Travel information for your visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Where to find us
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Hillsborough
Car park postcode: BT26 6TY.
Car park on what3words: ///culling.diagram.beards
Alternatively follow the brown tourist signs on the A1. See map below
Car parking
Free on-site car parking is available. The car park post code is BT26 6TY, what3 words: ///culling.diagram.beards
Follow the brown tourist signs on the A1 south to our sign-posted car park entrance.
It is not possible to access the car park via the entrance on The Square in Hillsborough Village. This is a pedestrian entrance only.
Accessible parking
27 parking spaces are available on site for for Blue Badge holders.
Drop-off and collection points
Drop-off and collection points for minibuses, coaches and taxis are located in the car park, accessible off the A1.
Arrival time for visiting the castle
Moving between the car park and the castle State Entrance
When you book a castle and gardens ticket, your booked time slot is your entry time for the castle at the State Entrance. You should aim to arrive on site up to 45 minutes prior to your booked time slot to allow sufficient time to get to the castle State Entrance.You can enter the gardens at any time on the day of your visit, from first admission at 10:00.
The fastest route to the castle is to exit the Walled garden via the right corner gate and follow signage to the castle.
The Admissions Desk at the Stable Yard is open seasonally in line with Castle opening hours. Outside of these hours, ticket holders and members can gain access via the nearby Gatehouse.
Map
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens car park is accessible via the A1 (Hillsborough Road).
Public transport
Train
Lisburn station is 5 miles from Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Bus route 38 connects Lisburn rail station and Hillsborough village. See below for more bus information.
Bus
The nearest bus stop is Hillsborough War Memorial. Route 238 is an express service which connects central Belfast to Hillsborough village. Route 38 is a standard service which connects central Belfast to Hillsborough village going via south Belfast and Lisburn. Both these services start at Grand Central Station, the main bus station in Belfast.
The pedestrian entrance to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Hillsborough village is in The Square at the top of the Main Street. The bus stop is at the bottom of the Main Street.
For up to date bus and train timetables please refer to the Translink website.
TranslinkBicycle
There is a bicycle rack in the Pineapple Yard at the entrance to the Visitor Centre. This is situated by the main car park and can be accessed from Hillsborough village, going south via the Dromore Road and right into the Moira Road. The brown access gate on the right hand side at the bottom of the Moira Road leads into the car park.
Site security and lockers
Rucksacks, large bags and buggies are not allowed inside the castle but can be deposited in the lockers beside the Stableyard.
Small handbags are permitted inside the castle and will be searched on entry.
Explore what's on
- Families
- Events
Kids Go Free
Treat the kids this summer holidays with a free visit to the 100 acre gardens.
- 28 June - 31 August 2025
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in gardens admission (Members go free)
- Tours and talks
Hillsborough Castle Special Interest Tours
Led by an expert guide, delve deeper into Hillsborough Castle's unique history.
-
Selected dates in May and July
- 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30 & 16:15 (see individual tour sections)
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket
- For members
- Tours and talks
- Events
Members-Only Gardens Tours at Hillsborough Castle
Explore the gardens surrounding Northern Ireland's only royal residence with an expert guide on these members-only tours.
-
14 June and 20 September 2025
- 11:00
- Hillsborough Castle
- Free (advance booking required)