The Regional park is a mosaic of countryside, urban parks, heritage sites, nature reserves and riverside trails. The backbone of the Regional Park is the River Lagan and towpath - offering miles of level walking in tranquil, attractive surroundings. It’s rich local history includes relics of the old Lagan Canal and linen industry, whilst its more distant past is represented by Norman mottes and evidence of early stone age settlements (Giant's Ring).

The Lagan Valley has been the focus for human settlement for over 7,000 years. Although relatively few historic monuments survive within the Park boundaries, archaeological sites and monuments of many types and periods can be seen along the valley. Historic buildings, and features associated with industry in the valley, particularly with the Lagan Navigation, are more numerous. The features which survive may be only a small proportion of what once existed, but they are significant both visually and historically for understanding how the valley has developed over 7,000 years.