Additional information for your visit
Additional information for your visit
Students: You are entitled to a concession rate ticket if you are over the age of 16 and in full time education. You are required to show a current student identification card once on site to validate the discounted price. International students are entitled to this rate if they also meet these requirements with a valid id card.
65+ years: You are entitled to a concession rate ticket if you are 65 or over. You may be required to show an identification card (with your date of birth) once on site to validate the discounted price. International visitors are entitled to this rate if they also meet these requirements of proof of age.
Those with a registered disability: You are entitled to the concession rate as parts of the gardens are difficult to access for those with accessibility needs.
Free carers tickets cannot bo booked online but can be collected from the admissions desk on the day of the visit after showing proof of disability (such as a Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA letter or PIP letter). The access page has further detail on what to expect during your visit.
You do not need to pre-book your visit. If you arrive and castle tours are listed as 'sold out', you can gain admission by joining the priority queue on arrival and presenting your membership card.
A separate ticket is available for those wishing to only access the gardens. Visit the tickets and prices page to book.
If you choose collect on site as the delivery option, please take your booking confirmation to the admissions desk to collect your tickets for entry.
Tickets purchased online can be delivered to you (time for postage permitting) or you can select the ‘print-at-home’ option.
You can purchase tickets on the gate but tours have limited capacity due to strict regulations for visitor numbers. During busy periods you may have to wait for the next available time slot.
Print-at-home tickets must be in physical form to be valid. If you do not have access to a printer, please locate an internet café or shop that may print it for you.
As Historic Royal Palaces is a charity, we receive no funding from the Government or the Crown, so we depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, volunteers and sponsors. We are unable to support other fundraising activities with complimentary tickets.
Onsite car parking is available free of charge. During busy periods, alternative parking arrangements will be in place to accommodate additional visitors. Visit the Getting Here page for more information.
You can spend as much time as you like in Hillsborough Gardens during opening hours. Most visitors spend on average of 3 hours on site.
If you are booked onto a castle tour you should aim to arrive on site up to 45 minutes prior to your tour to allow sufficient time to park and make your way to the State Entrance to start your tour.
As a working Royal residence and home to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland we have a commitment to ensure our site is safe for all. As you enter the site you will pass through our security area where bags and individuals may be searched.
Small handbags are permitted inside the castle on the condition they may be searched before entering. Rucksacks and large bags are not allowed inside the castle but can be deposited in the lockers in the Stable Yard. Upon entry to the castle you can also store bags in a secure bag drop facility.
The following items are strictly banned from the premises:
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.
The castle tours follow a step free route and are accessible to all. A vehicle is available to assist you in moving from the car park to the State Entrance of the castle.
Due to the natural terrain of the gardens, some paths are unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with restricted mobility. For further information on accessibility at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, see our Accessibility page.
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.
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.
You are welcome to take non-commercial photographs (without the use of flash) within the castle in most cases. Some items or imagery may be prohibited from being photographed and this will be clearly signposted, or ask a member of staff if you are unsure. The use of tripods and selfie-sticks is prohibited.
Images of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens are available for sale from our Photographic Library. Requests for commercial photography, filming or sketching should be made in advance.
Pushchairs are welcome in the gardens however we’re currently unable to facilitate them inside the castle. Pushchairs may be left at the buggy parks in the Stable Yard and Pineapple Yard.
For conservation purposes we ask that you do not eat or drink in the castle. There are catering facilities available in the Stable Yard and Pineapple Yard.
There is no specific dress code for visitors to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. We do ask that you dress respectfully as families are likely to be present. If there are offensive slogans or other clothing items deemed to be inappropriate you may be approached by a member of staff.
Tours start at the state entrance at the time stated on the ticket. It is advisable that you arrive on site 45 minutes before your tour to allow sufficient time to park and make your way to the castle.
If you arrive late, please alert a member of staff who will try their best to accommodate you on an alternative time slot. This is subject to availability.
As per our terms of use, Historic Royal Palaces operates a no refund policy.
If you lose something during your visit please contact the nearest member of staff. Alternatively, contact operators@hrp.org.uk and we’ll do our best to try to reunite you with your property.
For general information browse History and Stories and Explore. For detailed information relating to the collections on display, email curators@hrp.org.uk