Kids Go Free

Discover the gardens at Hillsborough this summer

This summer, the spacious gardens of Hillsborough Castle are open for children of all ages – completely free of charge!

Treat the kids this summer holiday

There’s plenty for families to explore across 100 acres of spacious gardens. Run free on the play trail, picnic in the shaded woodlands, meet the wildlife that make Hillsborough their home and more! Then treat yourself to a delicious drink, cake or lunch from the popular café.

Throughout the summer you can also join the Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Hunt. Embark on an adventure and help Winnie the Pooh and friends find his beloved lost 'hunny' in a brand-new gardens trail.

Add a visit to the Castle for just £5

Want to extend your unforgettable day out? Little ones can step inside the Castle and discover a grand palace for just £5. From the famous Throne Room to the State Dining Room setup for a fabulous dinner, there’s lots for the whole family to enjoy.

Pack your picnic baskets, grab your sun hats and join us for a summer of fun and exploration. Don’t miss out – Hillsborough Castle awaits your little explorers.

Please see full Terms & Conditions below.

When

28 June - 31 August 2025 In line with gardens opening hours

Ticket information

Tickets on sale soon.

Members and under 5s go free.

Special offer:
Child Castle tickets just £5.00 28 June - 31 August (normal price £10.40). These can only be purchased from the ticket office and not online.

Included in gardens admission (Members go free)

Families

A family (two adults and two children) walking (one child is running) along the Barefoot Walk, part of the Imaginary Menagerie Kingfisher Trail.The Imaginary Menagerie is a play trail throughout the Castle's gardens. Opened in June 2021, it takes visitors on an adventure course that includes a series of sculptures celebrating the pets and wildlife animals that have made Hillsborough their home. [See also: asset no.53796 for the Booklet guide].

The Imaginary Menagerie Robin trail. Showing a child (girl) smiling and listening to a Sounds of Nature talk tube.

The Imaginary Menagerie is a play trail throughout the Castle's gardens. Opened in June 2021, it takes visitors on an adventure course that includes a series of sculptures celebrating the pets and wildlife animals that have made Hillsborough their home.

[See also: asset no.53796 for the Booklet guide].

A family (two adults and two children) enjoying The Nest for Everyone sculpture designed by Clive Lyttle. One of the children is standing at the top of the ladder into the nest. Part of the Imaginary Menagerie Robin Trail.

The Imaginary Menagerie is a play trail throughout the Castle's gardens. Opened in June 2021, it takes visitors on an adventure course that includes a series of sculptures celebrating the pets and wildlife animals that have made Hillsborough their home.

[See also: asset no.53796 for the Booklet guide].

Terms and conditions

Valid 28 June to 31 August 2025.
Up to 3 free child (5-15 years of age) Gardens tickets can be booked for each full priced or disabled adult Garden ticket.
Up to 3 £5 child (5-15 years of age) Castle tickets can be booked for each full priced or disabled adult Castle ticket.
The offer is not available for senior concession or full time student 18+ concession tickets.
No pre-booking is required for members.
Free tickets are for the gardens only. Castle tickets are reduced to £5 (normally £10.40) for the duration of the offer.
The offer isn’t valid with any other promotions or offers, including £1 universal credit tickets.

Child castle tickets are £5.00. 28 June - 31 August.

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Gardens