Kids go free at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this August

9 August - 2 September 2023

Look no further for an affordable family day out this Summer – a new offer has launched at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.  Throughout August, families are invited to embark on a memorable day out at the visitor attraction, where up to six children will be able to visit with one accompanying adult until the end of the school holidays.  A special discount will also be available at Hillsborough Castle’s two cafes – for each adult meal purchased, families will be able to redeem two free children’s meals for the under 16s. 

The castle has plenty to offer families – from 100 acres of gardens to run free in, to a fun animal-inspired play trail.  Little ones can collect their map and follow the Kingfisher trail or the Robin trail through the Imaginary Menagerie, an interactive play trail throughout the Castle’s gardens in search of the animals and wildlife that have made Hillsborough their home.

At weekends, children can borrow pick and mix resources from the Garden Explorer’s Cart, filling their kit bag with bug pots, binoculars, wildlife ID guides, a magnifying glass or sensory spinner before embarking on exploring the grounds.  Children can also collect some paper resources to take home, enabling them to design their own Walled Garden, make a dove puppet, create a chatterbox game or create a sensory story.

For those who want to make a full day of it, the combined Castle and Gardens ticket - which is also included in the special offer – allows visits to join a guided tour inside Hillsborough Castle.   Those with a Castle ticket will also be treated to Hillsborough Castle’s first ever exhibition, Life Through a Royal Lens, which documents 200 years of royal photography.

The castle’s spectacular gardens will also be open for families to explore, from the thriving 18^th century Walled Garden bursting with fresh produce, to the elegant Lady Alice’s Temple, and Granville Garden. Produce from the Walled Garden is used in Hillsborough’s cafes – so families can learn about a ‘plant to plate’ approach as they enjoy their two free children’s meals with every adult meal purchased.

Laura McCorry, Head of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, said, “We’re really pleased to be launching this special discount for families during the summer holidays, which will open up 100 acres of our beautiful gardens and 250 years of history to new visitors.”

“We appreciate that finding activities for the whole family to enjoy during the school holidays can be expensive, and hope that by offering free entry to children throughout the month of August we will be taking some of the pressure off parents and caregivers.”

“There is plenty to see and do at Hillsborough Castle this August, and we’re looking forward to welcoming families as they explore the grounds and make lots of special memories together.”

Notes to editors

Kids Go Free: Up to six children are entitled to free entry to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens with any adult ticket. Offer ends 3 September 2023.

Kids Eat Free: Up to two children are entitled to a free child meal as advertised with the purchase of one adult meal (minimum spend £10). Children must be under 16, and a valid adult ticket for either the gardens or castle and gardens must be shown.

Honey Fair and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets:

Hillsborough Castle is open for guided tours from Wednesday – Sunday from 11.00 – 15.00, with the gardens open to explore freely from 10.00 – 18.00, Wednesday – Sunday. Both the castle and gardens will additionally be open on Monday 28 August.

For further information or images, please contact Jessica England in the HRP Press Office via [email protected] / 020 3166 6166

Historic Royal Palaces is a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We create space for spirits to stir and be stirred. We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted. We tell stories about the monarchs you know and the lives you don’t. We let people explore and we set minds racing. We are a charity and your support gives the palaces a future, for everyone. 

Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk