There is an endless array of things to do in the area. We have left a folder for you at Windsor Townhouse on the console table which contains brochures on sightseeing, tours, excursions, restaurants and cafes.
www.discovernorthernireland.com
Windsor Townhouse is well positioned to take full advantage of all Belfast’s major attractions, including the Titanic and Cathedral Quarter, Odyssey Arena, Waterfront Hall, Grand Opera House, Lyric Theatre, and the Kings Hall, Balmoral. Excellent golf courses are situated nearby at Malone, Balmoral and Belvoir. Situated near the outer ring road around the south side of the city and within easy access of the M1 and M2 motorways you can easily plan further afield adventures to for example the Mountains of Mourne, the Giants Causeway, Strangford Lough, the North Coast and Glens of Antrim and the Fermanagh Lakelands.
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
Visit Queen’s University and Botanic Gardens or the Ulster Museum. If you fancy a city break to shop for fashion, bridal or formal outfits then a 3 minute walk will take you to the Lisburn Road where you will find Jourdan, Beverly Hills, Posh Frocks, Dolled Up Bridal Boutique, Fran & Jane, Carl Scarpa, Moda Shoes, Evelin Brandt, Orchid Lingerie, Blush, MaxMara, Protocol Bridal and The Bridal Lounge. For a different city centre shopping experience then the award winning Victoria Square in the city centre is only a 10 minute car, bus or taxi ride away.
WITHIN 5 MILES
Check out www.visit-belfast.com and enjoy a visit to the new Titanic Centre. Peruse the city centre with the majestic City Hall and many shops, restaurants and cafes. Victoria Square is well worth a shopping visit, while The Linenhall Library is a hidden gem. You can pick up the Belfast Sightseeing Tour or Allen’s Bus Tours at Castle junction and enjoy a guided open top bus tour. Take in a show at the Waterfront Hall or the Grand Opera House. If you like walking or cycling then the Lagan Meadows, Lagan Towpath, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Gardens and Belvoir Forest Park are all within easy reach.
WITHIN 10-12 MILES
Belfast Zoo is a great place to take children and Cavehill Country and adventure parks are all in the shadows of the Belfast Castle in the north of the city. Heading over to County Down and Comber you will find Castle Espie Wetland Centre that houses Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic water birds. Enjoy estuary views and woodland walks and finish with a trip to the café and gift shop. Comber is also home to Nendrum Monastic Site just outside the town. It is thought to be the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland. It is situated on the beautiful Mahee Island, which also features its own nine-hole golf course with lovely views of Strangford Lough. Bangor is a pleasant seaside town with a fabulous marina. It has great facilities for a family day out: the recently opened Aurora sports complex with its leisure pool and water slides, North Down Museum and Pickie Park with mini-golf, paddle swans train and play park are all good fun! Check out the website www.bangor-local.com. If it’s a special pampering weekend break that you’ve come to Windsor Townhouse why not catch the train to Helen’s bay and get off at Deborah Harper’s beauty salon.
WITHIN 20-30 MILES
Don’t miss a visit to the pretty village of Portaferry and linked by a short ferry ride to Strangford and when you reach the other side the beautiful National Trust property and gardens of Castleward are within easy reach. The setting is magnificent. You can take tours of the house and/or enjoy the gardens. A 10 minute drive from Strangford will take you to the historic town of Downpatrick. Key attractions include Inch Abbey, Quoile Castle, Down County Museum, Downpatrick and County Down Railway and the Saint Patrick Centre. www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk.
Also in the County of Down you will find the stunning Mourne Mountains near Newcastle, an area of outstanding natural beauty. From there you can visit Tullymore Forest Park to enjoy walks in the forest and mountains. You can book a range of outdoor activities through the Tullymore National Outdoor Centre including canoeing, rockclimbing, abseiling, coasteering, hill walking, sea kayaking, archery and mountain biking with the Blue Lough Adventure Centre, Castlewellan Forest Park (tel. 02843770714). Walk or cycle around Castlewellan Castle, lake, maze and arboretum. Tyrella and Murlough Bay also blue flag beaches are on the Co. Down coastal route. On the way back to Belfast the Seaforde Butterfly Farm is always a favourite with the kids. Enjoy designer shopping at discount price at The Outlet Banbridge, Co. Down or Junction One in Co. Antrim.
WITHIN 100 MILES
Take a day trip to the North Antrim Coast just 1.5 hours drive away. Enjoy it’s spectacular coastline with lovely blue flag beaches such as those at Portstewart, Portrush, Benone and Whiterocks and walks. Cross the Carric-a-Rede rope bridge or walk the Giants Causeway. The stunning Fermanagh Lakes are within 2 hours drive, perfect for boat trips and walks. Fermanagh is also home to the Marble Arch Caves and the nearby Cladagh Glen. A trip to Dublin, 2.5 hours away, should not be missed.
