Spring Spectacular

An extravaganza of buds, bulbs and blooms

See the gardens of Northern Ireland’s royal residence erupt in a spectacle of colour as our Spring Spectacular returns. This year more bulbs than ever have been planted to create beautiful installations in an array of different displays from flower beds, to barrels, and even a boat.

See the gardens bloom this spring

Blue rivers of muscari, sunny swatches of daffodils and technicolour tubs of tulips will spring to life and fill the gardens with colour. Throughout the castle grounds, see fabulous displays of narcissuses, hyacinths and rhododendrons, and don’t miss admiring our selection of Northern Irish daffodil.

Stroll through springtime blooms with your loved ones, enjoy the fresh air, and treat yourself at the café with a tasty treat or drink.

Please note, blooms are subject to the lottery of the weather and can’t be guaranteed. Save with membership and enjoy unlimited visits to see the gardens evolve as different bulbs bloom.

When

15 March - 05 May 2025

In line with gardens opening hours

Ticket information

Under 5s go free.

Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)

Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets

Please note, blooms are subject to the lottery of the weather and can’t be guaranteed.

Couple (man in wheelchair) exploring the flowers in the forecourt at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

St Patrick’s Day family storytelling and music

Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us! Join us as we listen to traditional Irish tales with renowned storyteller Eamonn Keenan, and musician, Aodan MacSeafriadh.

Suitable for families with children aged 3+ and free for families with a gardens ticket. Spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and all children must be accompanied.

Sunday 16 March:
10:30 - 11:00
11:30 - 12:00
12:30 - 13:00
14:00 - 14:30
15:00 - 15:30
16:00 - 16:30

Find out more

Children sitting on bales of hay having fun with a children's entertainer at the Jubilee Garden Party, celebrating HM Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, June 2022.

Spring events

Calling all green thumbs and curious learners! This spring, join us in our engaging workshops to cultivate your passion and learn fresh skills.

Family workshops

Family workshops are included in all admission tickets.

Bird box decorating
05 May: 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30 & 15:30

Create and wear a wild crown
26 May: 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30 & 15:30

Garden and flower workshops

Separate ticket and pre-booking required for garden and flower workshops.

St Patrick's Day gardening
15 March: 10:30 -12:30

Seed sowing
12 April: 10:30 – 12:30

Beginners vegetable growing (on sale soon)
10 May: 10:30 – 12:30

Buy garden and flower workshops tickets

2019 Halloween suite of events at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens 31st Oct - 3rd Nov Inclusive. During the day, families were able to participate in lantern making workshops, seasonal storytelling and spooky Halloween Hands On Hillsborough sessions. In this image children are making lanterns in the Clore Learning Centre.

A woman leading a flower arrangement workshop at the Summer Fair. She has a table full of different flowers and plants and is making a bouquet in front of an audience.

A close up of a mass of daffodils blooming.

Spring Flower Show

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, in partnership with Northern Ireland Daffodil Group, presents the Spring Flower Show on 05 April. An unmissable opportunity to see hundreds of different varieties of daffodils and spring flowers across 6 sections with 99 classes. Class entries are free and include 19 novice classes. Please contact clare.woods@hrp.org.uk for details on how to enter.

05 April, 13:00 - 17:00 (after judging is completed).

At 15:30 join a talk on daffodils from Nial Watson, followed by a Q&A to ask the expert panel all your queries on growing and showing bulbs.

Included in garden ticket admission.

Become a member today

Return to see the gardens evolve throughout the spring as different bulbs bloom. Save with membership and enjoy unlimited visits to the magnificent palace and gardens all year round. Become a member today.