Spring at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, showing footage of interiors and exteriors of the site.
Discover Northern Ireland's royal residence
Explore Northern Ireland's royal residence, where worlds and minds meet. Relax in 100 acres of picturesque gardens, explore the State Rooms still used today and indulge in delicious food and drink in our café.
Visit
Opening times
Gardens
26 May - 29 September 2024
Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00. Last entry one hour before closing.
Castle
26 May - 29 September 2024
Wednesday - Sunday: From 11:00. Last timeslot: 15:00.
Tickets and prices
Visit Hillsborough Castle and over 100 acres of ornamental lawns, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens throughout the seasons.
Dogs are not permitted within the gardens and café unless they are trained assistance dogs.
Castle and Gardens ticket prices from (excluding donation):
- Members: Free
- Adult: £20.20
- Child: £10.10
Getting here
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens,
Car park postcode: BT26 6TY. Please note, this postcode is not yet live on all search engines. Alternatively follow the brown tourist signs on the A1.
For free on-site parking, please follow the brown tourist signs on the A1 south to our sign-posted car park entrance. Entrance is via the Weston Pavilion. If you are visiting the castle, you should aim to arrive on site up to 45 minutes prior to your booked time slot to allow time to make your way to the castle State Entrance. There is a pedestrian entrance to the gardens from Hillsborough village.
Highlights
Peter Rabbit™ Adventure
Until 01 September 2024
Discover 100 acres of fun with Peter and friends this summer. Treat your family with free tickets for kids.
What's on
- Families
Summer Music In The Gardens
Spend a summer afternoon relaxing in the gardens and listening to music.
- Until 17 August
- 14:00 - 16:00
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- Tours and talks
Hillsborough Castle Special Interest Tours
Led by an expert guide, delve deeper into Hillsborough Castle's unique history.
- July - November
- 60 minutes
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket
- Tours and talks
- Events
Garden Workshops
Join our expert gardeners in workshops and explore Hillsborough Castle's historic gardens.
- Until 14 September 2024
- 10.30 - 12.30
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
Things to see and do
- Things to see
- Families
The Imaginary Menagerie
Enjoy a day out discovering our interactive play trail - the Imaginary Menagerie.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- 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.
- Open Wednesday - Sunday
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (members go free)
- Things to see
The Gardens
Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens that surround Hillsborough Castle.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Last entry one hour before closing.
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
Experience Summer at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
The perfect day out for all the family.
Peter Rabbit™ Afternoon Tea
29 June to 01 September
Enjoy our Taste of Peter Rabbit™ Afternoon Tea in our Stableyard Tea Room. Vegan, children's and gluten-free afternoon tea options are available.
Join as a member
Enjoy a range of member benefits including unlimited adventures at our magnificent palaces, access to an exciting events programme and discounts in our shops and restaurants.
SHOP 24/7 ONLINE
Discover beautiful commemorative souvenirs and unique gifts inspired by our palaces.
Be the first to hear more
Sign up for our Hillsborough Castle and Gardens e-newsletter for the latest news, events, offers and competitions.
The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
‘The Grandest House in County Down’.
Support Us
As a self-funding charity, there are several ways you can support us.
Make a donation
We are an independent charity and a donation helps us to conserve these historic buildings, ensuring they are here for future generations to enjoy.
Become a patron
Step closer to history and join us for unique and amazing events as a patron of Historic Royal Palaces.
Our supporters
The restoration and re-presentation of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund,
Mark Pigott KBE KSTJ, Garfield Weston Foundation, the Clore Duffield Foundation, the Foyle Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation and other generous donors.