Tickets for up to six people per household for £1 each
We want everyone to be able to enjoy a day out at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, and we know how hard things are for many people on low incomes right now.
That’s why, £1 tickets for a day visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens are available to anyone in receipt of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household. Only one person per household needs to show supporting documents.
We hope this will allow even more people to experience this wonderful place, exploring Northern Ireland’s royal residence.
How to book £1 tickets
You can reserve and pay for up to six Gardens tickets online. Children under 5 do not need a ticket. If you would like to join a tour of the castle, we can upgrade your ticket on the day of your visit (subject to availability), at no extra charge.
Then collect your printed tickets from the Ticket office on the day of your visit. You must bring the following:
- Your reservation - this is the PDF that you will receive when you completed your online booking.
- Proof of your eligibility - please check the list below.
- Proof of ID - to check that the person who booked the tickets is present (e.g. a utility bill, bank statement, work ID)
Tickets must be booked online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Visitor numbers are limited and many dates and timeslots are sold out in advance.
If you can't find £1 tickets for the date you wish to book, it is likely this date is sold out so please search for alternative dates.
Book £1 tickets onlineDocumentation you must bring with you
1. One form of supporting document to show eligibility for this offer:
- Universal Credit - show your Universal Credit statement, either on your mobile app or a paper copy
- Pension Credit - DfC / DWP letter of confirmation
- Working Tax Credit - HMRC letter confirming Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit - HMRC letter confirming Child Tax Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance - DfC / DWP letter of confirmation
- Income Support - DfC / DWP letter of confirmation
- Jobseekers Allowance - DfC / DWP letter of confirmation
2. Additional identification to confirm name on the supporting documents. This does not need to be a photo ID; a bank card/statement, utility bill or work ID is fine.
3. Your reservation document - this is a PDF that you will receive when you book your tickets online.
All supporting documents and identification should be recent and up-to-date.
If you don't have proof of receiving benefits, you can request a letter from the government.
Get a proof of benefit letter [gov.uk]50% off food with your £1 ticket
On presentation of your £1 ticket at the palace, you will receive:
- 50% off food in our Weston Pavilion Café ONLY (excluding the Orangery). Offer also excludes alcohol, afternoon tea, Peter Rabbit™ afternoon tea and other selected items)
- For each adult meal purchased, children under 12 with the adult can eat for free from our Children's menu
Planning for your day out
Arriving
Tickets are valid for entry every day the gardens are open. You can also enjoy a visit to the castle when it is open by asking a member of staff to upgrade your ticket at no extra charge. Please check our Hillsborough Castle and Gardens opening times for the day of your visit.
On arrival, please go straight to the Ticket Office to show your documents and collect your tickets.
Visitor Map and Ticket Office Location
The location of the Ticket Office can be found on our visitor map, available to download on our Visit pages. The Ticket Office is at our Visitor Centre on the southbound A1 dual carriageway, just past the Hillsborough roundabout.
Things to see
Once the grand house of the Hill family, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is now the residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland.
On your visit, you’ll have the chance to explore the beautiful castle grounds complete with our interactive play trail - the Imaginary Menagerie – perfect for our younger visitors. Visit in spring and you’ll witness an explosion of colour in the gardens as over half a million spring bulbs erupt into bloom in our Spring Spectacular.
Choose a guided castle tour with one of our brilliant and friendly explainers and see the elegant State Rooms, which are still in use today.
Your £1 ticket also includes all special performances and activities that are included with a standard admission ticket.
Explore things to see and doFacilities
There are lockers, a buggy park and toilets on site together with a café and shop. Find out more and download a map on our facilities page.
What you may wish to bring with you
Comfortable Shoes and Walking Aids
The estate is very large and spans over 1km from the Pineapple Yard to the State Entrance. Bring any walking aids to help you get around and wear sensible shoes.
We have wheelchairs available to use onsite. For more information about what is available onsite, check out our access information.
Dress for the Weather
Our indoor spaces can be chilly in the winter and hot in the summer. You need to travel through the gardens to reach the castle. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Remember to bring your umbrella, sunscreen – or both!
Picnic Lunch and Snacks
There are plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy your lunch throughout the gardens. Remember to bring a picnic mat!
Refillable Water Bottle
There are water refill points onsite, located in our Hillsborough Castle café adjacent to the Admissions Desk.
Extra Clothes for Little Ones
The Imaginary Menagerie interactive play trail is a fantastic way for children to burn off some energy and explore. So if your little ones love to get messy, bring a change of clothes and/or shoes.
Cameras, Sketchbooks and Pencils
Capture the day through photos and sketches! We welcome people to take photos in the historic gardens. You can sketch throughout the castle and gardens – pencil only. We hope you are inspired to make a memory or artwork from the day.
What you must not bring with you
The historic nature of the castle and gardens means that some things are not permitted in the grounds. Find a full list on our facilities page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about our £1 offer? You might find the answer in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions
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