Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Historic Castle Gardens & Family Adventures!
Hillsborough Castle & Gardens offers a fantastic day out for garden lovers and families alike.
Explore over 100 acres of historic gardens dating back to the 1760s, including the Walled Garden, Rose Garden, Jubilee Parterre, Lady Alice’s Garden, Lost Garden, lake, glen and beautiful woodland walks.
Discover rare plants and specimen trees before touring the magnificent State Rooms inside the castle. Children will love the seasonal family activities, while adults can relax with refreshments or afternoon tea in the castle cafés.
Click for more useful details on Hillsborough Castle & Gardens and plan your visit.
And click here for great local attractions near to Hillsborough Castle & Gardens for a super day out!
Our Top Tip: Book your Afternoon Tea so you don’t miss out!
Review Rating 4.7
Click here for really useful visitor reviews
Opening Times:
10am to 6pm – high season
10am to 4pm – low season
Closed Mon & Tue in off season
Buy Tickets Here!
Check before you travel!
Admission: From £13
Opening Times & Admission Prices
Opening Days: The garden is open daily but can be shut on Mondays and Tuesdays during the off season
Opening Times: 10am to 6pm in high season, 10am to 4pm low season – last entry 1 hour before closing
Admission Prices: £13 adults for Gardens only , £21.50 for Castle & Gardens
Children 16 & 17 years £5.50 & £13, Under 5’s Free
Check for this years full visitor information
Local Weather for Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
15°C | °F
About Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Hillsborough Castle & Gardens is packed full of interest to both keen gardeners and those looing for family day outs.
The gardens have some super features to enjoy from the Walled Garden, Rose Garden, Jubilee Parterre, Lake, Glen, Lady Alice’s Garden and the Lost Garden!
Wander around and take in the Yew Tree Walk and Moss Walk in the gardens that have been around since the 1760’s!
And do keep an eye out for specimen trees and rare plants.
For children there are lots of activities including the Imaginary Menagerie, Beano Hijinks and the Summer House.
There are a number of rooms in the Castle to explore including the throne Room, State Drawing Room, Lady Grey’s Stuudy, State Dining Room, Red Room and the Stair Hall.
Refreshments for kids and adults are served in the ‘Beanotastic’ Cafein the Stable Yard with Afternoon Tea a real treat!
And you can also visit the Hillsborough Castle Café in the Weston Pavilion, Pineapple Yard.
Accessibility at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Due to the nature of the terrain some areas are unsuitable for wheelchair users. Some step free access is available. Check here for more Hillsborough accessibility information.
Dogs at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Assistance dogs only allowed in the castle & gardens.
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Images © Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Local Accommodation near to Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
If you are looking for somewhere to stay near Hillsborough Castle & Gardens then look here for your local Royal Hillsborough accommodation.
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Visitor Reviews of Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Facebook Visitor Review Score 4.7 stars
Don’t take our word for how genuinely super these gardens are.
Here is what visitors think about their visit to the Hillsborough Castle & Gardens:
Sarah W. loved the beautifully maintained gardens, peaceful lake and colourful seasonal planting, describing it as a relaxing day out.
David M. enjoyed exploring the castle’s impressive State Rooms and praised the knowledgeable, friendly guides.
Helen R. said the Walled Garden and Rose Garden were stunning and highlighted the excellent afternoon tea.
James P. visited with family and loved the children’s activities, woodland walks and spacious gardens.
Linda C. called it one of Northern Ireland’s finest gardens, praising the rare plants, historic setting and immaculate grounds.
Local gardens and attractions near to Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Mount Stewart House & Gardens: One of the National Trust’s finest gardens, famous for its colourful themed gardens, lakeside walks, Italian Garden and unique plant collections.
Rowallene Garden: A stunning National Trust garden featuring a Victorian walled garden, woodland walks, rare plants, rock gardens and beautiful seasonal displays.
Seaforde Gardens & Tropical Butterfly House: Historic gardens, Ireland’s oldest hedge maze and a tropical butterfly house.
Map, Location, Directions & Contact Details for Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
All information was believed to correct at the time of publicatio
The Square
Royal Hillsborough County Down BT26 6TY
United Kingdom