Belfast With Children

Transcription

1 Day One: Jump on board a Belfast City Sightseeing bus tour it is the perfect way to see Belfast. Belfast City Sightseeing double decker buses operate regularly throughout the day, taking in the best that Belfast has to offer the complete tour lasts about one hour and thirty minutes. This short journey will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the city before you explore the city streets by foot. Finish the morning with a guided tour of Belfast City Hall they last around one hour and uncover the history of Belfast City Hall, while exploring some of its finest features. You can also visit the Titanic Memorial Garden and a number of monuments and memorials. The Bobbin cafe at Belfast City Hall is a popular spot with tourists visiting the brand new exhibition area and locals who love the food and atmosphere of the busy eatery. This is the ideal spot for a little lunch with options of homemade soup and sandwiches on the menu as well as Irish stew and salads. Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an Ancient Egyptian Mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum. As Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and the present, the revitalised museum tells the story of the people of the north of Ireland from earliest times to the present day. Impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones bring history, science and art collections to life for visitors of all ages. The Odyssey Pavilion consists of various bars, restaurants, a cinema and ten pin bowling all under one roof. Choose from Pizza Hut or the Red Panda for dinner before enjoying all he activities on offer at the Odyssey Pavilion. Enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling followed by fun-filled games at in the Arcadia, with everything from quality racing games and fast-and-furious shoot-em-ups to the ever popular Air Hockey games. Take a leisurely stroll back into the city centre over the River Lagan, taking in the sights of Belfast lit up at night.

2 Day Two: Enter the magical world of chocolate and sweets at Aunt Sandra s Candy Factory. Make your own chocolate pizzas, lollipops or any kind of treat you can imagine. A visit to Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory is like taking a trip back in time where visitors can see how chocolates and fudge are made, most of which can be sampled as it is being produced. Fun for all the family, friends and kids of all ages. Candy workshops last for approximately one hour and twenty minutes. Head back into the city centre and enjoy some shopping at Victoria Square with a range of shops on offer including a Build-a-Bear workshop for the children to create their own furry friend! Situated just behind Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Little Wing Pizzeria is the perfect option for lunch. Serving yummy, traditional Naples style pizzas made with the finest fresh ingredients and cooked using time honoured methods. The children's menu is great value at 5.95 and includes a starter, main and dessert. Kids can enjoy both colouring in and toys while you wait for pizza. Enrich yourselves in the history of Titanic Belfast, located at the heart of Titanic Quarter - only a short walk from Belfast s city centre, is not only an architectural triumph for the city, but it houses the world s largest Titanic visitor experience. Titanic Belfast tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to its maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. The self-guided Titanic Experience extends over nine interpretive and interactive galleries, which explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people who made her. Once you re finished in Titanic Belfast, step on board HMS Caroline, the last remaining ship of the Battle of Jutland. Explore the impressively recreated cabins that have been restored as if the crew left the ship yesterday, listen in on the everyday sounds in the Captain s and Senior Officers cabins and enjoy interactive exhibits throughout the ship. Situated in Victoria Square, TGI Fridays serve a great range of American food, kids can enjoy their Stars Menu (for younger kids) or Stripes Menu (a selection of child-size Friday classics) featuring everything from burgers and hot dogs to fajitas and pasta. Pop round to the Movie House Cinema and catch a newly released blockbuster.

3 Day Three: Belfast Zoological Gardens is located in North Belfast on the slopes of Cave Hill. This unique location provides unrivalled views across Belfast Lough with only a 15-minute drive from the city centre. The 55 acre site is home to more than 130 species such as Asian elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, California sea lions, penguins and Sumatran tigers. Belfast Zoo is the perfect place to discover, learn and bring textbooks to life, in an interactive and fun way. Belfast Zoo offers a Zooper Day Out with a range of experiences such as feeding some of the penguins, giraffes or ring-tailed lemurs yourselves! Nandos is a great family-friendly restaurant in Victoria Square. Their special Nandinos Menu, forkids under 10, includes a main course, marinade, two sides and a drink or dessert, which include bottomless frozen yoghurt! Whether it s a quick bite, a sit-down dinner or take-out, each visit comes with heaps of Nando s legendary flavour that s sure to leave you wanting more. Enjoy a unique perspective of the changing face of Belfast's historic harbour which built well over 10,000 ships in its history offered by the Lagan Boat Company. This guided Titanic Boat Tour tells the ever changing story of Belfast's rich maritime heritage and industry and how the port has developed and changed from its industrial shipbuilding roots to a major tourist attraction. These boat tours last approximately an hour depending on port operations. Take a tour to experience all aspects of the Crumlin Road Gaol from the tunnel linking the courthouse on the other side of the Crumlin Road to the hanging cell, Governor s office, hospital and graveyard. Crumlin Road Gaol first opened its gates to prisoners in 1846 and for 150 years was a fully operational prison. Pay a fleeting visit to the Condemned Man s Cell where 17 men spent their last days before being executed. You will also visit the gravesite within the Gaol where the remains of 15 of the executed men still remain today. McHugh's is housed in one of Belfast's oldest buildings, dating back to It offers the best in local entertainment, food and drink across three floors. They offer traditional Irish cooking with a modern twist, and dishes to suit all palates including a children's menu with mini fish and chips, traditional chicken dinner, sausage and mash and other options. Northern Ireland s top ice-hockey franchise, the Stena Line Belfast Giants, is a night out for everyone! The Giants are the anchor tenant at The SSE Arena, Belfast and regularly welcome huge crowds to watch the fastest team sport in the world, with average crowds of over 5,000 on a weekly basis. The season promises plenty of fast and furious action that will have you on the edge of your seat, from bone-crunching hits to last minute game-winning goals.

