Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

About Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

The park was once the Wilmont estate in south Belfast, formed in the mid-18th century and later used for crops and linen bleaching. Wilmont House was completed in 1859. The Dixon family took over the estate in the early 20th century, and in 1959 Lady Dixon gave it to the city in memory of her husband, Sir Thomas Dixon, a former High Sheriff of Belfast.

Today the park covers more than 128 acres of meadows, copses, woodland and gardens, and it is a starting point for exploring the Lagan Valley Regional Park. It has held Green Flag awards for many years.

What to see

• City of Belfast International Rose Garden: rose trial grounds established in 1964, with over 20,000 bush and shrub roses. The Summer Rose Fair, or Rose Week, is held here every July.
• Japanese-style garden: laid out in 1991, with water features and a calm atmosphere.
• Walled garden and camellias: the park hosts international camellia trials.
• Trails: a woodland trail of about 1.9 miles, a meadow trail of about 1.8 miles and an easy 1.1-mile garden trail.

Planning your visit

The main entrance is on Upper Malone Road, with a car park. The Stables coffee shop, reached from the lower entrance towards Drumbeg, serves hot and cold food. There is a children's playground, picnic tables and a barbecue area, though disposable barbecues are not permitted. An AccessAble guide gives disability access information.