Family Holidays: Belfast family holidays and breaks

Take the Family holiday rating 4 stars out of 5

Why

You'll be surprised by how much a Belfast holiday or break has to offer for you and your family. Belfast has undergone some remarkable changes in the past decade. This one-time centre of shipbuilding and the linen trade is now a city full of culture, entertainment and excellent shopping facilities. And, despite lingering perceptions, it's a safe and welcoming city for a family holiday or break. It's also just a short drive to beautiful countryside, including Northern Ireland's most popular attraction, the Giant's Causeway.

Above left: Giants Causeway
Above right: Dunluce Castle

When

Belfast is an all year round option. Pop there for a weekend break or enjoy a longer stay in the panoramic countryside that Northern Ireland has to offer.

How

take the plane

You can fly to Belfast from all over Great Britain with British Airways, Aer Arann, Flybe, Easyjet, bmibaby and even Air Wales. Belfast is served by Belfast City and Belfast International airports. Click here for great deals on flights through our partners at lastminute.com or search for low cost flight deals with Ebookers. Belfast City Airport is just a few miles from the city centre. A regular bus service operates into the city. Belfast International Airport is located 18 miles from Belfast city. Regular buses and taxis can take you into the city.

take the ferry

You can take your car and family on the ferry directly to Belfast from Stranraer, Liverpool or the Isle of Man. Otherwise, you can travel from Troon, Cairnryan or Fleetwood to Larne. Take the Family offers competitive ferry crossing options throughout Europe, and further afield through Ferrysavers through our partners. If you are not planning on taking a car, (and are not in a rush to arrive!), then why not combine ferry and coach from tons of UK destinations with Eurolines by National Express to Belfast which includes a Stena Line ferry crossing to Stranraer and coach travel to your chosen destination beyond.

Stay

Whether you wish to stay in the heart and hustle and bustle of the city or the tranquil areas beyond with access to the incredible Antrim Coast, Glens and Causeway Coast, we can help you find the perfect base camp for your family, including hotels, apartments and guest houses. Search for family friendly accommodation in and around Belfast in conjunction with our travel partners Active hotels.

Do

Take the kids to Whowhatwhenwherewhy (W5) in Belfast. This entertaining interactive scientific discovery centre is a very popular attraction. Open Monday – Saturday from 10 am to 6pm; Sunday 12-6pm

Visit Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory to see sweets and candles being hand crafted, 1950’s style! Note that advanced booking is often necessary. Open Mon-Fri 9.30 to 4.30pm; Sat 9.30 – 5pm

If you're planning to stay for more than a couple of days then why not rent a car and explore County Antrim:

The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction. It’s an amazing array of around 40,000 basalt columns. Ask your kids to speculate whether they were formed over 60 million years ago through volcanic activity or, as legend has it, whether the Causeway was built by Finn McCool and originally stretched all the way to Scotland!

Dunluce Castle enjoys a dramatic setting and children love clambering around the ruins.

Nearby and rather less historic, though still handy for a rainy day, is the Dunluce Centre, which offers three child focused attractions.

Carrick-a-Rede’s famous Rope Bridge spans an 80 feet deep chasm. It was used primarliy by fishermen, bringing back freshly caught salmon. It’s now more of a tourist attraction and the scenery is amazing.

Eat

From the best in seafood to the famous Ulster fry to “pub grub” – there is something for all tastes and budgets.

Cost

Belfast is reasonably priced, especially compared to London. And with so many competitive options for getting there, your family can enjoy a break without incurring too much expense.