Forest bathing at Belvoir Park Forest

Belvoir Park Forest covers 75 hectares on the south bank of the River Lagan in south Belfast. The Hill family enclosed the estate around the 1740s and built a house where the car park now stands; the surviving buildings were the estate farm. There's a range of trees, and the woods hide a twelfth century Norman motte with an eighteenth century ice house built into its side. The Forest Service opened it to the public in 1961.

Several waymarked trails start and finish at the car park, so it's easy to choose a short loop and take your time. Cycling isn't allowed on the trails, which keeps them calm for walkers. Because it's so close to the city, it's a good place for a short, regular visit rather than a big day out. Walk on past the car park area towards the motte for a more enclosed feel. The tree cover gives some shelter on a grey day.