Formal and informal National Trust gardens with unique, colourful plants, walking trails and a cafe.
Having recently visited Rowallane Garden, I wanted to share my experience with anyone seeking a beautiful and peaceful escape. Located just outside Saintfield, it's an easy drive from Belfast and well worth the trip. Blooming Marvels: The star of the show, without a doubt, are the gardens themselves. As you wander the grounds, you'll be greeted by a vibrant display of flowers depending on the season. In spring, the rhododendrons and azaleas are a breathtaking sight, while summer brings a kaleidoscope of colors in the walled garden. Don't miss the National Collection of penstemons - a unique and impressive addition. Exploring the Grounds: The variety of landscapes at Rowallane Garden keeps things interesting. There are formal areas with manicured lawns, perfect for a picnic lunch, alongside wilder woodland walks perfect for getting lost in nature. On a clear day, the meadow walk offers stunning views of the Mourne Mountains. Be aware that some paths might have inclines, so keep that in mind if you have mobility limitations. Facilities: The on-site cafe is a welcome sight after exploring the gardens. They offer a selection of hot drinks, light lunches, and delicious treats. A bonus for dog owners - the cafe allows well-behaved pups inside (not just on the terrace) which is a big plus on a rainy day. There are also toilet facilities located near the cafe. Overall, Rowallane Garden is a haven for nature lovers and anyone seeking a relaxing escape. The well-maintained gardens offer something for everyone, and the cafe provides a convenient spot for refreshment. Whether you're a keen gardener or simply looking for a scenic stroll, I highly recommend a visit.
I really enjoyed Rowallane Garden and I'd definitely go back, it's part of the national trust so I got to go in for free which is always a bonus! The little 2nd hand bookshop in the house was gorgeous with all sorts of titles to be found. The gardens has a very natural feel which I loved as it showed they were looking after bugs and other critters instead of having the usual pristine gardens you usually get at these type of places Its dog friendly, the general impression I got is you must keep your dog on a lead, there is a dog park area which you can let your dog off the lead though and the toilets were also easy to access and very clean
Pleasant gardens and nice walks. Parts of the walking trails are on slopes and may represent some difficulty for those with mobility issues. However, the paths are, for the most part, smooth underfoot. In summertime, there is a very pleasant meadow walk, too, which takes the visitor to a viewpoint. The views across the County Down countryside and The Mourne Mountains are very nice on a clear day. The meadow's wildflowers are very attractive too. Rowallane House itself contains a cafe, bookshop and toilets. There are quite a lot of parking spaces too. As per usual with National Trust properties, admission fees are, in my opinion, expensive unless you are a National Trust member. Nevertheless, if you enjoy flower filled gardens, it is definitely worth visiting in summertime.
So its NT prices, I think they price it high to make you become a member, and if you're going to visit the NT sites regularly, then its probably worth it. But the gardens! They were lovely, lots of flowers blooming, and I expect that if I went back next week, it would look a bit different with new blooms. It's big enough for a nice walk around. It was quiet, and I could enjoy my audio book with the sound of people or dogs. I did go on a Wednesday morning, though. Finished off with a hot chocolate and a piece of cake sitting in the sun.
Beautiful location for walking & if you love a book, you'll need time to browse the 2nd hand book shop. Plenty of places to rest, picnic n play spaces for the children. Enjoy the serenity of the extensive gardens. Well worth a visit
Rowallane is the closest National trust place to us and we often go there for walks. The Grounds are lovely, the cafe sells delicious tray bakes and scones, the children adore the play area and the dog can have a lovely run around with other dogs in the dog exercise area.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public toilet
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dog park
Dogs allowed
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Having recently visited Rowallane Garden, I wanted to share my experience with anyone seeking a beautiful and peaceful escape. Located just outside Saintfield, it's an easy drive from Belfast and well worth the trip. Blooming Marvels: The star of the show, without a doubt, are the gardens themselves. As you wander the grounds, you'll be greeted by a vibrant display of flowers depending on the season. In spring, the rhododendrons and azaleas are a breathtaking sight, while summer brings a kaleidoscope of colors in the walled garden. Don't miss the National Collection of penstemons - a unique and impressive addition. Exploring the Grounds: The variety of landscapes at Rowallane Garden keeps things interesting. There are formal areas with manicured lawns, perfect for a picnic lunch, alongside wilder woodland walks perfect for getting lost in nature. On a clear day, the meadow walk offers stunning views of the Mourne Mountains. Be aware that some paths might have inclines, so keep that in mind if you have mobility limitations. Facilities: The on-site cafe is a welcome sight after exploring the gardens. They offer a selection of hot drinks, light lunches, and delicious treats. A bonus for dog owners - the cafe allows well-behaved pups inside (not just on the terrace) which is a big plus on a rainy day. There are also toilet facilities located near the cafe. Overall, Rowallane Garden is a haven for nature lovers and anyone seeking a relaxing escape. The well-maintained gardens offer something for everyone, and the cafe provides a convenient spot for refreshment. Whether you're a keen gardener or simply looking for a scenic stroll, I highly recommend a visit.
I really enjoyed Rowallane Garden and I'd definitely go back, it's part of the national trust so I got to go in for free which is always a bonus! The little 2nd hand bookshop in the house was gorgeous with all sorts of titles to be found. The gardens has a very natural feel which I loved as it showed they were looking after bugs and other critters instead of having the usual pristine gardens you usually get at these type of places Its dog friendly, the general impression I got is you must keep your dog on a lead, there is a dog park area which you can let your dog off the lead though and the toilets were also easy to access and very clean
Pleasant gardens and nice walks. Parts of the walking trails are on slopes and may represent some difficulty for those with mobility issues. However, the paths are, for the most part, smooth underfoot. In summertime, there is a very pleasant meadow walk, too, which takes the visitor to a viewpoint. The views across the County Down countryside and The Mourne Mountains are very nice on a clear day. The meadow's wildflowers are very attractive too. Rowallane House itself contains a cafe, bookshop and toilets. There are quite a lot of parking spaces too. As per usual with National Trust properties, admission fees are, in my opinion, expensive unless you are a National Trust member. Nevertheless, if you enjoy flower filled gardens, it is definitely worth visiting in summertime.
So its NT prices, I think they price it high to make you become a member, and if you're going to visit the NT sites regularly, then its probably worth it. But the gardens! They were lovely, lots of flowers blooming, and I expect that if I went back next week, it would look a bit different with new blooms. It's big enough for a nice walk around. It was quiet, and I could enjoy my audio book with the sound of people or dogs. I did go on a Wednesday morning, though. Finished off with a hot chocolate and a piece of cake sitting in the sun.
Beautiful location for walking & if you love a book, you'll need time to browse the 2nd hand book shop. Plenty of places to rest, picnic n play spaces for the children. Enjoy the serenity of the extensive gardens. Well worth a visit
Rowallane is the closest National trust place to us and we often go there for walks. The Grounds are lovely, the cafe sells delicious tray bakes and scones, the children adore the play area and the dog can have a lovely run around with other dogs in the dog exercise area.
