Halloween at Hillsborough

Explore the castle, then settle in for a spooky story

Step inside Hillsborough Castle and follow a guided tour through its magnificent State Rooms, uncovering stories of the people who have called the Castle home. Then gather in the Drawing Room for a traditional spooky tale from our resident storyteller, a magical autumn finale to a day of harvest adventures in the gardens. 

Storytelling will be included with all castle and garden tickets 24 October - 01 November.

 Members go free, pre-booking recommended. Gardens Only tickets can be upgraded.

Pick, create, and scare!

24 October – 01 November

Wander through our Walled Garden pumpkin patch and choose your perfect pumpkin. Then take it home and transform it into a frightfully fun Halloween masterpiece!

Pumpkins are just £5 and can be booked as an add-on when you book your admissions ticket. Members can book on the day.

Mask-making workshop

24 and 25 October 

11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30.

Get creative with a hands-on mask decorating activity inspired by autumn harvest celebrations, folk tales, and carnival traditions. Experiment with colour, texture, and decorative embellishments to bring your design to life.

£3 per child. Can be booked as an add-on when you book your admissions ticket. Members can book on the day.

Autumn outdoor workshops

Join a family-friendly workshop to satisfy all budding adventurers. With different autumnal workshops happening across Halloween there's plenty of new fun skills to learn and experience.

All included for free in all admissions tickets. Members go free. No pre-booking needed. Workshop spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

26, 27 and 28 October: Potion class 

11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30.

Young witches and wizards in training are invited to step into a world of magic and imagination. Participants will create their own bubbling magical potions before embarking on a guided sensory walk around the lake to forage for natural materials and craft their very own wand. Classes are approximately one hour.

Meet at the Pinetum, a capacity of 30 participants per time slot.

29, 30 October: Nature art workshop

11:00, 12:00, 13:30 and 14:30.

Join us for a hands-on workshop where kids can get creative with natural materials and connect with the outdoors through art. Meet at the Pinetum, a capacity of 30 participants per time slot.

29, 30 October: Wild Walk

11:00, 12:00, 13:30 and 14:30.

Come along on a fun wild walk and discover the amazing trees, plants and creatures around us while exploring the wonders of biodiversity. Meet at the lower visitor centre, a capacity of 30 participants per timeslot.

Step into Irish folklore with the Armagh Rhymers

31 October and 01 November

11:00, 12:00, 13:30 and 14:30

Be enchanted by renowned Irish folk theatre group, The Armagh Rhymers. Experience performances that blend together myth, music and drama, performed in iconic straw costumes to celebrate Irish folklore for all the family.

Cosy up and listen in our Core Learning Centre. All included for free in all admissions tickets. Members go free. No pre-booking needed.

Cast a spell on your ticket

Continue your unforgettable day out, with a visit for all the family to the castle. Discover the famous Throne Room, Red Room and listen to the fascinating history behind Northern Ireland's only royal residence.

Upgrade your ticket to membership for a whole year of extraordinary days out. See the stunning gardens change throughout the seasons and join unmissable events - from seasonal garden trails to our Christmas event and more.