Montalto Estate Trails and Gardens

Reconnect with nature, in a natural, historical and truly relaxing setting in the heart of County Down in Northern Ireland

Discount code: AUTUMN10
eligible with a VisitBritain Gift Card

Standout list

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 48 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

Highlights

Embark yourself and your beloved ones on a unique experience for the senses following stunning woodland trails through the magnificent grounds at Montalto Estate or visiting the beautiful gardens surrounding a 18th Century mansion and a romantic lake.

  • Trails
    • The History Trail: Ideal for Summer visits, this trail offers wonderful woodland views and an opportunity to explore the location of the Battle of Ballynahinch.
    • The Woodland Trail: Wander around many interesting and historic trees, with native and naturalised birch, beech, douglas-fir and sycamore examples.
    • The Lost Garden Trail: Discover the historic glasshouse remains and a replica of the original rose arbour, both leading down to a bridge crossing the stream.
    • The Lake Walk: Best visited in late Spring or early Autumn, this route will take you past The Boathouse and features a variety of acers, including Japanese maples.
    • The Garden Walk: This walk is at its most stunning in spring-time, when a beautiful display of deciduous azaleas and colourful rhododendron, are in full bloom.
  • Gardens
    • The Alpine Garden: Admire 245 varieties of alpine plants at this visually impressive garden, bursting in all its splendour during Spring and Autumn.
    • The Winter Garden: Take a stroll amidst dogwoods and willows, birch and cherry trees, and nine large collections of Christmas roses (Hellebores). 
    • The Lost Garden: Explore its beauty and tranquillity and understand how this historic setting would have looked back in 1912.
    • The Walled Garden: Walk through a garden presenting beautiful borders of herbaceous perennials, pear trees and stunning water features.
    • The Formal Garden: Breath in the stunning views over Montalto Lake and towards The Boathouse from this defined area with its geometric shapes.

What's included

  • Access to trails and gardens (except for The Orchard and The Cutting Garden)

Prepare for the experience

Children information

  • Children under 5 years old can access free of charge.
  • Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Accessibility information

  • A carer can access free of charge.
  • Please contact our team before booking should you require any accessibility information regarding the experience.

Ticket restrictions

  • Unfortunately The Orchard and The Cutting Garden are open only on special occasions and not for the general public.
  • Also note that The Walled Garden and The Formal Garden is only available at certain times and on special occasions. Ask about their availability upon arrival before starting your visit.

Additional information

  • Should the estate grounds not be open due to adverse weather conditions, the provider will contact you as soon as possible (assuming contact details have been provided) to let you know and to transfer your ticket to another suitable date.

Montalto Estate’s Trails & Gardens’ live availability can be seen when booking.

The usual opening times are the following:

  • Sunday - Friday: 9:30am - 8:00pm

  • Saturday: 9:30am - 5:00pm

Times may vary on bank holidays and exceptional openings

Walks and Trails at Montalto are designed to cater to most ages and levels of ability.

More technical information for the various routes:

  • The History Trail: 
    • Distance: 2.7km (1.69 miles)
    • Accessibility: Partial – some steps and steep inclines
    • Estimated time: 60 minutes
    • Suitable for: Adults and children

  • The Woodland Trail:

    • Distance: 2.2km (1.38 miles)

    • Accessibility: Accessible as far as the natural play area

    • Estimated time: 60 minutes

    • Suitable for: Adults and children / Partially accessible

  • The Garden Walk:

    • Distance: 0.9km (0.56 miles)

    • Accessibility: Partial - some steps throughout

    • Estimated time: 20 - 25 minutes

    • Suitable for: Adults and children

  • The Lost Garden Trail:

    • Opened 31st March 2023

    • Distance: 1.9km (1.19 miles)

    • Accessibility: Partial - steep incline on exit

    • Estimated time: 40 - 45 minutes

    • Suitable for: Adults and children / Partially accessible

  • The Lake Walk:

    • Distance: 1.1km (0.69 miles)

    • Accessibility: Full - easy gradient

    • Estimated time: 20 minutes

    • Suitable for: Adults and children

How to get there

  • Address: Montalto Estate, Spa Rd, Ballynahinch BT24 8PT, County Down, Northern Ireland.
  • Nearest bus stop: Windmill St.
  • By car from Belfast: 37 min (19.7 miles) via A12, M1 and A49.
  • By bus from Belfast: 1 hr 22 min Bus 518a/520, Bus18, and walk. Europa Bus centre, Ballynahinch, Windmill St, Carlisles, and walk.

Supplier information

This product is sold by VisitBritain Shop and provided by Montalto Estate.

Upon booking you will receive instant order confirmations via email from VisitBritain and from the supplier within 72 hours. The supplier’s email is your e-ticket. You can show it over your mobile phone or print it out to show when you arrive.

You may also like...