Travel information for your visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Where to find us
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Hillsborough
Car park postcode: BT26 6TY. Please note, this postcode is not yet live on all search engines. Please alternatively follow the brown tourist signs on the A1.
Arrival time for visiting the castle
When you book a castle and gardens ticket, your booked time slot is your entry time for the castle. You can enter the gardens at any time on the day of your visit, from first admission at 10:00.
The fastest route to the castle is to exit the Walled garden via the right corner gate and follow signage to the castle.
The Admissions Desk at the Stable Yard is open seasonally in line with Castle opening hours. Outside of these hours, ticketholders and members can gain access via the nearby Gatehouse.
Moving between the car park and the State Entrance
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 sufficient time to make your way to the castle State Entrance.
Car parking
On-site parking
Free on-site car parking is available. The car park post code is BT26 6TY.
Follow the brown tourist signs on the A1 south to our sign-posted car park entrance.
It is not possible to access the car park via the entrance on The Square in Hillsborough Village. This is a pedestrian entrance only.
Disabled parking
27 parking spaces are available on site for for Blue Badge holders.
Drop-off and collection points
Drop off and collection points for minibuses, coaches and taxis are located in the car park, accessible off the A1.
Download maps
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens car park is accessible via the A1 (Hillsborough Road).
Site security
Rucksacks, large bags and buggies are not allowed inside the castle but can be deposited in the lockers beside the Stableyard.
Small handbags are permitted inside the castle and will be searched on entry.
Cycle
There is a bicycle rack in the Pineapple Yard at the entrance to the Visitor Centre. This is situated by the main car park and can be accessed from Hillsborough village, going south via the Dromore Road and right into the Moira Road. The brown access gate on the right hand side at the bottom of the Moira Road leads into the car park.
Public transport
Train
Lisburn station is 5 miles from Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Bus route 38 connects Lisburn rail station and Hillsborough village. See below for more bus information.
Bus
The nearest bus stop is Hillsborough War Memorial. Route 238 is an express service which connects central Belfast to Hillsborough village. Route 38 is a standard service which connects central Belfast to Hillsborough village going via south Belfast and Lisburn. Both these services start at Grand Central Station, the main bus station in Belfast.
The pedestrian entrance to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Hillsborough village is in The Square at the top of the Main Street. The bus stop is at the bottom of the Main Street.
For up to date bus and train timetables please refer to the Translink website.
TranslinkExplore what's on
- Christmas
- Events
A Choral Christmas at Hillsborough Castle
Join the extraordinary Cappella Caeciliana for a memorable Christmas concert evening filled with festive performances.
- 15 December 2024 (sold out)
- 19:45 - 21:45 (doors open at 19:15) 30 minute interval at 20:30.
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket
- Families
- Events
- Christmas
Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Explore the gardens this Christmas transformed with beautiful decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
- Until 05 January 2025
- In line with gardens opening hours.
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
- Exhibition
- Things to see
Royal Style in the Making
Discover the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers in a captivating new exhibition at Hillsborough Castle.
- 15 March 2025 - 04 January 2026
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
Browse more history and stories
The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
‘The Grandest House in County Down’
Art at Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle has become a place in which to see amazing art