Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park

Overview

Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park sits on the southern fringe of Belfast, covering more than 128 acres of rolling meadows, mature woodland, formal gardens and riverside fields. The park is best known for the City of Belfast International Rose Garden – a living catalogue of over 20 000 rose bushes that bursts into colour each July during the celebrated Rose Week. Beyond the roses, visitors can wander through a tranquil Japanese Water Garden, explore a hidden walled garden, watch children play on a modern playground, or set off on any of three way‑marked walking routes. The park is owned and maintained by Belfast City Council and is open year‑round, free of charge.

Awards and Recognition

The park has been recognised as an award‑winning green space by several tourism bodies, praised for its high‑quality horticulture, extensive wildlife habitats and inclusive facilities such as the Ability Café. These accolades underline its status as one of Belfast’s premier outdoor attractions.

History

The estate originated in the mid‑18th century as the Wilmont Estate, owned by the Stewart family who farmed the land and bleached linen. In 1859 the Bristow family commissioned architect Thomas Jackson to design Wilmont House, a two‑storey Victorian villa that still dominates the park’s upper car‑park area. Sir Thomas Dixon (High Sheriff of Belfast) and Lady Edith Dixon purchased the estate in 1919. During the Second World War the house accommodated officers and troops stationed in Belfast; Lady Dixon was later made a Dame of the British Empire for her wartime work with the American forces.

In memory of her husband, Lady Dixon gifted the entire 128‑acre estate to the people of Belfast in 1959 – a largesse seldom matched in Irish park history. The International Rose Garden was created in 1964 and the first Rose Trials were held in 1965, a tradition that continues each summer under the auspices of the Rose Society of Northern Ireland.

What to See & Do

International Rose Garden

The rose garden is the park’s headline attraction. Over 20 000 bushes are arranged in historic, heritage and trial beds, showcasing everything from Victorian heirlooms to cutting‑edge hybrids. July’s Rose Week draws horticultural experts and the public alike for judging, workshops and a festive atmosphere.

Japanese Water Garden

A short walk from the upper car park leads to a quiet Japanese‑style garden centred on a reflective pond, stone lanterns and carefully pruned maples. The setting is ideal for a moment of contemplation or a gentle photo session.

Walled Garden (the “secret garden”)

Tucked behind the children’s playground, a hedge‑lined path opens onto a secluded walled garden with benches, seasonal bedding and a small fountain. It feels removed from the main traffic of the park and is a favourite spot for quiet reading.

Camellia Trials & Other Plantings

Early in the year the park hosts international camellia trials, with glossy, waxy blooms that brighten the winter landscape. Throughout spring and autumn, native wildflowers, bluebells and woodland fungi add natural interest to the meadows.

Golden Crown Fountain & Azalea Walk

Commissioned for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the Golden Crown Fountain marks the centre of the Garden Trail. The adjoining Azalea Walk is planted with a spectacular display of azalea shrubs that reach peak colour in late spring.

Ability Café at The Stables

The Stables Café operates as an Ability Café, providing employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities. It serves coffee, freshly baked traybakes and light lunches from 10 am‑4 pm daily (phone 028 9072 6245).

Walking Trails

All three routes are way‑marked with coloured blazes (orange, red and yellow respectively). The Garden Trail is fully wheelchair‑compatible; the Meadow and Woodland Trails contain gravel, steps and some gradients, so confident walkers with mobility aids should take care.

Seasonal Highlights

• Rose Week (July) – judging of new rose cultivars, workshops and family activities.
• Camellia Trials (February–March) – bright winter colour and horticultural displays.
• Autumn foliage (late September–October) – bluebells give way to gold‑tinged woodlands; migrating redwings and fieldfares feed on berry‑laden shrubs.

Family Facilities

A modern children’s playground sits near the lower car park, and an orienteering course offers a fun challenge for older kids. Picnic tables and a free bottle bank are scattered throughout the park. Free Wi‑Fi is available at the café.

Orienteering Course

The park’s orienteering route is marked with numbered checkpoints across the meadow and woodland areas, providing a self‑guided navigation challenge suitable for families and school groups.

Wildlife

The River Lagan corridor attracts kingfishers, grey herons and occasional otters. Meadow and woodland habitats support butterflies, moths, beetles and a variety of songbirds. Autumn brings migrating redwings and fieldfares that feed on the berry‑laden shrubs.

Practical Information

Getting there – The main entrance is on Upper Malone Road (BT17 9LA). By car, follow the A55 Outer Ring Road south and take the B23/Upper Malone Rd (B103) exit; the journey from Belfast city centre takes 15‑20 minutes. Two free car parks are available: the Upper Car Park (adjacent to Wilmont House) and the Lower Car Park (next to the Stables Café). Disabled parking spaces are provided in both car parks. If both are full, the nearby Drum Bridge Car Park offers additional spaces.

Public transport – Metro bus routes 8A/8B/8C depart from Donegall Square East and stop at the park entrance. Ulsterbus 24A runs from Great Northern Mall on weekdays and Saturdays. Note that, as of mid‑2024, some Ulsterbus services are temporarily disrupted due to works on the Great Victoria Street transport hub; check the Translink journey planner for the latest service information.

Facilities – The Stables Café (Ability Café) operates 10 am‑4 pm daily and is wheelchair‑accessible. Two toilet blocks are provided: one beside the café and another near the Japanese Garden; both include accessible facilities, baby‑changing stations and RADAR‑key disabled access. Free Wi‑Fi is available at the café.

Accessibility – Wheel‑friendly paved routes run through the formal gardens and around Wilmont House. The Garden Trail (1.1 mi, easy) is fully wheelchair‑compatible. The Meadow and Woodland Trails contain gravel, steps and occasional gradients; they are suitable for confident walkers with mobility aids but may be challenging for wheelchair users.

Dog policy – Dogs are welcome throughout the park. They must be kept on a lead in the Rose Garden, walled garden and around Wilmont House. In the open meadows and woodland trails, off‑lead exercise is permitted provided the dog is under effective control.

Events – In addition to Rose Week, the park hosts seasonal horticultural workshops, family craft days, occasional outdoor concerts and the Camellia Trials. Check the Belfast City Council website for the latest calendar; some events may require a ticket.

Nearby attractions – The park forms a natural gateway to Lagan Valley Regional Park, Colin Glen Forest Park, the historic Botanic Gardens, Belfast Castle and the vibrant Cathedral Quarter. A short drive also reaches Malone Golf Club.

Visitor Tips

• The park entrance is just above Malone Golf Club on the right‑hand side of Upper Malone Road; the address is Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Upper Malone Road, Belfast BT17 9LA.
• Parking is free in both the Upper and Lower car parks; disabled bays are clearly marked.
• If you rely on public transport, verify current bus routes on the Translink journey planner, as some services are temporarily rerouted.
• Arrive early in summer to catch the roses at peak bloom and to avoid the busiest periods of Rose Week.
• Bring sturdy footwear for the Meadow and Woodland Trails, especially after rain, as sections can become muddy.

Useful links

• Belfast City Council park page
• Walking route details (WALKNI)
• Public transport planner (Translink)