Visit

Essential information for visiting Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Visit essentials

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.
For castle visits, 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.

Opening times

Gardens Friday 20 June: 10:00 - 18:00

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Monday Closed

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday 10:00 - 18:00

Thursday 10:00 - 18:00

Friday 10:00 - 18:00

Saturday 10:00 - 18:00

Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Last entry to gardens 1 hour before closing.

Castle Friday 20 June: 11:00 - 15:30

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Monday Closed

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday 11:00 - 15:30

Thursday 11:00 - 15:30

Friday 11:00 - 15:30

Saturday 11:00 - 15:30

Sunday 11:00 - 15:30

Café: Wednesday - Sunday 09:00 - 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.

From 28 June - 31 August 2025, kids go free in the gardens with Castle tickets only £5.00 for children.

Castle and Gardens ticket prices from (excluding donation):

Members: Free
Adult: £20.80
Child: £10.40

We offer all the essential facilities to ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable.

Map
Toilets - with disabled access and baby change facilities
Hand washing and hand sanitiser facilities
Only trained assistance dogs are permitted
A limited number of wheelchairs available to borrow on a first come, first served basis, sanitised between each use.

Breastfeeding is welcome throughout the Castle and Gardens and our team are always on hand should you need any further assistance

View all facilities

Disabled visitors are entitled to bring an accompanying adult/carer free of charge.

We support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, a discreet way to indicate to people that you need additional support, help or a little more time. We have Sunflower lanyards available to borrow from the Visitors Centre next to the A1 car park.

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Explore the gardens and then enjoy delicious food and drink from our café.

Hillsborough Castle Café: Located in the Weston Pavilion, Pineapple Yard.

View our café

Shop for gifts and souvenirs inspired by this famous royal residence.

Our shops offer everything from souvenirs and gifts, to fine jewellery. You can also shop online and non-EU residents can buy tax-free.

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We offer reduced admission for groups of 15 people or more.

Enjoy a castle tour and all-day entry to 100 acres of world-famous historic gardens.

Group visits

Bookings are now open for the 2024-25 academic year.

Interactive and enquiry-based sessions are available for all key stages and SEND students.

School visits

What to see on your visit

For your visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, we recommend at least three hours to discover the spectacular gardens and State rooms.

Things to see and do

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens map

Download Hillsborough Castle and Gardens map

Food and drink

Visit our café

Enjoy delicious food and drink from our café using the best of local produce and seasonal fruit and veg from Hillsborough Castle's historic Walled Garden.

Learn more

The Imaginary Menagerie

Explore our animal-inspired play trail throughout the Castle's gardens, taking you on adventures celebrating the animals and wildlife that have made, and continue to make, Hillsborough their home.

The Imaginary Menagerie