Redburn Country Park

Redburn Country Park is a free country park on the wooded hillside above Holywood, on the edge of Belfast. Around seven kilometres of pathways wind through mixed woodland, open meadow and grassland, climbing to panoramic viewpoints over Belfast Lough, the city and the south Antrim hills; there is also a five-kilometre running trail for those wanting a challenge. Spring brings a spectacular woodland carpet of bluebells, wood sorrel and anemones, and the woods are home to tits, finches, rabbits and the park's shyest resident, the red squirrel. All walks start from the main car park off the Old Holywood Road (opposite Palace Barracks), with additional pedestrian gates from the edge of Holywood. The park is open all year during daylight hours, entry and parking are free, and it is a firm favourite with families and dog walkers. Note that this is a steep, natural hillside with unsurfaced paths and no cafe, shop or toilets on site, so bring water and snacks and wear sturdy shoes; Holywood town is a short walk down the hill.