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Essential information for visiting Hillsborough Castle and Gardens safely

Essential information for visiting Hillsborough Castle and Gardens safely

Updated 30 July. Following government guidance, the castle and gardens at Hillsborough Castle are now open Thursday-Sunday. Please read our visit information.

Getting here

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, The Square, Hillsborough
BT26 6AG

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. The entrance to the site from the village will remain closed.

Tickets and prices

Safely explore 100 acres of stunning royal gardens.

Castle and garden tickets (excl donation):

  • Members: Free
  • Adult: £13.70
  • Child: £6.80

Gardens only ticket prices (excl donation):

  • Members: Free
  • Adult: £9.90
  • Child: £4.90

Opening times

Thursday - Sunday: 10.00 - 17:00

Last admission: 16:00

Please check for information on closures and notices.

Visit essentials

Facilities

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

  • Toilets open - Pineapple Yard - with disabled access and baby change facilities
  • Hand washing and hand sanitiser facilities 
  • Only guide dogs are permitted
View all castle facilities

Accessibility

We do everything we can to ensure disabled visitors enjoy their visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Due to the current Coronavirus situation, we regret we are unable to provide wheelchairs at this time.

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

View all access information

Eating

Enjoy a wide ranging seasonal menu, featuring produce grown in our very own Walled Garden.

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

View all cafés

Shopping

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.

View all shops

Group visits

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.

School visits

We offer everything you need for the perfect educational visit.

Spaces are limited so book in advance.

You can include special sessions and workshops designed for pupils of all ages.

Plan your school visit

Garden trails

Pick up one of our new garden trails when you visit the stunning gardens this summer. Choose your route and see what you can find as you explore.

Good to Go Logo Northern Ireland industry standard logo 2020.

Browse our FAQs

We hold the industry standard, 'We're Good to Go' for for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, which means we follow government and industry guidelines for social distancing and cleanliness. Check out how to make the most of your day with our frequently asked questions about how to book, our social distancing measures, hand washing facilities and more.

Enjoy a picnic in the gardens

Why not bring a picnic to enjoy in the royal gardens. Bring food and a blanket from home, and enjoy this unique picnic location with plenty of space to make you feel safe.  

Explore what's on

A guide shows a group of visitors the Throne Room in the State Rooms at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Two red and gold thrones sit at one end of the room and the walls are lined with green silk damask and the walls are lined with historical artwork.
Things to see

Castle tours

Discover elegant State Rooms still used by the royal family on a tour of Hillsborough Castle.

Postponed

Hillsborough Castle

Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (members go free)

Learn more
The South Terrace, looking south-east across the terrace flagstones towards the small topiary trees and summer shrubs. The Greek Temple is just seen through the castle portico in the background on the left of the image.
Things to see

The Gardens

Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens that surround Hillsborough Castle.

Open

Hillsborough Castle

Included in gardens admission (members go free)

Learn more
Throne Room with silk green damask walls, wooden floor and large rug. Two red and gold Chairs of State, or 'thrones' are situated at the far end of the room. Gold-framed paintings of landscapes adorn the walls and three large chandeliers hang above.
Things to see

The Throne Room

Explore the ceremonial heart of the castle, where Her Majesty The Queen received guests at a coronation ball in 1953.

Open

Hillsborough Castle

Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (members go free)

Learn more