Hillsborough Castle Summer Fair

Celebrate the bank holiday weekend at the Hillsborough Castle Summer Fair. Set in the stunning grounds of Northern Ireland's Royal Residence, this three-day event - formerly known as the popular Honey Fair – promises plenty of fun, music, and artisanal delights.

Enjoy live music and local produce

Explore a variety of stalls with the finest local produce and crafts as our artisan producers bring you the best in gourmet foods and unique handmade items. Soak up the atmosphere and relax with live music against the picturesque backdrop of the castle.

The perfect blend of culture and charm awaits in the stunning 100-acre gardens, whether you choose to picnic on the lawn or enjoy some quality local food.

When

24 - 26 August 2024

In line with gardens opening hours

Ticket Information

Members go free.

Summer Fair and Gardens only tickets: Adult £15.00 | Child £7.50 | Concession £12.00 | Under 5s go free. Upgrade your ticket to visit the inside of Hillsborough Castle.

Summer Fair Combined Castle and Gardens tickets: Adult £22.50 | Child £11.25 | Concession £18.00 | Under 5s go free.

Event and admission combined ticket (members go free)

Buy Summer Fair tickets

Family fun guaranteed

The fair is packed with activities for all ages. Try your hand at your favourite lawn games then settle down to live storytelling. There’s something to keep everyone entertained.

Your ticket will also include access to our special Peter Rabbit™ Adventure trail, taking place throughout the summer. Don't miss your chance to get a photo with Peter Rabbit, the Summer Fair's VIP guest!

Close up of a family (mother with two small children) laughing and enjoying the coloured pencils and stickers provided at an activities stall at the Hillsborough Honey Fair 2022

Expert Gardening Advice

Get special access to the talent that makes Hillsborough Castle’s gardens so famous. Have your gardening questions answered in a drop-in clinic run by the Castle’s gardeners, ready to help newbies and experienced gardeners alike.

These skilled gardeners will also run a series of fascinating talks throughout the weekend on themes such as sustainability, late summer propagation and flower arranging for free in the Clore.

You can also get useful tips from local beekeepers about how to make your garden more bee friendly – or even how to keep bees yourself!

Staff gardener in the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

A couple enjoy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Food Festival.

Yew Tree Walk showing two visitors walking along and enjoying the border of summer flowers.

Upgrade and explore the palace

Upgrade to a Castle ticket and discover inside this iconic residence – including the historic Throne Room. You'll also get to explore Life Through A Royal Lens. Featuring photos from Annie Leibovitz, Rankin and Cecil Beaton, this fascinating exhibition investigates the Royal Family’s enduring relationship with the camera.

The South Terrace, showing two visitors (male and female) looking at the summer flowers and smiling.

Members go free

Become a member today and visit Hillsborough time and again for free. Enjoy a whole year of unmissable events for all the family. Be spooked at Halloween, celebrate Christmas, go on a special Easter hunt, or simply wander through the ever-changing gardens.

Please note that the Kids Go Free offer is excluded for the Summer Fair. However, this is included with other events such as the Peter Rabbit Adventure™ (please see Tickets and Prices for more information).