Booking information, what's included, term dates and useful resources
plan your visit
School visits and on-site sessions
Our curriculum-based sessions are led by expert presenters who bring the history of the castle to life through lively, interactive learning opportunities.
We offer a wide selection of curriculum-based sessions linked to a range of subjects for key stages 1 to 5, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Primary sessions cater for up to 32 students, while secondary and SEND capacities vary so, please check the session information.
Schools are also welcome to book a gardens’ self-led visit and explore the gardens independently.
What's included?
- A facilitated, curriculum-linked session led by an expert presenter.
- Access to Hillsborough Castle’s gardens to explore at your leisure.
- Access to our two play trails; The Imaginary Menagerie.
- A booked lunch space (30 mins).
- Pre-visit email including two teacher planning passes and essential information.
- Space to store coats and bags throughout your visit.
NEW for 2024-25 Garden Self-led School Visits
Available Wednesdays - Fridays
What's included:
- Access to Hillsborough Castle's 96 acres of gardens.
- Access to all garden areas open on the day of your visit, including The Imaginary Menagerie play trails and the 4-acre Walled Garden.
- Pre-visit email including two teacher planning passes.
- When available, normally from Easter – Halloween, use of the stretch tent in the gardens for lunch. This space is not available to pre-book and is available on a first come, first served basis, by all garden visitors.
- Self-led activity trails for key stages 1-3
What's not included:
- Access to Hillsborough Castle's State Rooms.
- A facilitated school session.
- An indoor lunch space.
Important information for your booking
All school visits are free
Pupils: Free
On-site sessions: Free
Teachers and adults
Up to agreed ratios: Free
Adults for 1:1 assistance: Free
Additional adults: £18.60
All school group visits must be booked in advance. Dates book up quickly, so we advise booking at least two months in advance.
To avail of a free session, schools must be based within the UK or ROI only, and book directly with Historic Royal Palaces, and not through a third party.
2024-2025 Academic Year
On-site facilitated sessions available Mondays* - Thursdays during term time. (*Monday visits are only available up until December 2024.)
Garden Self-led visits are available Wednesdays - Fridays during term time.
Autumn term
2 September 2024 - 30 October 2024
Winter term
2 November 2024 - 22 December 2024
3 January 2025 - 12 February 2025
Spring term
15 February 2025 - 16 April 2025
Summer term
26 April 2025 - 30 June 2025
The following ratios apply to all school groups visiting the castle and gardens.
Key stage 1 (age 4-7) = 1:5
Key stages 2, 3 and 4 (age 7-15) = 1:10
Key stage 5 and up (age 16+) = 1:15
SEND groups can determine their own ratios.
Groups with an inadequate number of accompanying adults may not be admitted.
School Visit Booking request Form
Complete this form to request a booking for a school visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Hillsborough Castle School Visit Booking FormQuestions
If you have any questions, wish to check availability or amend a booking request form you have already submitted please contact the schools team via email at [email protected].
Terms and conditionsRelated links for school visits
Opening and closing times Frequently asked questions Terms and conditions Safeguarding safety proceduresPrepare for your visit
Key information and guides to support your school visit.
Useful resources
Click to download
SEND visit resources
A visual story guide to support a visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Essential information
Essential information for visiting Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Essential information
Hillsborough Castle Learning Resources
Check out our new learning resources to support teaching for Key Stage 2, 3, 4 and 5.