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Walled Garden

An 18th-century kitchen garden, restored to its former glory

An 18th-century kitchen garden, restored to its former glory

The Walled Garden dates back to the 18th century and is a large, four-acre site historically used to produce fruit, vegetables and flowers for the castle.

Today, this wonderful horticultural space provides a stunning entrance to the castle grounds.

The site has been restored and re-presented to create a beautiful working and productive garden, complete with dipping pond, crop rotations, seasonal produce, herbaceous borders and an apple orchard.

Summer planting

Our Walled Garden is a delight for the senses in summer, when the beautiful blue nepeta, elegant irises and the soft muted palette of the herbaceous borders come into bloom.

Of particular interest are the Espalier fruit trees, some of which were planted over 100 years ago and include varieties such as the Pitmaston Duchess and Dr Jules Guyot.

Irish apple tree varieties such as Kilkenny Pearmain and Bloody Butcher provide interest at the top of the Walled Garden.

When

In line with gardens opening hours


Ticketing information


Included in all admission tickets (members go free)

Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets

Enjoy seasonal produce from our historic garden

Autumn has arrived at Hillsborough Castle and our dedicated Walled Garden team are busy bringing in the harvest. See how this is done, and how the crops are used in the nearby Hillsborough Castle Café, in this short video.

The Café at Hillsborough

Video: Meet the Keeper of the Walled Garden

Meet Adam Ferguson, our Keeper of the Walled Garden, in this short film.

As part of the Hillsborough Castle Project completed in April 2019, Adam and his team have brought the garden to life with a new re-imagination of the planting and layout.

See how the harvest is done, and how the crops are used in the nearby Hillsborough Castle Café, in this short video.

EXPLORE WHAT'S ON

  • Things to see

The Gardens

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

  • Wednesday - Sunday
  • 10:00-17:00. Last entry one hour before closing.
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

Granville Garden

Take a moment in this elegant rose garden created by Lady Granville, aunt to Queen Elizabeth II.

  • In line with castle opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

The Glen

Explore this intimate corner of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, which is full of colour and intriguing details.

  • In line with gardens opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
Learn more