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Lady Alice's Temple

Take a seat and relish the tranquillity as you enjoy stunning views of the surrounding gardens

Take a seat and relish the tranquillity as you enjoy stunning views of the surrounding gardens

When

  • Open daily

Ticketing information

Included in all admission tickets (members go free)

Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets

Nestled in the landscaped grounds of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Lady Alice's Temple has provided a quiet space for contemplation for many residents of the castle. Secretary of State Mo Mowlam came here for peace and quiet, away from the pressures of politics, during her time at Hillsborough.

The small temple was originally given as a wedding gift to Lady Alice Hill by her brother the 5th Marquess of Downshire in 1867. 

Today, it is open to the public and has been restored to its former glory. Framed by Yew Tree Walk, Lime Tree Walk and Moss Walk, it offers three very different views of the gardens.

Yew Tree Walk leads up to the castle, Moss Walk is a dramatic entrance towards the Pinetum and Lake, and, come springtime, Lime Tree Walk is a carpet of bluebells.

Take a seat and pause for a moment, listening to the sounds of Lady Alice's pond just in front of you, before continuing your journey through our world-famous gardens.

A middle-aged couple sit on balustrade in front of the pond in front of Lady Alice's Temple. The white, columned temple sits elevated above the pond which is surrounded by mature plans.
Lady Alice's Temple, looking east from inside the temple towards Yew Tree Walk. The stone floor of the temple and four of the columns are in the foreground. The pond and Yew Tree Walk are seen in the background. The domed temple was given as a wedding gift to Lady Alice Hill by her brother, the 5th Marquess of Downshire in 1867. A circular seat inside the temple sits behind a screen of Ionic columns.
Lady Alice's Temple, looking west. The paved terrace is in the foreground. This domed temple was given as a wedding gift to Lady Alice Hill by her brother, the 5th Marquess of Downshire in 1867. A circular seat inside the temple sits behind a screen of Ionic columns.

Explore what's on

The South Terrace, looking south-east across the terrace flagstones towards the small topiary trees and summer shrubs. The Greek Temple is just seen through the castle portico in the background on the left of the image.
Things to see

The Gardens

Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens that surround Hillsborough Castle.

Open daily

Hillsborough Castle

09:30-18:00 (last admission is 17:00)

Included in all admission tickets (members go free)

Learn more
A guide shows a group of visitors the Throne Room in the State Rooms at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Two red and gold thrones sit at one end of the room and the walls are lined with green silk damask and the walls are lined with historical artwork.
Tours and talks Things to see

Castle tours

Discover elegant State Rooms still used by the royal family on a guided tour of Hillsborough Castle.

Open daily

Hillsborough Castle

Included in castle tours (members go free)

Learn more
A family consisting of a mum, dad, teenage daughter, young boy and girl relax on the South Lawn with the South Facade of the castle in the background. A young couple are also strolling through the gardens behind them. The family appear to be happily chatting away in the summer sun and the sky is blue with only a hint of clouds. The heavy sunshine casts dark shadows on the grass nearby as the rays hit a nearby mature tree.
Families

Summer family activities

Join in our summer activities for families including Georgian themed crafts, the Garden Explorers cart and object handling for everyone.

Selected dates in July and August

Hillsborough Castle

Included in all admission tickets (members go free)

Learn more

Browse more history and stories

Art at Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Castle has become a place in which to see amazing art

The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

‘The Grandest House in County Down’

The story of Hampton Court Palace

Home of Henry VIII and the Tudor dynasty

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