Adventure, imagination and play
Skip the event ticket details and go to event summary.
When
In line with gardens opening hoursWhere
In the gardens
Ticketing information
Suitable for families and visitors of all ages and abilities.
Under 5s and members go free.
Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Buy Hillsborough Gardens ticketsLet imaginations run wild across Hillsborough Castle’s 100-acre gardens.
From playing shop to building walls and spotting wildlife, there are plenty of opportunities to play, create and explore - making a visit the perfect family day out, suitable for kids of all ages.
Meet the wildlife of Hillsborough
Discover the wildlife that calls Hillsborough home. Step inside our Summer House to explore fascinating eggs, nests, butterflies and birds. Then head outdoors to see what you can spot around the gardens, from birds around the lake to creatures hidden amongst the trees.
Sensory walk
Experience a garden adventure designed to engage curious minds and little hands. Follow the Sensory Walk through willow tunnels, musical features, aromatic planting and balance beams. Stop at the Shepherd's Hut to build miniature dry stone walls, and step into Hillsborough Stores and imagine running your own shop.
Book your adventure today with a Gardens only ticket.
Explore the gardens your way
Ready to explore further? Choose from two contrasting routes through the gardens (the Kingfisher's Lakeside adventure and the Robin's Ramble), each offering a different way to experience Hillsborough Castle’s gardens.
The Kingfisher's Lakeside adventure
The trail takes you around the Lake and takes about 30 minutes to walk plus extra time to play.
Follow the Kingfisher signs to discover the bird hide, and create marvellous music with wooden chimes in the Sound Forest.
Explore the woodland swings inside the Pinetum, and plan an imaginary journey aboard our Barouche Box carriage. Finally, see if you can find the Hillsborough hounds and spot the shoal of fish sculpture.
The Robin's Ramble
The trail takes about 40 minutes to walk plus extra time to play.
Wander through the beautiful gardens on the Robin's Ramble trail and explore the shell house, the Garden's Summer House, the Giant Nest, Bird Cage sculpture, Willow House and have fun experimenting with sound tubes.
Download Imaginary Menagerie trail map booklet
Explore what's on
- Families
- Events
Beano Hijinks at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Join 100 acres of total time travel trouble this summer holidays. Kids go free!
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Dates:
Until 31 August 2026
- Times: In line with gardens opening hours
- Location: Hillsborough Castle
- Ticket type: Included in all admission tickets (Members go free, no pre-booking required)
- Things to see
The Gardens
Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens that surround Hillsborough Castle.
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Dates:
In line with gardens opening hours
- Times: Last entry one hour before closing.
- Location: Hillsborough Castle
- Ticket type: Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
- 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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Dates:
Open
- Location: Hillsborough Castle
- Ticket type: 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
Good Friday Agreement
Hillsborough Castle was the scene for key meetings that led to this historic moment in Northern Ireland’s history
Shop online
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