18 I NEWS
Sunday Life 20 June 2021
www.sundaylife.co.uk
AS WE HONOUR OUR 2019 WINNER,
LAUNCH: Kathryn Thomson and Chris McCracken promote the new trail
Walking trail flaunts best of Belfast
By John Lee
A NEW free attraction has been announced for Belfast — the Golden Mile Walking Trail. The concept has been developed by Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (LQ BID) to draw more footfall in to the city, and support attractions and businesses as a result. The walking trail stretches from City Hall to Ulster Museum beside Botanic Gardens, with 20 different attractions along the way. 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 Queen’s Quarter. The trail points out some of the city’s characterful and historic architecture, hero attractions and vibrant hospitality hotspots. A complementary social media campaign will highlight key events and activities taking place throughout the summer.
COCKTAIL Sights and attractions include art galleries, museums and entertainment venues such as Naughton & 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. 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. 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. 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.” ÷ For more information, visit linenquarter.org
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