If you’re looking for an October half-term escape that doesn’t involve battling crowds in London or paying a fortune for flights, it’s time to put Belfast on your radar.
With regular low-cost flights from East Midlands Airport, the Northern Irish capital comes alive in autumn. Think blockbuster festivals, cosy pubs, live music spilling onto cobbled streets and parks painted in shades of gold and amber.
It’s not just us saying it, either. The Times recently named Belfast among the UK’s top city breaks, praising attractions including Titanic Belfast, Belfast City Hall and the city’s beautiful green spaces.
One of the UK’s biggest arts seasons
Autumn is when Belfast really shows off. The city’s cultural calendar is packed with theatre, music, literature, film and visual arts, making it one of the most exciting times of year to visit.
The headline event is the Belfast International Arts Festival, which returns from October 14 to November 8, bringing more than 200 events to venues across the city. Expect everything from big-name performances and thought-provoking theatre to live music, exhibitions and immersive experiences.
A dream destination for film fans
Movie lovers are particularly spoiled this time of year.
The long-running Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival takes over venues across Belfast with screenings, workshops, masterclasses and showcases for young filmmakers. Around Halloween, the programme also includes a selection of spooky screenings and seasonal events.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Belfast Film Festival lands from October 29 to November 7, adding another packed programme of independent films, special screenings and cinema events across the city.
Belfast was made for autumn walks
When you’ve had your fill of museums and festivals, Belfast’s outdoor spaces provide the perfect excuse to wrap up warm and explore.
For spectacular views, head to Cave Hill Country Park, where walking trails reward visitors with sweeping panoramas across the city and beyond. If you’re after something more relaxed, Botanic Gardens, Victoria Park, Stormont Estate and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park are all ideal for an autumn stroll.
End the day in one of Belfast’s legendary pubs
Of course, no trip to Belfast is complete without a visit to a proper Irish pub.
Whether you’re after traditional music, a perfectly poured pint or somewhere cosy to shelter from a passing shower, the city has plenty of options. Kelly’s Cellars, Madden’s, The Dirty Onion, The Second Fiddle and The Points are among the best spots for live music and an atmosphere you’ll struggle to leave.
Getting there
Regular flights from East Midlands Airport make Belfast one of the easiest and most affordable city breaks for East Midlands travellers this autumn.
Book flights here: https://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/flights-and-hotels/book-flights/
