His Royal Highness The Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh

Historic Royal Palaces joins the Royal Family and millions of people across the country in mourning the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Following the death of His Royal Highness, there will be changes to opening hours for the gardens at Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle. For further information, please read our FAQs page.

 

 

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More information

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Please help us maintain Northern Ireland's royal residence

Please help us maintain Northern Ireland's royal residence

9 April 2021. Following the death of His Royal Highness, there will be changes to opening hours for the gardens at Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle. For further information, please read our FAQs page

Explore 100 acres of stunning gardens at Northern Ireland's only royal residence. Afterwards, grab some delicious takeaway food and drink from our award-winning café to enjoy at home.

Opening times

From 3 to 11 April 

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00. Last admission 17:00

From 14 April to 2 May

Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00. Last admission: 17:00

Please check for information on closures and notices.

Tickets and prices

Come and explore 100 acres of stunning royal gardens, whatever the weather. Our team of expert gardeners work tirelessly to ensure the garden looks wonderful year-round.

Gardens-only ticket prices:

  • Members: Free
  • Adult: £9.90
  • Child: £4.90

Getting here

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, The Square, Hillsborough
BT26 6AG (Car park postcode BT26 6HR)

For free on-site parking, please follow the brown tourist signs on the A1 south to our sign-posted car park entrance. Entrance is via the Weston Pavilion. The entrance to the site from the village will remain closed.

Find out more about visiting
Keeping you safe on your visit

Visiting Hillsborough Castle gardens

Our gardens are open for weekend only, essential exercise. Book your tickets and arrival time online (members go free). Please do not travel outside your local area.

The Gardens

The Main Lawn. Showing shrubs in the foreground and trees seen across the lawn.
Things to see

The Gardens

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

Open

Hillsborough Castle

Included in gardens admission (members go free)

Learn more
The Lake at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, showing a large stretch of water surrounded by green and orange trees under a cloudy sky
Things to see

The Lake and Pinetum

Explore the Lake and Pinetum

Open

Hillsborough Castle

Included in all admission tickets (members go free)

Learn more
The Glen at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, showing a stream running through a woody green area under a blue sky
Things to see

The Glen

Explore this intimate corner of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, which is full of colour and intriguing details.

Open

Hillsborough Castle

Included in all admission tickets (members go free)

Learn more
More things to see and do
Adult and child looking and pointing at plants against a decorative panel in the Walled Garden.

Members go free

Escape to the past whenever you want when you join us today.

Enjoy unlimited adventures at our palaces, a 10% discount in our shops and cafés, and exclusive events when you become a member of Historic Royal Palaces.

State Entrance Hall at Hillsborough Castle with artworks hanging on the walls.

How you can help

With a £100 million shortfall in our finances this year, and as a charity, we have never needed your support more. If you love the palaces and believe in what we do, please consider supporting us or by visiting our online shop.

Hillsborough shop interior with items displayed on tables

Hillsborough gifts

Discover our Hillsborough Castle and Gardens inspired gift collection.

Lady Alice's Temple stands on the right hand side of a general view of Hillsborough Castle gardens.

Be the first to hear more

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

Sign up now

Support us

As a self-funding charity, we urgently need your help

The new blue and black Heritage Lottery Fund logo for 2019, displayed on a white background

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.

Hillsborough Castle Gardens, looking east across the pond towards Yew Tree Walk.

Make a donation

As a self-funding charity, we urgently need your support. We're facing a £95m shortfall in our finances this year as a result of the Coronavirus. We would gratefully appreciate any donation, whatever you can afford. Thank you.

A group of visitors enjoying a viewing of the Red Room, one of Hillsborough Castle's State Rooms. Two young girls appear in the foreground along with a young couple. A small group of older ladies and gentlemen can be seen in the background having just entered the room. The walls are lined with a deep red silk damask and a variety of oil paintings in gold frames of various sizes fill the walls. A chandelier hangs above a small round wooden table in the centre of the room. The walls are lined with grey and gold detailing.

Volunteer with us

Volunteers support the palaces in many different ways. See what roles we have available and register your interest.