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Essential information for visiting Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Essential information for visiting Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Visit essentials

Getting here

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens,

Car park postcode: BT26 6TY. Please note, this postcode is not yet live on all search engines. Please alternatively follow the brown tourist signs on the A1.

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.

Opening times

Gardens 

06 March - 22 March 2024 
Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00-17:00. Last entry one hour before closing. 

Castle

09 March 2024 - 24 March 2024
Open Weekends from 11:00. Last timeslot: 15:00.

There will be a full site closure on Wednesday 20 March and Thursday 21 March.

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

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

  • Map
  • Toilets open - 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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Bookings are now open for the 2023-24 academic year.

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

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

Taste of the gardens afternoon tea

Enjoy a garden-inspired afternoon tea in the Weston Pavilion Café and experience the wonderful gardens. (Gardens entry not included but can be purchased on arrival).

Discounted for members.

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

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens map

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens map

Food and drink

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.

Food and drink

Got a question?

Browse our frequently asked questions to help plan your visit. 

Frequently asked questions Visit safely

EXPLORE WHAT'S ON

  • Events
  • Easter
  • Families

Easter Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt

Join the first Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt in Hillsborough Castle's stunning gardens, and enjoy some springtime family magic.

  • Saturday 23 March - Sunday 07 April 2024.
  • In line with gardens opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in gardens admission (members go free)
Learn more
  • Events
  • Things to see
  • Families
  • Easter

Spring Spectacular

Witness half a million bulbs in bloom in 100 acres of stunning gardens.

  • Until 06 May 2024
  • In line with gardens opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in gardens admission (members go free)
Learn more
  • Exhibition
  • Things to see

Life Through a Royal Lens

A must-see exhibition documenting the British Royal Family's ever-evolving relationship with the camera over the last 200 years.

  • Open
  • In line with castle opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (members go free)
Learn more