Cave Hill Country Park

Cave Hill Country Park which includes a lake or waterhole and a garden
Cave Hill Country Park
Cave Hill Country Park
Cave Hill Country Park
Cave Hill Country Park

Stroll through the glorious meadows and hills of this park overlooking Belfast to encounter a land of castles, forts and caves.

Cave Hill Country Park has varied attractions including play areas, archeological sites and ecotrails. This means that families, history buffs, nature lovers and holiday makers can all find enjoyable activities in this picturesque and tranquil park. Hike to the top of grassy hills via the maze-like orienteering routes.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Northern Irish countryside from the green peaks of the hilly terrain. Capture a photo of the city of Belfast spread out beneath you. Bring the kids to the slides and colourful climbing frames of Cave Hill Adventurous Playground. It is hidden in a charming part of the woods behind Belfast Castle, in the southern part of the park.

The 19th-century castle is of Scottish baronial style and is surrounded by colourful floral displays. Enter the majestic structure and its visitor centre, which has information about the trails and vegetation in the park. Enjoy a snack or meal in the Cellar Restaurant and buy a drink at the Castle Tavern.

Peruse the gift shop for antiques, porcelain and knitwear. Find out if your family name has Scottish or Irish lineage.

Embark on an orienteering course with a map from the castle reception area. The map shows routes of varying difficulty that you can attempt at your own pace. Ascend to the top of Cave Hill for its panoramic views of the city and the Irish Sea. Encounter Napoleon’s Nose, a basilica hill that is said to resemble the profile of the French emperor.

From other parts of Belfast, note the outline of the park’s undulating terrain. The park takes its name from the five caves along the side of the cliffs. Explore these grottos and find historical gems, such as McArt’s Fort.

There is no charge to enter the park. It opens daily from morning until late evening, with varied closing hours depending on the time of year. Pay a small fee to enter the castle.

Drive 5 miles (8 kilometres) north from central Belfast to reach Cave Hill Country Park. Popular sites in the vicinity include the Belfast Zoo, Fortwilliam Golf Club and Loughside Park.

Plan a trip to see Cave Hill Country Park

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cave Hill Country Park

Discover a range of activities at Cave Hill Country Park, including scenic walks and adventurous hikes along the well-marked hiking trails. The renowned Cave Hill walk offers breathtaking views and a challenging experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, there's something for everyone to enjoy amidst the stunning natural beauty of Newtownabbey.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Cave Hill Country Park, visit Victoria Square Shopping Centre (1.9km away) and Castle Court Shopping Centre (1.9km away) for a mix of entertainment and family vibes. St. George's Market (2.5km away) offers a vibrant public market atmosphere.

Recreation

At SSE Arena, enjoy high-energy sports events that invigorate the spirit. Ulster Hall offers captivating music concerts, perfect for unwinding. For a more tranquil experience, Fortwilliam Golf Club provides scenic outdoor golfing, allowing you to reconnect with nature while indulging in a leisurely sport.

Adventure

Experience thrilling Jetpack Adventures, a water sport located 3.1km from Cave Hill Country Park, where you can soar above the water. For more excitement, head to Eddie Irvine Sports, an exhilarating karting venue 6.8km away, perfect for adrenaline seekers. Don’t miss the scenic Blackhead Path, a hiking trail 8.1km away, offering stunning vistas.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at MAC Theatre, a cultural gem offering various performances just 1.9km away. For some family fun, visit Vertigo Titanic Park’s arcadeAdventureZone, also 1.9km away. Don’t miss Cineworld Belfast for a romantic movie experience, perfectly situated nearby.

Find the best attractions near Cave Hill Country Park

While visiting Cave Hill Country Park in Newtownabbey, explore nearby attractions such as the maritime museum, urban park, and historic prison. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike, you can enjoy outdoor experiences at Cave Hill, Belfast Castle, and other outdoor attractions. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the vibrant offerings of Belfast during your stay.

  • Titanic Belfast: This captivating maritime museum, located 1.9km from Cave Hill Country Park, immerses visitors in the history of the ill-fated RMS Titanic. With interactive exhibitions and stunning architecture, it offers a unique cultural experience that celebrates Belfast's shipbuilding heritage.
  • Belfast Castle: Situated a mere 249m away, this romantic castle boasts impressive views of the city and surrounding countryside. Explore its beautiful gardens and learn about its intriguing history, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely visit.
  • Queen's University of Belfast: Located 2.5km from Cave Hill, this modern university showcases stunning architecture and vibrant campus life. Stroll through its grounds to soak up the lively city vibes and appreciate the academic heritage of Northern Ireland.

Best time to go to Cave Hill Country Park

The best time to visit Cave Hill Country Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Cave Hill Country Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Cave Hill Country Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cave Hill Country Park

To save money on your visit to Cave Hill Country Park, consider travelling during the off-peak months from December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay about a month in advance can also yield savings, and last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia might offer great discounts. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can lead to further savings. Don’t forget to use price filters when searching for hotels to find the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cave Hill Country Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Cave Hill Country Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cave Hill Country Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Cave Hill Country Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation at Cave Hill Country Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.