The Botanic Gardens and the Queen's Quarter

I ALWAYS PASS THESE PLACES EVERYTIME I visit the Queen's University to watch international films at the Film Theatre and to swim at the Physical Education Centre (just at the far end side of the Botanic Gardens). The area is commonly known as the 'Queen's Quarter' offering mix of traditional and contemporary cultural and artistic atmosphere, including Victorian and Edwardian buildings, and modern restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

The Queen's Uni is the oldest tertiary institution in Northern Ireland founded in 1845 and established by Queen Victoria. It offers a diverse of courses both undergrad and postgrad studies. It has a Visitor's Centre located in the redbrick Lanyon Building which is a focal point for tourists to get valuable materials about the place and offers some gift and souvenir items. And at the back of the main building of the university is a big lawn (with benches) which is really good to sit and relax, not bothered with outside world.

Within the vicinity, one of the must-see attractions is the Botanic Gardens where you could find the Palm House and Tropical Ravine which cultivate some of the striking plants, ferns, and palm trees. The Palm House is really offers a 'different' greeny and colourful atmosphere where you could see flowering plants and they smell good! I was surprised to see here one species of plants but with different colours of flowers. The Ulster Museum could be find in this area as well, but it is closed until early of 2009 for major renovation. Not to ignore the Rose Gardens, the Crescent Arts Centre, Friar's Bush graveyard (just besides the museum) and the Elmwood Hall, just in front of the university.

Spring is the best time to visit the Botanic Gardens and to find plants in their magnificent colourful flowers particularly a variety of roses at the Rose Gardens.

Well, I captured thru my images below the Queen's Quarter a perfect place to unwind and for family outing. Finally, the entrance of Queen's Uni was designed by Charles Lanyon in Tudor style which is a version of Magdalene Tower in Oxford.

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