The park was the official residence of the High Sheriff of County Antrim before being donated to the public.
It hosts one of the largest annual rose trial competitions in Europe.
The International Rose Garden contains many varieties that have been bred specifically to survive the Irish climate.
The park grounds once served as a training base for American troops during the Second World War.
It features a rare collection of mature specimen trees, including various North American conifers.
The Japanese Garden section was designed to promote tranquility and traditional Eastern landscaping aesthetics.
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is an award-winning 128-acre public park in Belfast, renowned for its extensive International Rose Garden. The grounds contain a variety of formal gardens, woodland trails, and meadows managed by Belfast City Council. It hosts over 20,000 rose bushes and is the site of the annual Rose Week festival each July. The estate was gifted to the city by Lady Dixon in 1959 in memory of her husband, Sir Thomas Dixon. The park layout features a walled garden, a Japanese-style garden, and various water features. It is a designated Green Flag site, reflecting high standards in maintenance and environmental management. Visitors have access to designated walking routes that navigate through both manicured landscapes and natural wilderness areas. The site is frequently utilized for orienteering events and botanical studies due to its diverse plant collections.
The central fountain within the formal Rose Garden during the summer months.
Visit during the peak of the rose bloom in mid-summer for the best sensory experience.
Bring sturdy footwear if planning to walk the extensive woodland trails, as paths can be muddy after rain.
Check the local council calendar for Rose Week dates to avoid or participate in the festival crowds.
Do not pick flowers or disturb the rose beds, as the park is a protected horticultural site.
Dogs must be kept on a lead in certain designated garden areas; practice leave-no-trace principles.
