Spooktacular Happenings at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this Halloween

If you are daring to dress-up or in search of a scare, everyone is invited to delve into the Halloween spirit at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens with thrilling events from October 31 – November 4. 

The immersive Castle and surrounding beautiful gardens in County Down will host atmospheric, spooky experiences for all the family, including:

• Fire and Light Wild Raven Walk, 31 October – 03 November – See Hillsborough Castle’s Gardens in a different light this Halloween, follow an immersive illuminated trail through the gardens as part of this new evening experience for all the family. Meet some ghostly characters, listen out for the wild ravens and be amazed as the gardens are transformed into a magical world of sound and light. Get creative and come in a creepy costume. There will be spot prizes for the best dressed!  Enjoy a well-deserved hot drink after your walk and take in the atmosphere of the castle setting with circus entertainment taking place in the Stable Yard area. Advance booking required, £7 admission. Under 4’s go free.  Hot beverage included.
• Wonder Weekend! – Halloween Special - 31 October – 03 November - Conjure up something frightful as part of this extended Halloween themed family weekend at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, from spooky storytelling sessions for ages 3+ to historic object handling and make and take Halloween lantern sessions for over 5’s.There’s lots to keep families entertained during the day over this special weekend, so why not make the most of it and stay for the evening light trail and use your spooky lanterns to guide you on your way! Sessions will run between 10.00 – 15.00 on each of the days.
• The return of HERCAT the American illusionist: Immersive theatrical experience - 31 October – 02 November - Acclaimed "psychic" comedian Peter Antoniou will re-imagine a very Victorian "séance" held at Hillsborough Castle in 1889 by the famous Illusionist, ventriloquist, and humorist, HERCAT. Enjoy a drink on arrival and enjoy the intimate and opulent surroundings of the Throne Room in Hillsborough Castle as you are transported to the secretive world of Victorian high society. Peter Antoniou fuses his amazing and uncanny ability to read minds with razor sharp wit to create unique live entertainment experiences. Tickets cost £18 admission. Includes drink on arrival, advance booking required. This is an immersive, interactive experience. There will be no demonstrations of mediumship.

Booking is recommended for all activities with limited spaces available. For more information on dates and times, and to book tickets visit hrp.org.uk/hillsboroughcastle

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has been completely transformed by independent charity Historic Royal Palaces after five years and a £24 million investment – supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other generous donors. Greeting visitors upon arrival is a new visitor centre complete with café and shop.

Notes to editors

Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. We help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. We raise all our own funds and depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. With the exception of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, these palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and we manage them for the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Historic Royal Palaces cares for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens under a separate contract with the Northern Ireland Office. Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk