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Castle facilites

We are transforming Hillsborough and improving visitor facilities every day.

The Hillsborough Castle Project

Cloakroom facilities

We do not have any cloakroom facilities at Hillsborough Castle.

First aid/lost children

Instruct children to approach the nearest member of uniformed staff if they are lost or in need of First Aid.

Clothing and footwear

A typical visit will involve plenty of walking. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Facilities for families

Baby changing facilities
Baby changing facilities are available in both the male and female Garden toilets near the Stableyard. There are also baby changing facilities available at the State Entrance.

Buggies and pushchairs
Pushchairs are welcome in the Castle grounds. However, for conservation purposes, we’re currently unable to facilitate them inside the Castle State Rooms. Pushchairs may be left at the entrance to the castle at the owner’s risk.

Suitability
Extra care should be taken in the gardens, particularly where there are water features.
Balls, bicycles, scooters and rollerblades are not permitted within the gardens.
 

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.

Professional photography
Photographic 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.

Wedding photography
Wedding photography is exclusive to couples hiring Hillsborough Castle for their wedding day. To find out more about hiring Hillsborough Castle and its surrounding gardens for your event, visit our Hire a Venue page.

Historic Royal Palaces is a safeguarding aware organisation and takes it's responsibility to protect children and vulnerable people seriously . We may sometimes ask therefore that visitors refrain from filming or photographing other visitors.

Read our Safeguarding policies and procedures

Health and Safety advice

  • Our palaces are very old and have 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.
  • During the months of June – September 2017 you may find areas of the gardens cordoned off. This is to allow for project work within the grounds, these will be clearly marked with fencing and signage