In this lookout post wholly in glass, an exhibition tells the history of the River Lagan, its place as a centre for naval building, its flora and fauna and its ultra-modern dam that controls the tides creating a type of lagoon at the heart of the city.

The Southwell Foundation, which includes a school and several homes, was founded in 1733 by Edward Southwell, Secretary of State for Ireland. The buildings are brick, with cornerstones and plinths in sandstone; the main building is arranged around a carriage entrance topped with a dome and flanked by the homes, one for boys, the other for girls. The two teachers' residences are beyond this and linked to the main building.

Dixon Park is famous for the rose trial grounds that contain about 30,000 roses. Belfast Rose Week (mid-July) attracts rose-lovers from all over. Originally the grounds of a private house, the park was presented to Belfast Corporation in 1959 so that its mature trees, woodland, copses and rhododendrons could be enjoyed by all.

Belfast Castle, a great mansion in the Scottish Baronial style, was built in 1867-70. The external Baroque staircase was added to the east front in 1894. The interior now houses a restaurant, reception rooms, and a Heritage Centre with displays on the history of the castle and its surroundings. The castle has formal gardens and is one of the starting points for the waymarked trails through Cave Hill Country Park.