Tiptoe into the wood with The Gruffalo's Child this Christmas, and meet Santa
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When
28 November 2026 – 03 January 2027 (excluding 24-26 December)
In line with gardens opening hours.Ticketing information
The Gruffalo’s Child garden trail and movie screenings are included in all general admissions tickets (gardens-only or castle and gardens). Members go free. General admissions tickets include all-day access to our gardens.
Meet Santa or meet The Gruffalo can be booked as an additional experience to general admission on select dates. Pre-booking required, including for Members. If booking a meet after 14:00, we recommend you arrive earlier to enjoy the garden trail first.
Included in all admission tickets (Members go free, no pre-booking required). Separate add-on tickets available.
Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets Gardens-only tickets“Whose is this track and where does it go?”
This festive season, step into the magical world of The Gruffalo’s Child on an enchanting daytime trail through Hillsborough Castle’s breathtaking 100-acre gardens.
Discover favourite scenes from the much-loved story hidden on a winter walk perfect for the whole family. Little ones under 5 can experience the trail completely for free.
Play fun interactive games, watch The Gruffalo’s Child film, and warm up with a hot chocolate and mince pie – or even brave a Gruffalo-themed treat! No visit is complete without a trip to the shop to pick up a Gruffalo’s Child book or toy for Christmas.
On select days, add to your admission ticket a magical meet-and-greet with Santa*, and after Christmas, don’t miss the chance to meet the Gruffalo himself* and snap a photo together.
You can also upgrade your visit to explore the royal castle filled with twinkling Christmas decorations.
*On select days. Additional ticket plus castle/garden admission required.
©2004 & TM Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.
Meet Santa in his Hillsborough hideaway
Make your day even more special and take the little ones to meet Santa. Watch them share their Christmas wishes, capture the perfect family photo and receive a gift of reindeer food to save for feeding Santa's special reindeer.
Meet Santa in the Garden Shop on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, Saturday 05, Sunday 06, Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21, Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 December.
Please note pre-booking is required, including for Members. Non-members will also need to purchase a castle or gardens ticket per person.
Tickets £8 per family (up to 4 children), or £7 for members.
Non-members: Meet Santa tickets can be booked when purchasing an admission ticket.
Members: Meet Santa tickets can be booked through your member account.
Meet The Gruffalo in his cave
Come and meet The Gruffalo. Can you spot his knobbly knees and turned out toes? Meet him on Sunday 27 December – Sunday 03 January, and take a photo together with him to treasure.
Please note pre-booking is required, including for Members. Non-members will also need to purchase a castle or gardens ticket per person.
Tickets £8 per family (up to 4 children), or £6 for members.
Non-members: Meet The Gruffalo tickets can be booked when purchasing an admission ticket.
Members: Meet The Gruffalo tickets can be booked through your member account.
Watch The Gruffalo’s Child
Cosy up inside the Clore Learning Centre in the Stable Yard to watch the much-loved The Gruffalo’s Child film, included in your admission ticket.
Join us during weekends and every day during the school holidays (excluding 24-26 December) at 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00. First come, first served.
The film lasts approximately 25 minutes.
Upgrade your visit
Want to make your day extra special? Add a visit to the beautifully decorated castle, glowing with seasonal sparkle. Step into the famous Throne Room and discover fascinating stories that will delight all the family.
Upgrade your ticket to membership and discover a full year of adventures, including Easter hunts, spooktacular Halloween activities and summer family fun.
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Descriptive, informative, authoritative - this superb guidebook is the best way to learn all there is about Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
£4.99
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