Discover spring colour in Northern Ireland's famous garden
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When
14 March - 04 May 2026
In line with gardens opening hoursTicket information
Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens ticketsPlease note, blooms are subject to the lottery of the weather and can’t be guaranteed.
Step into spring as Hillsborough Castle's world-class gardens burst into life.
Bright carpets of bluebells, sunny swatches of daffodils, and technicolour tubs of tulips will spring to life and fill the gardens with colour.
Throughout the castle grounds, see beautiful narcissuses, hyacinths, camellias, apple blossom and rhododendrons, and don't miss admiring our selection of Northern Irish daffodils.
Return and see different blooms appear throughout the season.
Pick up your Bulbs and Blooms guide, and hunt out the many different planted varieties.
Let the adventure bloom
Little ones will also love exploring the 100 acre gardens, running free on the Imaginary Menagerie play trail, and seeking the giant watering cans hidden across the gardens - can they find them all?
Finish off your day with a tasty treat or warming lunch from the popular café.
Don't miss the perfect spring day discovering a spectacle of colour.
Upgrade your visit
Upgrade your ticket to step inside the famous castle. From 14 March, step inside the iconic Throne room, see up close paintings by renowned artists, and discover where pivotal moments in British and Irish history took place.
Explore Royal Style in the Making, a captivating exhibition that unveils the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers.
Return time and again for free as a member, and see the gardens evolve in delight in every season.
Spring Flower Show
Garden aficionados won't want to miss the annual Spring Flower Show, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Daffodil Group.
On Saturday 04 April, see displays of hundreds of different varieties of daffodils and spring flowers across 6 sections with 100 classes on the theme of sustainability.
Not to be missed, see beautiful flower arranging demonstrations throughout the afternoon.
Class entries are free, with the option of 19 novice classes. Please contact claire.woods@hrp.org.uk for details on how to enter.
Saturday 04 April, 13:00 - 17:00 (after judging is completed)
Included in all admission tickets.
Explore what's on
- Things to see
The Gardens
Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens that surround Hillsborough Castle.
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In line with gardens opening hours
- Last entry one hour before closing.
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
- Easter
- Families
- Events
Easter Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt
Treat your family to an unmissable Easter adventure in Hillsborough Castle's stunning gardens.
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28 March - 12 April 2026
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (Members go free, no pre-booking required)
- 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.
-
Closed except for pre-booked groups.
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
Browse more history and stories
Art at Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle has become a place in which to see amazing art
The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
‘The Grandest House in County Down’
Mo Mowlam
A unique Northern Ireland Secretary and Hillsborough Castle resident