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The Imaginary Menagerie

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 tickets

Play, 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?

A family (two children and an adult) looking at “Hillsborough Hound” wire and wood dog sculptures, part of the Imaginary Menagerie Kingfisher Trail.

The Imaginary Menagerie is a play trail throughout the Castle's gardens. Opened in June 2021, it takes visitors on an adventure course that includes a series of sculptures celebrating the pets and wildlife animals that have made Hillsborough their home. 
 
[See also: asset no.53796 for the Booklet guide].
The Imaginary Menagerie Kingfisher trail, showing a view of a metal cutout  
 kingfisher bird with wings raised.

The Imaginary Menagerie is a play trail throughout the Castle's gardens. Opened in June 2021, it takes visitors on an adventure course that includes a series of sculptures celebrating the pets and wildlife animals that have made Hillsborough their home.   

 [See also: asset no.53796 for the Booklet guide].

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!

The Imaginary Menagerie Robin trail, showing a view of a robin bird metal cutout. 

The Imaginary Menagerie is a play trail throughout the Castle's gardens. Opened in June 2021, it takes visitors on an adventure course that includes a series of sculptures celebrating the pets and wildlife animals that have made Hillsborough their home.   

 [See also: asset no.53796 for the Booklet guide].

Download Imaginary Menagerie trail map booklet

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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)
Learn more
  • 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)
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  • 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)
Learn more

Browse more history and stories

The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

‘The Grandest House in County Down’

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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