two main car parks in the park. They are both free of charge.
Can I Bring My Dog To Lady Dixon Park?
Yes, the park is dog-friendly – however it is recommended to keep your dog on a leash at all times out of courtesy to others & so you’re dog doesn’t get lost!
More posts on Northern Ireland Parks & Hikes you may enjoy:
- The Summit Trail at Divis Mountain
- Hillsborough Forest Park
- Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast
- Duncan’s Park, Lisburn
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