As September settles in there’s no better time to pull on your walking boots and explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re after a brisk walk, an afternoon stroll, or a dog-friendly walk with a coffee stop at the end, we’ve got you covered.
Here are our favourite autumn walks:
🌳 1. Hillsborough Forest Park
Best for: Lakeside views, History, Nature and a bit of digital fun!
What's around: Hillsborough Castle and Fort, Nearly 200 acres of woodland for walkers, families, nature-lovers, and photographers alike, Woodland themed playpark, Wildlife around the lake and inside the forest & Digital Scultpure trail.
There are three main trails to explore:
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🦢 The Lake Trail (1.8km): A flat, easy loop around the lake — ideal for all ages with plenty of benches to stop and take in the views.
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🦊 Fox Fort Trail (3.4km): A longer route into the forest with a gentle climb to the ancient Fox Fort Rath, plus access to the play area before looping back.
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🪵 Digital Sculpture Trail (1.9km): Discover 10 forest sculptures using an AR app, a fun and interactive way to explore!
All trails are mostly flat and accessible, with wide paths and seating along the way. Top tip: Warm up after your walk in one of Hillsborough’s cosy cafés.
🌳2. Castle Gardens
Best for: History lovers, quiet stroll.
What's around: Historically significant beautifully restored green space, historic stone terraces, Wallace Water Fountain.
Fun fact:During autumn and winter the berries of Ivy, Rowan, Dogwood, Hawthorn and Cotoneaster all provide an important source of food for birds such as resident Woodpigeon and Blackbird as well as Redwing and Fieldfare which both visit us from Scandanavia each autumn and winter.
🌾 3. Moira Demesne
Best for: Family walks & four-legged friends
What's around: 40 acres of parkland, areas of grassland, beautiful walkways and picnic sites for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors, children’s play area and outdoor gym equipment.
Fun fact: The ‘Wildlife areas’ have been developed over the years and provide protection to areas of trees and a range of habitats for wildflowers. Areas of previously mown grass have been allowed to grow and are subjected to a mowing regime to encourage the seeding of a variety of plants.
🌺 4. Wallace Park, Lisburn
Best for: Quick autumn recharge, dog walkers, families, cyclists and workers on a lunchtime stroll.
What's around: Great playpark, tennis courts, and ducks to feed at the pond, Victorian bandstand.
Nearby perk: Treat yourself to lunch or coffee in Lisburn's City Centre.
🌿 5. Lagan Valley Regional Park – The Towpath
Best for: Riverside rambles & wildlife spotting
What's around: Stretching from Lisburn to Belfast, the Lagan Towpath is a peaceful walk that follows the old canal path. In autumn, it’s an explosion of colour with mirrored reflections in the water and herons skimming across the surface.
Start your walk: From Lisburn’s Island Arts Centre or Union Locks, depending on how long a walk you're after.
🌾 6. Slievenacloy Nature Reserve
Best for: Wildlife spotters, Bracing autumn walks.
What's around: Peaceful grassland and heathland reserve, nature lovers, wide open skies, rolling views, and a rich variety of rare wildlife that changes with the seasons.
It’s the kind of place that feels a little off the beaten path and all the more special for it.
🌾 6. Moat Park
Best for: Quiet calm nature walks and birdwatching.
What’s around: A peaceful pocket of green, golden leaves in autumn, and the soft rustle of wildlife at the wildlife garden and a children's playpark.
📸 Share Your Autumn Adventures!
Tag us in your autumnal snaps using #AutumnInLisburnCastlereagh, we’d love to see your favourite spots, leaf piles, and scenic selfies!
