Discover Northern Ireland's royal residence
Explore Northern Ireland's royal residence, where worlds and minds meet. Relax in 100 acres of picturesque gardens, explore the State Rooms still used today and indulge in delicious food and drink in our café.
Opening times
Gardens
01 November 2023 - 29 February 2024 (closed 24-26 December, open on 01 January 2024)
Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 - 16:00 (last entry to gardens 15:00)
Castle
Closed 30 October 2023 - 09 March 2024
The Castle is currently closed for individual visits but welcomes group visits all year round.
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.
Gardens only ticket prices from (excluding donation):
- Members: Free
- Adult: £10.00
- Child: £5.00
Getting here
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens,
Car park postcode: BT26 6HR. Please copy this postcode into your Sat Nav to direct you to the Car Park and Admissions.
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. 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. There is a pedestrian entrance to the gardens from Hillsborough village.
Walking with the Snowman
18 November 2023 - 07 January 2024
Explore a magical festive trail as Raymond Briggs' classic comes to Hillsborough Castle.
What's on
- Families
- Christmas
- Events
- Things to see
Brunch with Santa
Indulge in a magical brunch with Santa at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens!
- 02, 09, 16, and 23 December
- 10:00-13:00
- Hillsborough Castle
- Free
- Families
- Christmas
Christmas Family Activities
Celebrate Christmas with a range of festive family-friendly activities and workshops.
- 11 November - 16 December 2023
- 10:30 - 15:30
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in gardens admission (members go free)
- Events
- Christmas
Christmas wreath making workshop
Create a seasonal Christmas wreath using foliage from the castle grounds.
- 08, 09 and 13 December 2023
- 10:00 and 13:30
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
Things to see and do
- Things to see
- Families
The Imaginary Menagerie
Enjoy a day out discovering our new interactive play trail - the Imaginary Menagerie.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- Things to see
The Gardens
Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens that surround Hillsborough Castle.
- Wednesday - Sunday
- 10:00-16:00 (last entry 15:00)
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- Things to see
Walled Garden
Enter the castle grounds through this 18th-century walled garden, which has been expertly restored using traditional methods.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
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.
Taste of the gardens afternoon tea
Gardens entry included
Enjoy a garden-inspired afternoon tea in the Stableyard Cafe and experience the wonderful gardens.
Discounted for members.
SHOP 24/7 ONLINE
Discover beautiful commemorative souvenirs and unique gifts inspired by our palaces.
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The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
‘The Grandest House in County Down’.
Support Us
As a self-funding charity, there are several ways you can support us.
Make a donation
We are a self -funding charity, and 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.
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.