Explore Northern Ireland's royal residence with a visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Explore Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Located just 20 minutes from Belfast, the restored and re-imagined Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is a remarkable site. With history and beauty, it has something for everyone.
Explore the Castle and 100 acres of beautiful gardens, including the Imaginary Menagerie interactive play trail, Walled Garden, the previously unseen Lost Garden, meandering waterways and picturesque glens.
You’ll find parking easy in our free car park. You can also enjoy delicious delicious takeaway food and drink from our award-winning café.
See our opening times.
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens overview
The Castle and State Rooms
From grand family home to charming royal residence, the Castle and State Rooms have welcomed the world and witnessed pivotal moments in history for over three hundred years.
- Things to see
- Tours and talks
The Castle
Discover elegant State Rooms still used by the royal family inside Hillsborough Castle.
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In line with castle opening times
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
- Things to see
State Dining Room
Explore this stylish setting for Georgian entertainment, where Queen Elizabeth II hosted dinners.
- In line with castle opening times
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
- Things to see
State Drawing Room
Discover contemporary Irish art from the collection of His Majesty The King in this elegant family space.
- In line with castle opening times
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
- Things to see
The Throne Room
Explore the ceremonial heart of the castle, where Queen Elizabeth II received guests at a coronation ball in 1953.
- In line with castle opening times
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
- Things to see
Lady Grey's Study
Discover this calm, cosy room and learn about the historic meetings that have taken place within its walls.
- In line with castle opening times
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
- Things to see
State Entrance Hall
Start your tour in the magnificent state entrance, where royals, politicians and peacemakers all enter the castle.
- In line with castle opening times
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
The Gardens
Whether a nature lover, out with family to explore or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens offers a delightful escape.
- 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
The Lake
Explore an expanse of picturesque waterways and magnificent giant sequoia trees in this secluded section of the castle grounds
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
- Things to see
Walled Garden
Enter the castle grounds through this 18th-century walled garden, which has been expertly restored using traditional methods.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- 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)
- Things to see
Lady Alice's Temple
Take a seat in this 19th-century temple and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding gardens.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
- 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)
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.