Explore Northern Ireland's royal residence with a visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Explore Hillsborough
Located just 20 minutes from Belfast, the restored and re-imagined Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has something for everyone.
Explore the Castle and 100 acres of beautiful gardens, including the Imaginary Menagerie interactive play trail, Walled Garden, the previously unseen Lost Garden, meandering waterways and picturesque glens.
You’ll find parking easy in our free car park. You can also enjoy delicious delicious takeaway food and drink from our award-winning café.
See our opening times.
- 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)
- Things to see
Walled Garden
Enter the castle grounds through this 18th-century walled garden, which has been expertly restored using traditional methods.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- 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 Glen
Explore this intimate corner of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, which is full of colour and intriguing details.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- Things to see
Granville Garden
Take a moment in this elegant rose garden created by Lady Granville, aunt to Queen Elizabeth II.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- Things to see
The Lake
Explore an expanse of picturesque waterways and magnificent giant sequoia trees in this secluded section of the castle grounds
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- Things to see
Jubilee Parterre
Discover a charming formal garden and find out why the castle's 19th-century summer house is so unusual.
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- Events
- Families
Peter Rabbit Adventure
Discover 100 acres of fun with Peter and friends this summer. Treat your family with free gardens tickets for kids.
- Until 01 September 2024
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- Events
- Families
Hillsborough Castle Summer Fair
Celebrate the bank holiday weekend at this three-day event with fun, music, and artisanal delights.
- 24 - 26 August 2024
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Event and admission combined ticket (members go free)
- 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)
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.