A new Golden Mile walking trail has been launched in Belfast in a bid to get more people taking in its many sights on their own two feet.
The trail, which is the brainchild of Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (LQ BID), spans from Belfast City Hall to the Ulster Museum with 20 stops along the way and aims to draw more people into the city while supporting local businesses.
And it appears to include something for everyone from families looking for some free and interesting fun, couples looking for a different kind of date night to tourists keen to see the wonders Belfast has to offer.
The sights and attractions include art galleries, museums and entertainment venues such the Naughton and Carey Galleries, Grand Opera House, Empire Music Hall and Queen's Film Theatre.
Outdoor sculpture is celebrated through the likes of Flying Figures, Eco and the Thomas Thompson Fountain while the architectural highlights encompass both the magnificent Lanyon Building and the modern brutalism of Ulster Museum.
Chief Executive of National Museums NI and Chair of Visit Belfast, Kathryn Thomson, said: "The Golden Mile Walking Trail is a great addition to our city’s activity programme, as we continue to promote Belfast as a tourist destination. With many people choosing to stay at home this summer, providing affordable and enjoyable experiences for locals is an important part of supporting the city’s recovery.
"Having a presence on the Trail provides an opportunity for Ulster Museum to connect with more visitors. Our museums are for everyone and a key part of our role is to create positive experiences that support mental and physical wellbeing. We are excited to be an anchor destination on this innovative new concept.”
LQ BID has ambitions to further develop the Golden Mile Walking Trail. The organisation’s role in the city is to ensure that the Linen Quarter - home to many of Belfast’s best-known organisations, hotels, bars and restaurants - remains a vibrant, inviting place to do business and for people to enjoy socially.
Chris McCracken, Managing Director of LQ BID, believes supporting businesses to recover from the pandemic is crucial.
He said: "We’ve developed the Golden Mile Walking Trail to encourage more footfall across the Linen Quarter and Queens Quarter, and help people appreciate the architecture, culture, history, social experiences.
"One of our objectives is to support arts and culture, entertainment and hospitality. We want to celebrate our vibrant local offering and are proud that the leaflet, map and social media campaign will help promote almost 100 different venues throughout the Linen Quarter and Queen's Quarter.
"This summer we’ll also be introducing significant transformations to shared public spaces across the Linen Quarter in partnership with Belfast City Council, Department for Infrastructure and Department for Communities. Initiatives include a vibrant hospitality hub at Brunswick Street and Blackstaff Square, two new parklets at Linenhall Street, additional outdoor space at Bedford Street, as well as new planting and overhead lighting. Our aim is to re-imagine the Linen Quarter as the most social and sustainable district in Northern Ireland, and a great place to work, stay, visit or invest."
A colourful leaflet and map, available from Visit Belfast, will guide participants through the Linen Quarter, and along the Golden Mile - famously the centre of the city’s nightlife in the 80s - before culminating at Botanic Gardens in the neighbouring Queens Quarter.
The trail points out some of the city’s characterful and historic architecture, hero attractions and vibrant hospitality hotspots and over 70 cafés, bars, restaurants and hotels are detailed on the Golden Mile map, making it easy to pitstop for a coffee, cocktail or delicious local cuisine.
The attraction reflects the city’s new emphasis on sustainability and authentic local experiences. As well as encouraging zero carbon travel, the trail connects three sets of public gardens and green lawns at City Hall, Crescent Park, and Botanic.
The Golden Mile can be enjoyed at any time beginning at City Hall with handheld maps available from Visit Belfast’s offices on Donegall Square.
For more information, visit linenquarter.org
