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Highlights of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Discover Northern Ireland's royal residence

Discover Northern Ireland's royal residence

Explore this royal residence, one of Northern Ireland's must-see attractions. Relax in 100 acres of picturesque gardens, explore the State Rooms still used today and indulge in delicious food and drink in our café.

Visit

Opening times

Monday Closed

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday Castle closed except for groups of 15+ only

Thursday Castle closed except for groups of 15+ only

Friday Castle closed except for groups of 15+ only

Saturday 11:00-15:00

Sunday 11:00-15:00

Monday Closed

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday 10:00-17:00

Thursday 10:00-17:00

Friday 10:00-17:00

Saturday 10:00-17:00

Sunday 10:00-17:00

Tickets and prices

Visit Hillsborough Castle and over 100 acres of ornamental lawns, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens throughout the seasons.

Dogs are not permitted within the gardens and café unless they are trained assistance dogs.

Castle and Gardens ticket prices from (excluding donation): 

  • Members: Free
  • Adult: £20.20
  • Child: £10.10

Getting here

By Car:

Search for 'Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Shop' Postcode BT26 6TY. Our car park can be found off the A1 dual carriageway by following the brown tourist signs.

If you are visiting the castle you should aim to arrive on site up to 45 minutes prior to your booked time slot to allow time to make your way to the castle State Entrance.

By bus or on foot:

There is a pedestrian entrance to the gardens from Hillsborough village.

Halloween at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

26 October - 03 November 2024

Discover autumn magic for all the family with workshops, storytelling, artisan food and more.

What's on

  • Things to see
  • Halloween
  • Families
  • Half term

Scarecrow Parade

Discover scarecrows on show this autumn made by local schools and community groups in partnership with local artists.

  • Until 17 November 2024
  • In-line with gardens opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in gardens admission (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Exhibition
  • Things to see

Life Through a Royal Lens

A must-see exhibition documenting the British Royal Family's ever-evolving relationship with the camera over the last 200 years.

  • Until 03 November
  • In line with castle opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Families
  • Events
  • Christmas

Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Explore the gardens this Christmas transformed with beautiful decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.

  • 23 November 2024 - 05 January 2025
  • In line with gardens opening hours.
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Learn more

Things to see and do

  • Tours and talks

Hillsborough Castle family tour

Uncover the stories behind guests of Hillsborough Castle, on this fun tour designed with families in mind.

  • 26 October - 03 November 2024
  • 12:30 and 13:30
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Separate ticket
Learn more
  • Things to see

The Gardens

Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens that surround Hillsborough Castle.

  • In line with gardens opening hours
  • Last entry one hour before closing.
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see
  • Families

The Imaginary Menagerie

Enjoy a day out discovering our interactive play trail - the Imaginary Menagerie.

  • In line with gardens opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Learn more

Join as a member

Enjoy a range of member benefits including unlimited adventures at our magnificent palaces, access to an exciting events programme and discounts in our shops and restaurants. 

Shop 24/7 online

Discover beautiful commemorative souvenirs and unique gifts inspired by our palaces.

Be the first to hear more

Sign up for our Hillsborough Castle and Gardens e-newsletter for the latest news, events, offers and competitions.

Read history and stories

Our gardener's guide to creating harmony among your plants

Hear from our experts on our blog

Daniel Coombes, Keeper of the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle, explores how companion planting has transformed the Walled Garden into a thriving ecosystem, and how you can replicate these benefits at home.

Rare and historic Northern Irish plant varieties in our gardens

Northern Ireland is home to a rich variety of rare and historic plants, and this diversity is reflected in the gardens of Hillsborough Castle.

Support us

As a self-funding charity, there are several ways you can support us.

Make a donation

We are an independent charity and a donation helps us to conserve these historic buildings, ensuring they are here for future generations to enjoy.

Become a patron

Step closer to history and join us for unique and amazing events as a patron of Historic Royal Palaces.

Our supporters

The restoration and re-presentation of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund,
Mark Pigott KBE KSTJ, Garfield Weston Foundation, the Clore Duffield Foundation, the Foyle Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation and other generous donors.