FAQs

We are closed from 27 November to 02 December inclusive. The gardens will now reopen on Thursday 03 December in line with updated guidance from the Northern Ireland Executive.

The castle is currently closed for the winter season.

As a member, you need to pre-book a timeslot for your visit using the Member portal. This is to ensure the safety of both visitors and staff. 

If you are unable to login with your membership number and surname, try a space after your surname. It is not case-specific. If this doesn’t help, please email our team at [email protected].

On-site car parking is available free of charge including 27 disabled parking space, free for Blue Badge holders. Please please follow the brown tourist signs on the A1 south to our sign-posted car park entrance. Visit the Getting Here page for more information.

Toilets are available in the following locations:

• Pineapple Yard

All toilets have disabled access and baby changing facilities.

• Student: 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.

Those with a registered disability are entitled to a free carers ticket.

Complimentary adult carer tickets can be obtained on the day of your visit upon presentation of proof of registered disability (such as a Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA letter or PIP letter).

The access page has further details on what to expect during your visit. 

Yes, tickets purchased directly through our website can be shown on your mobile device or printed out.

No, we will not be offering ticket collection on site at this time.

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.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy picnics int the gardens– we simply ask that you observe social distancing, for your safety, and the safety of our other guests.

Our café in the Lower Visitor Centre in the Western Pavilion is open, 10.00-16.00. 

Our on site shop in the Weston Pavilion is also open, along with our online shop.

You can spend as much time as you like in Hillsborough Gardens during opening hours. Most visitors spend an average of 3 hours on site.

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 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: 

• Weapons, including knives
• Fireworks and smoke bombs
• Pepper spray or any other articles intended to cause injury
• Any article which is illegal to possess under UK law

Pushchairs are welcome in the gardens, but not in the castle.

Free lockers will be available for bag and buggy storage.

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.

We are unable to offer wheelchair hire at this time.

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.

Rucksacks, large bags and buggies are not allowed inside the castle.

Large bags (anything bigger than approx. A3) and buggies will not be allowed in the Castle.  Free lockers will be available for bag and buggy storage.  Small bags coming into the castle will be a non touch search as they go into the state entrance.

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 in 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.

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.

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 [email protected]and we'll do our best to try to reunite you with your property.

For general information browse History and Stories and What's On. For detailed information relating to the collections on display, email [email protected] 

Entrance will be via the visitor entrance off the A1, which is closest to our beautiful gardens.