Explore the stunning gardens that surround the castle
Skip the event ticket details and go to event summary.
When
In line with gardens opening hours
Last entry one hour before closing.Where
Parts of the gardens may be difficult to access by visitors with restricted mobility. Read our Access information
Ticketing information
Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens ticketsHillsborough Castle's glorious gardens are bursting with colour and are a joy to explore. Discover ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways and picturesque glens at Northern Ireland's royal residence.
The historic gardens, which were developed from the 1760s onwards, offer intriguing contrasts between ornate formal gardens, woodland and meadows.
Keep an eye out for specimen trees and rare plants as you explore the grounds.
On arrival, don't forget to pick up your copy of our Garden Explorer map which reveals more of the gardens' unique features, including the Walled Garden, Yew Tree Walk, Moss Walk, the Lake and Lady Alice's Temple.
These special gardens are a delight to the senses throughout the seasons and offer countless places to unwind, contemplate, socialise and seek inspiration.
Garden highlights
The Walled Garden
The Lake
Jubilee Parterre
The Glen
The Imaginary Menagerie - garden play trail.
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Grand designs
Natural beauty
Family fun
![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.
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Accessibility
The estate is very large and spans over 1km from the Pineapple Yard to the State Entrance. Distance information has been included on the directional signs in the gardens.
Step-free routes
Due to the natural terrain of the gardens, some paths are unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with restricted mobility. Some paths have steps and steep slopes that will become slippery in wet weather.
Step-free routes and ramps are available in both the Pineapple Yard and the Stable Yard. A step-free route between the Walled Garden and State Entrance is clearly marked on-site.
The step-free route is clearly marked in yellow on the map in the access guide.
Accessibility at Hillsborough Castle and GardensSustainability
At Hillsborough, our gardeners are committed to sustainability, blending traditional practices with innovative techniques to care for the landscape responsibly.
Every effort is made to reduce waste and conserve resources. All green waste is composted, fallen trees are repurposed, and water use is carefully managed. We grow plants from seed or source them locally, where possible. We make our own mulch. And fresh produce from the Walled Garden is served in the Castle café.
We also work hard to encourage biodiversity. Some areas are left to grow naturally, with grass left long and wild spaces allowed to flourish. Ponds and streams throughout the gardens provide vital habitats for wildlife, helping nature thrive within our historic setting.
A working garden with sustainability at its heart
Read more about the gardens of Hillsborough Castle on our interactive story, created in partnership with Google Arts & Culture.
Listen to the podcast
A Walk in the Gardens of Hillsborough Castle
These gardens are the perfect place to walk and enjoy the sounds and feelings of being in nature.
So for this episode of the Historic Royal Palaces podcast, sound artist and musician Alice Boyd, leads us into these tranquil gardens to meet Claire Woods, Head Gardener at Hillsborough.
We want you to be immersed by this episode, so take a moment to focus in on the lovely sounds and enjoy an escape to the Gardens of Hillsborough Castle.
More episodesPodcast transcript
Read more about the gardens
How an ancient woodland technique helps Hillsborough Castle’s gardens to thrive
Gardens Manager Claire Woods explores how coppicing is used to help the gardens at Hillsborough thrive and grow.
Explore what's on
- Things to see
Lady Alice's Temple
Take a seat in this 19th-century temple and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding gardens.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
- Things to see
The Lost Garden
Experience the exotic side of the gardens as you wander through the Chinese glade, the Chilean walk, and the Irish bog garden.
-
In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
- Events
- Workshops
Garden Workshops
Join our expert gardeners for spring and summer workshops in the historic gardens.
-
Next workshop 14 March 2026
- 10.30 - 12.30
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
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
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