Travel information for your visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Where to find us
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Hillsborough
Car park postcode: BT26 6TY. Please note, this postcode is not yet live on all search engines. Please alternatively follow the brown tourist signs on the A1.
Arrival time for visiting the castle
When you book a castle and gardens ticket, your booked time slot is your entry time for the castle. You can enter the gardens at any time on the day of your visit, from first admission at 10:00.
The fastest route to the castle is to exit the Walled garden via the right corner gate and follow signage to the castle.
The Admissions Desk at the Stable Yard is open seasonally in line with Castle opening hours. Outside of these hours, ticketholders and members can gain access via the nearby Gatehouse.
Moving between the car park and the State Entrance
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 sufficient time to make your way to the castle State Entrance.
Car parking
On-site parking
Free on-site car parking is available. The car park post code is BT26 6TY.
Follow the brown tourist signs on the A1 south to our sign-posted car park entrance.
It is not possible to access the car park via the entrance on The Square in Hillsborough Village. This is a pedestrian entrance only.
Disabled parking
27 parking spaces are available on site for for Blue Badge holders.
Drop-off and collection points
Drop off and collection points for minibuses, coaches and taxis are located in the car park, accessible off the A1.
Download maps
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens car park is accessible via the A1 (Hillsborough Road).
Site security
As you enter the site you will pass through our security area where bags searches are in operation.
Rucksacks, large bags and buggies are not allowed inside the castle but can be deposited in the lockers in the Stable Yard.
Small handbags are permitted inside the castle on the condition they may be searched before entering.
Cycle
There is a bicycle rack in the Pineapple Yard at the entrance to the visitor centre. This is situated by the main car park and can also be reached via the brown access gate at the bottom of the Moira Road.
Public transport
Train
Lisburn station is 5 miles from Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Bus route 38 connects Lisburn bus station and Hillsborough village. The pedestrian entrance to the gardens from The Square in Hillsborough village is open to members and pre-booked ticket holders only.
Moira station is 8 to 11 miles from Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. For connecting bus routes, travel via Lisburn bus station.
Bus
The nearest bus stop is Hillsborough War Memorial.
Route 238 (to Newry) connects central Belfast to Hillsborough village. Services run every 20 minutes from Belfast Europa bus centre.
The pedestrian entrance to the gardens from The Square in Hillsborough village is open to members and pre-booked ticket holders only.
EXPLORE WHAT'S ON
- For members
- Tours and talks
- Events
Members-Only Gardens Tours at Hillsborough Castle
Explore the gardens surrounding Northern Ireland's only royal residence with an expert guide on these members-only tours.
- 21 September 2024
- 11:00
- Hillsborough Castle
- Free (advance booking required)
- 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)
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
Art at Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle has become a place in which to see amazing art
The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
‘The Grandest House in County Down’