Our garden play trail
Family fun awaits
Enjoy a day out discovering our interactive play trail - the Imaginary Menagerie.
This animal-inspired play trail throughout the Castle's gardens will take you on adventures celebrating the animals and wildlife that have made, and continue to make, Hillsborough their home.
From Governor Lord Erskine’s tropical fish which he bred in the Staircase Hall and Lady Salisbury’s horse and carriage, to the robins, kingfishers and otters that thrive in the gardens today - Hillsborough has a whole menagerie of animals for you to uncover as the seasons change.
Book your adventure today with a Gardens only ticket.
When
In line with gardens opening hours
Where
In the gardens
Ticketing information
Suitable for families and visitors of all ages and abilities. Under 5's do not require a ticket.
Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Buy Hillsborough Gardens ticketsPlay, marvel or relax among wildlife
Follow the kingfisher and robin trails around the gardens at your own pace. Discover magical places to play, marvel or relax with your family.
You'll find sculptures integrated into the landscape, hands-on play, as well as opportunities to watch nature in action like our bee hives and lakeside bird hide.
Which animals will you find along the way?
Kingfisher trail
The trail takes you around the Lake and takes about 30 minutes to walk plus extra time to play.
Look out for the kingfishers. Follow them around the trail to see what you can find.
Feel the earth between your toes in Barefoot Walk, create marvellous music with the wooden chimes in the Sound Forest, spot our birds including majestic swans or perhaps one of our resident kingfishers and find your favourite Hillsborough Hound!
Robin trail
The trail takes about 40 minutes to walk plus extra time to play.
Look out for the robins. Follow them around the trail to see what you can find.
Hide out in the family nest, talk to the animals and birds or your friends with our amazing talk tubes, explore the crannog over the stream and lookout for the exotic birdcage sculpture. You can also build your own folly.
There is so much to explore!
Download Imaginary Menagerie trail map booklet
Explore what's on
- Things to see
The Gardens
Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens that surround Hillsborough Castle.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Last entry one hour before closing.
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
- Events
- Christmas
Christmas wreath making workshop
Create a seasonal Christmas wreath using foliage from the castle grounds.
- 11 and 12 December 2024
- 10:30 and 14:00 (see below for 11 and 12 December time)
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- Families
- Events
- Christmas
Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Explore the gardens this Christmas transformed with beautiful decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
- Until 05 January 2025
- In line with gardens opening hours.
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Browse more history and stories
The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
‘The Grandest House in County Down’
Art at Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle has become a place in which to see amazing art
Shop online
Official Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Guidebook
Descriptive, informative, authoritative - this superb guidebook is the best way to learn all there is about the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
£4.99