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Family Fun Castle Tours

Bring Northern Ireland’s royal residence to life for all the family

Bring Northern Ireland’s royal residence to life for all the family

Introduce your family to the magic of Northern Ireland’s famous royal residence in a fun and engaging tour designed especially for children and their families.

Many interesting and unusual guests have visited Hillsborough Castle over the years. But who were they and why were they here? Come along and help us discover the stories behind some of these intriguing guests.

This small group tour will bring Hillsborough Castle to life for children aged 5-11 and their families. Family tours will run at 12:30 and 13:30 on Saturdays and Sundays in July, or at 12:30 and 13:30 on 03, 10 and 17 August.

Make a full day of it by exploring the Peter Rabbit Adventure trail and treat yourself to a Peter Rabbit™-inspired Afternoon Tea (pre-booking necessary). Or bring along a picnic, kick off your shoes and enjoy some Summer Music in the Gardens.

Please note, our Kids Go Free offer extends to Gardens Only tickets. Upgrade your tickets to a Family Tour by booking online or at the ticket desk on arrival.

Members Go Free

Join as a Historic Royal Palaces member today and visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens time and again for free. Enjoy our season of unmissable events or simply return to see the seasons change.

When

July - August (selected dates)

12:30 and 13:30

Ticketing information

Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Under 5s go free.

July: Saturdays and Sundays 12:30 and 13:30

August: Saturday 03, 10 and 17 August 12:30 and 13:30


Separate ticket

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EXPLORE WHAT'S ON

  • 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)
Learn more
  • 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)
Learn more
  • 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)
Learn more

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’

Shop online

Shop Children's Toys

Discover our range of traditional toys and games inspired by Historic Royal Palaces. Bring history to life with our fun selection of toys and games inspired by our British heritage.

From £4.00

Shop homewares

In our home section you will find stylish lifestyle home accessories and furnishings, including cushions, tapestries, ornaments and much more which will add those finishing touches to make your room complete.

From £5.00

Shop Stationery

Our stationery collection ranges from greetings cards, notebooks and pens to calligraphy sets and unique home and desk accessories.

From £2.50