We use cookies on our site to provide you with a better experience and relevant advertising. To learn more or change your settings, please see our cookie policy

More information

Facilities

Practical information for your visit

Practical information for your visit

Updated 25 March. In line with Public Health England guidance, we have taken the decision to close all six of our palaces and gardens until 31st May. We will be reviewing this and will keep you updated. Please read our statement for further information. Read our statement

Maps and daily programme

Printed maps, daily programme brochures and family trails are available at the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens admission desks.

You can also print a detailed Hillsborough Castle and Gardens map before your visit.

Downloads

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens map

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted in Hillsborough Castle and Gardens unless they are registered assistance dogs.

All registered assistance dogs, even those in training, are welcome and can accompany their owners on castle tours. Please bring the dog’s ‘Assistance Dog’s (UK)’ identification book (or appropriate international equivalent) and ensure that dogs wear their designated jacket or lead slip.

Facilities for families

Extra care should be taken in the castle gardens where there are water features or wildlife. For the safety and well-being of all our visitors, the use of balls, frisbees, scooters, bicycles and roller-blades are not allowed in the gardens.

Buggies and pushchairs

Pushchairs are welcome in the gardens. However, for conservation purposes, we’re currently unable to facilitate them inside the castle State Rooms.

Pushchairs may be left at the buggy parks in the Stable Yard and Pineapple Yard.

Baby changing

Baby changing facilities are available in both the male and female toilets in the Pineapple Yard, Garden Toilets and Stable Yard.

Filming and photography

Photography is permitted in all areas of the castle and grounds for personal, non-commercial use.

The photography of certain, individual items may not be allowed due to loan arrangements. Please ask a member of staff if you’re unsure.

Wedding photography
Wedding photography is exclusive to couples hiring Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for their wedding day. To find out more about hiring one of our venues for your event, visit our Hire a venue page.

Commercial photography
Requests for commercial photography, filming and sketching should be made in advance by contacting our Press Team. 

Photographic equipment
Equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks may not be used inside the castle unless arrangements have been made in advance with our Conservation team.

Historic Royal Palaces is a safeguarding aware organisation and takes its responsibility to protect children and vulnerable people seriously. Therefore, we may sometimes ask that visitors refrain from filming or photographing other visitors.

Read our safeguarding policies and procedures

WiFi

Free Wi-Fi is available inside the castle.

Simply follow the on-screen prompts on your mobile device to get connected.

First aid

Please alert a uniformed member of staff if someone within your party requires First Aid during your visit.

Toilets

Toilets are available in the following locations:

  • Pineapple Yard
  • Weston Pavilion
  • Stable Yard

All have disabled access and baby change facilities

Lost property

Please speak to a member of staff if you lose something during a visit. Alternatively contact our Visitor Services team with a description of the lost item and the date of your visit by emailing [email protected]

Left luggage

Lockers and a buggy park are available in the Stable Yard. Lockers are available on a first come first served basis and are operated via a £1.00 coin deposit.

Rucksacks, large bags and buggies are not allowed inside the castle and can be stored in a secure bag drop facility at the State Entrance.

Small handbags are permitted inside the castle on the condition they may be searched upon entry.

Health and safety

  • Our castle is very old and has many uneven surfaces, for example cobbles, worn steps, uneven steps and slopes. Please choose footwear that is comfortable and appropriate for the conditions.
  • Some surfaces may be slippery, particularly if they are wet from rain.
  • Light levels can be low in some places, so please allow sufficient time for your eyes to adjust, particularly when using stairs.
  • In some of our gardens we have steep slopes and drops from height, so please be aware of these, especially if you have children with you.
  • Where water features are present, please ensure children are supervised at all times.
  • Look out for our safety signs and follow the advice given to avoid spoiling your day.
  • There are many insects and in particular bees and wasps nests around the site which are undisturbed.
  • Throughout the gardens there are open lakes and small bridges please approach with caution especially if you have children with you.
  • There may be some traffic movements from our gardeners on the arterial service road. When crossing please do so with caution.