Tiptoe into the wood with the Gruffalo's™ Child this Christmas, and meet Santa
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When
28 November 2026 – 03 January 2027 (excluding 24-26 December)
In line with gardens opening hours.Ticketing information
Included in all admission tickets (Members go free, no pre-booking required).
Meet Santa and meet Gruffalo tickets on sale soon.
Santa/Gruffalo Meet and Greet
Tickets must be pre-booked, including for Members.
Non-members can add Santa or Gruffalo tickets when purchasing Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets or Gardens-only tickets. You can arrive to the Castle and Gardens any time in advance of your meet Santa/Gruffalo time slot.
Members and existing ticket holders can purchase Santa or Gruffalo tickets separately.
Included in all admission tickets (Members go free, no pre-booking required)
“Whose is this track and where does it go?”
This festive season, step into the magical world of The Gruffalo’s Child on an enchanting daytime trail through Hillsborough Castle’s breathtaking 100-acre gardens.
Discover favourite scenes from the much-loved story hidden on a winter walk perfect for the whole family. Little ones under 5 can experience the trail completely for free.
Play fun interactive games, watch The Gruffalo’s Child film, and warm up with hot chocolate and mince pie – or even brave a Gruffalo-themed treat! No visit is complete without a trip to the shop to pick up a Gruffalo’s Child book or toy for Christmas.
On select days before Christmas, enjoy a magical meet-and-greet with Santa*, and after Christmas, don’t miss the chance to meet the Gruffalo himself* and snap a photo together.
You can also upgrade your visit to explore the royal castle filled with twinkling Christmas decorations.
*On select days. Additional ticket required.
©2004 & TM Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.
Meet Santa in his Hillsborough hideaway
Make your day even more special and take the little ones to meet Santa. Watch them share their Christmas wishes, capture the perfect family photo and receive a gift of reindeer food to save for feeding Santa's special reindeer.
Meet Santa in the Garden Shop on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, Saturday 05, Sunday 06, Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21, Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 December.
Tickets £8 per family (up to 4 children), or £6 for members. On sale soon.
Meet The Gruffalo in his cave
Come and meet The Gruffalo. Can you spot his knobbly knees and turned out toes? Meet him on Sunday 27 December – Sunday 03 January, and take a photo together with him to treasure.
Tickets £6 per family (up to 4 children), or £5 for members. On sale soon.
Watch The Gruffalo’s Child
Cosy up inside the Clore Learning Centre in the Stable Yard to watch the much-loved The Gruffalo’s Child film, included in your admission ticket.
Join us during weekends and every day during the school holidays (excluding 24-26 December) at 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00. First come, first served.
The film lasts approximately 25 minutes.
Upgrade your visit
Want to make your day extra special? Add a visit to the beautifully decorated castle, glowing with seasonal sparkle. Step into the famous Throne Room and discover fascinating stories that will delight all the family.
Upgrade your ticket to membership and discover a full year of adventures, including Easter hunts, spooktacular Halloween activities and summer family fun.
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Official Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Guidebook
Descriptive, informative, authoritative - this superb guidebook is the best way to learn all there is about Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
£4.99
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