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Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Main Street, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

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About

This year at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, discover Life Through a Royal Lens, Hillsborough Castle’s first ever exhibition featuring a unique collection of royal photography running for five months only until 29 October. This must-see exhibition documents the British Royal Family's ever-evolving relationship with the camera over the last 200 years.

Never before seen in Northern Ireland, Life Through a Royal Lens brings together over 60 of the most iconic images ever taken of the Royal Family, dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria. 

As well as enjoying this critically acclaimed exhibition, on your visit you will hear stories of celebration, entertainment, diplomacy, and negotiation as you explore Hillsborough Castle's fascinating history and stunning State Rooms. From grand family home to charming royal residence, Hillsborough Castle has welcomed the world and witnessed pivotal moments in history for over three hundred years.  Home to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland since the 1970s, Hillsborough Castle has played a central role in the peace-building process for 40 years.

Hillsborough Castle's glorious gardens, developed from the 1760s onwards, are a joy to explore and include ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways and picturesque glens. Keep an eye out for specimen trees and rare plants as you explore the grounds. These special gardens are a delight to the senses throughout the seasons and offer countless places to unwind, contemplate, socialise and seek inspiration.  The Walled Garden produces fruit and vegetables that are served in our award-winning café.

Book Tickets

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Guide dogs permitted
  • Toilets for disabled visitors

Attraction Facilities

  • Gift Shop
  • Guided Tours Available
  • Open Sundays

Catering

  • Licensed
  • Local Produce
  • Picnic Area
  • Restaurant on Premises
  • Serve lunch
  • Tea-room/Cafe onsite

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Cater for Corporate events
  • Cater for individuals
  • Cater for school groups
  • Event venue
  • Family Fun
  • Groups accepted
  • Groups catered for
  • Online Booking
  • Shop
  • Toilets
  • Visitor information
  • Wi-fi available

Leisure Facilities

  • Wifi

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking
  • Coach parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted
  • JCB accepted
  • Maestro accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Visa accepted
  • Visa Debit Accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Indoor Attraction
  • Marketed Towards Families
  • Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest
  • Outdoor Attraction
  • Unique venue

Travel & Trade

  • Family Discount
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Guide Prices

Kids go free this summer. Please see website for details and up to date ticket prices. Members go free.

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

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Map & Directions

Opening Times

* Please see website for up to date opening times

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Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Access: The Hillsborough Castle and Gardens village entrance/exit remains closed.  All access (other than by arrangement for visitors with access requirements) is via the Weston Pavilion (entrance just off the A1. 

Please check the Getting here page (Getting here | Hillsborough Castle and Gardens | Historic Royal Palaces (hrp.org.uk)) on their official website for more information).

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