Highlights of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Discover Northern Ireland's royal residence
Explore this royal residence, one of Northern Ireland's must-see attractions. Relax in 100 acres of picturesque gardens, explore the State Rooms still used today and indulge in delicious food and drink in our café.
Visit
Opening times
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 11:00-15:00
Thursday 11:00-15:00
Friday Closed
Saturday 11:00-15:00
Sunday 11:00-15:00
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10:00-18:00
Thursday 10:00-18:00
Friday 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday 10:00-18:00
Sunday 10:00-18:00
Last entry to gardens 1 hour before closing.
The Castle will be closed on 20 September but the gardens will be open.
Tickets and prices
Visit Hillsborough Castle and over 100 acres of ornamental lawns, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens throughout the seasons.
Dogs are not permitted within the gardens and café unless they are trained assistance dogs.
Castle and Gardens ticket prices from (excluding donation):
- Members: Free
- Adult: £20.20
- Child: £10.10
Getting here
By Car:
Search for 'Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Shop' Postcode BT26 6TY. Our car park can be found off the A1 dual carriageway by following the brown tourist signs.
If you are visiting the castle you should aim to arrive on site up to 45 minutes prior to your booked time slot to allow time to make your way to the castle State Entrance.
By bus or on foot:
There is a pedestrian entrance to the gardens from Hillsborough village.
Halloween at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
26 October - 03 November 2024
Discover autumn magic for all the family with workshops, storytelling, artisan food and more.
What's on
- Things to see
- Halloween
- Families
- Half term
Scarecrow Parade
Hillsborough Castle's Scarecrow Parade is back in the Walled Garden this autumn. Discover a variety of scarecrows on show made by local schools and community groups in partnership with local artists.
- 05 October - 17 November 2024
- In-line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in gardens admission (Members go free)
- Exhibition
- Things to see
Life Through a Royal Lens
A must-see exhibition documenting the British Royal Family's ever-evolving relationship with the camera over the last 200 years.
- Until 03 November
- In line with castle opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
- Tours and talks
Hillsborough Castle Special Interest Tours
Led by an expert guide, delve deeper into Hillsborough Castle's unique history.
- Selected dates September - November
- 60 minutes
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket
Things to see and do
- Things to see
- Tours and talks
The Castle
Discover elegant State Rooms still used by the royal family inside Hillsborough Castle.
- Open Wednesday - Sunday
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
- 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)
- Things to see
- Families
The Imaginary Menagerie
Enjoy a day out discovering our interactive play trail - the Imaginary Menagerie.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Join as a member
Enjoy a range of member benefits including unlimited adventures at our magnificent palaces, access to an exciting events programme and discounts in our shops and restaurants.
SHOP 24/7 ONLINE
Discover beautiful commemorative souvenirs and unique gifts inspired by our palaces.
Be the first to hear more
Sign up for our Hillsborough Castle and Gardens e-newsletter for the latest news, events, offers and competitions.
Our gardener's guide to creating harmony among your plants
Hear from our experts on our blog
Daniel Coombes, Keeper of the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle, explores how companion planting has transformed the Walled Garden into a thriving ecosystem, and how you can replicate these benefits at home.
Rare and Historic Northern Irish Plant Varieties in our Gardens
Northern Ireland is home to a rich variety of rare and historic plants, and this diversity is reflected in the gardens of Hillsborough Castle.
Support Us
As a self-funding charity, there are several ways you can support us.
Make a donation
We are an independent charity and a donation helps us to conserve these historic buildings, ensuring they are here for future generations to enjoy.
Become a patron
Step closer to history and join us for unique and amazing events as a patron of Historic Royal Palaces.
Our supporters
The restoration and re-presentation of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund,
Mark Pigott KBE KSTJ, Garfield Weston Foundation, the Clore Duffield Foundation, the Foyle Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation and other generous donors.