4 Day Four: Spend the day in the North Coast visiting The Giant s Causeway, the setting is a spectacular, dynamic coastal landscape of Atlantic waves, rugged cliffs, fascinating geographical antiquity, secluded bays and magnificent views. The Causeway forms a jagged headland of neatly packed columns which point towards Scotland. Visitors can walk along the basalt columns which are at the edge of the sea, just over 1km from the entrance to the site. They say the Giant's Causeway was the stomping ground of giant Finn McCool, who lived in these parts nearly two thousand years ago. How else can you explain the chimney stacks that mark his house? The organ he built for his musical son Oisín? Or the giant boot he left on the shore? Discover the story for yourself. Come to the Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience and explore the science, myth and legends that surround the Giant's Causeway. Hear the stories of the people who have called this coastline home. Find out about the wildlife that inhabits the area. Watch the Giant's Causeway form before your eyes and spot clues to prove that Finn really did exist. Trace the line of coast over windswept grasslands and winding rocky paths to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. As you cross the bridge, you ll get a bird s-eye view of the clear green water and ancient caverns far below if you dare to look down! Suspended almost 100 ft (30 m) above sea level, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen over 200 years ago and is now a major tourist attraction on the North Coast - we have about 250,000 visitors striding across it every year. Crossing the bridge is a thrilling experience and brave explorers will be rewarded with stunning views. Sturdy shoes and raincoats would be advised as well as brining a packed lunch as this is a full day trip. Fratelli is located in Great Victoria Street, very handy if you're catching a show at the Grand Opera House. Kids can enjoy 3 courses and a bambinochine (steamed milk with chocolate sprinkles) from the Little Boars Menu for Opt for the Pizza Making Experience and kids can become little chefs, complete with hat and apron, while they build their very own pizza! Catch a show at the Grand Opera House, Northern Ireland s premier theatre, presenting a range of drama, dance, opera, comedy, musicals, pantomime, family and West End shows. The Grand Opera House has been part of Belfast s vibrant theatre scene for over 100 years, providing quality entertainment and unforgettable experiences.

5 Day Five: Morning & Take a trip to County Down and explore what Castle Espie has to offer. It is truly a magical place for people of all ages offering adventure for everyone with wild woodland walks, soft play areas, events and workshops, art exhibitions and retail therapy. Castle Espie's tranquil setting offers the best views of Strangford Lough. Castle Espie is home to Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic water-birds. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, Castle Espie is the perfect destination and every visit can be rounded off with a visit to the Kingfisher Kitchen where you can enjoy food and drinks to suit all tastes. The centre has the most significant habitat improvement of its kind in Ireland, including restored lagoons, grasslands, salt marshes and reed beds. Spend the Afternoon at Pickie Funpark one of Northern Ireland s most popular visitor attractions. The park provides a fun day out for all and features an 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train, children s play area, children s electric car track and splash pads. The fun park is at the gateway to the Marine Gardens, a delightful stretch of coast for leisurely walk. There are panoramic views of Bangor Bay and the hills of Antrim beyond. Just take a seat, relax and marvel at the wonders all around, or make your way round to Wilson's Point. The Ivory offers fantastic food and great views over the city centre. Situated on the third floor of House of Fraser in Victoria Square, it features a selection of locally sourced produce, expertly prepared by award-winning chefs. Kids can enjoy a main course, ice cream and juice for Leisurely explore the sights of Belfast for one last time, take the elevator up to The Dome at the top of Victoria Square for skyline views at night.