Celebrate a spectacular Spring at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens with more flowers than ever, family friendly and expert workshops and a visit from the Lindt GOLD BUNNY

Witness the gardens buzz and blossom with activity this springtime at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Historic Royal Palaces invites visitors to experience the Castle in full bloom for the annual Spring Spectacular, the Lindt GOLD BUNNY hunt, and workshops celebrating Easter and St. Patrick’s Day. This Mother’s Day weekend (29^th – 30^th March), mums will get free entry to the gardens and a discounted Castle tour ticket, with new opening hours (10am – 5pm in March and 10am – 6pm in April) providing ample opportunity to bask in the sights and sounds of spring.

Spring Spectacular – 15^th March to 5^th May

This year, more flowers than ever have been planted across flower beds, pots, barrels, and even a boat for the return of Spring Spectacular. From blue rivers of muscari, sunny swatches of daffodils and technicolour tubs of tulips, to hands-on trails and workshops, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Castle’s 100-acre gardens.

St. Patrick’s Day Workshops – 16^th March

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day through traditional storytelling and music as renowned storyteller Eamonn Keenan and musician Aodan MacSeafriadh bring Irish folklore to life. These workshops are suitable for families with children aged 3+ and are free with a garden ticket. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Spring Flower Show – 5^th April

In partnership with the Northern Ireland Daffodil Group, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will host the Spring Flower Show in The Courthouse on Saturday 5^th April. Included with a garden ticket, visitors will have the opportunity to view hundreds of varieties of daffodils and spring flowers displayed across six sections with 99 classes. At 15:30, a special talk on daffodils delivered by daffodil expert Nial Watson will be followed by a Q&A where an expert panel can answer any pressing queries on growing and showing bulbs. Entry to classes are free, with 19 novice classes available.

Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt – 12^th to 27^th April

This Easter, embark on a magical adventure with the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt, returning for a second year due to popular demand. Search for hidden GOLD BUNNY statues nestled among the vibrant spring flowers. Each one holds a special clue—solve the puzzle to win a delicious 10g Lindt GOLD BUNNY chocolate. On Easter Monday (21^st April) and Easter Tuesday (22^nd April), families can also take part in a kite-making workshop, where children can create and fly their own kites in the Castle’s stunning gardens.

Royal Style In The Making – 15^th March to 4^th January 2026

In March, a royal fashion exhibition will launch at Hillsborough Castle exploring the world of the royal couturier and the working relationship between fashion designer and royal client. Royal Style In The Making will reveal the creative process and craftsmanship behind clothing destined for the world stage while exploring how fashion shaped the style and image of the monarchy throughout the twentieth century. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see original sketches, fabric swatches and embroidery samples from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, as well as three spectacular garments created for the late Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

Claire Woods, Head Gardener at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, said: "We’re delighted to welcome visitors back for another spring spectacle at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. With more flowers planted than ever, this year’s Spring Spectacular will create a colourful backdrop to the Lindt GOLD BUNNY hunt and our Easter and St Patrick's Day activities. The Caste’s expert gardening team have curated wonderful displays of muscari, daffodils and tulips across the 100-acre gardens, creating the perfect day out for families and nature-enthusiasts.”

Notes to editors:

For further information or images, please contact Amber Choudhary in the HRP Press Office: Amber.Choudhary@hrp.org.uk // 020 3166 6166

Opening Hours from March to April 2025

Date	Site opening times	Castle Entry	Gardens / Main café
Wed 5 - Fri 14 March	10.00-17.00	Open for groups only	Open Wed – Sun
Sat 15 – Mon 17 March	10.00-17.00	Open Sat - Mon	Open Sat – Mon
Wed 19 – Sun 30 March	10.00-17.00	Open Wed - Sun	Open Wed – Sun
Wed 2 – Sun 13 April	10.00-18.00	Open Wed - Sun	Open Wed – Sun
Mon 14 – Sun 27 April	10.00-18.00	Open Mon - Sun	Open Mon – Sun

Spring Spectacular Full Programme at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

St. Patrick’s Day Workshops – 16^th March:

10:30 – 11:00
11:30 – 12:00
12:30 – 13:00
14:00 – 14:30
15:00 – 15:30
16:00 – 16:30

Spring Flower Show – 5^th April:

13:00 – 17:00 (after judging is completed)
15:30 – Talk by Nial Watson and expert Q&A

Garden and Flower Workshops (pre-booking required):

St. Patrick’s Day Gardening – 15 March, 10:30 – 12:30
Seed Sowing – 12 April, 10:30 – 12:30
Beginners Vegetable Growing – 10 May, 10:30 – 12:30 (On sale soon)

Family Workshops (included in general admission):

Bird Box Decorating – 5 May, 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30
Create and Wear a Wild Crown – 26 May, 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30

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