Is there parking at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

Good news – there's free on-site parking.

Can I bring my own food or drink to Hillsborough Castle gardens?

Of course! Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy picnics in the garden – definitely best during the summer. There is also a café in the Lower Visitor Centre in the Western Pavilion is open, 09.00-16.00.

Suitable For:
Fun for all ages!

View of Lady Alice Temple at Hillsborough Castle Gardens

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County Down

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets and tips

🌳Over 100-acres of beautiful gardens
👑Visit Northern Ireland's only royal residence
🌸Explore areas like the lake and Walled Gardens
🗺️Pick up a Garden Explorer map!

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What's here?

What's there to do at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

Where is it?

How to get to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Address

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens,
The Square, Hillsborough BT26 6GT, Hillsborough

View Map / Directions

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Northern Ireland County Down

What about facilities?

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens facilities

Picnic Friendly
Picnic Spots
On-site Café(s)
Wheelchair Hire
Baby Changing Facilities
Pushchair Friendly
Pushchair Parking
Free Wifi
Free Parking
Toilets
Gift Shop
Green Spaces
Lockers

Michelle Says

Bring your own sarnies!

Note that the restaurant only serves hot food so not sandwiches and is located at the entrance. So bring your own sandwiches if you're after a cold lunch.

Mary Says

Take a pram if you're bringing little ones

If visiting with a baby/toddler I’d recommend bringing a pram for the walk to and from the castle and also a carrier/reins for inside as it can be a long walk.

Make the most of your visit

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tips and tricks

People say...

Michelle Says...

Bring your own sarnies!

Note that the restaurant only serves hot food so not sandwiches and is located at the entrance. So bring your own sandwiches if you're after a cold lunch.

Mary Says...

Take a pram if you're bringing little ones

If visiting with a baby/toddler I’d recommend bringing a pram for the walk to and from the castle and also a carrier/reins for inside as it can be a long walk.

Got Questions?

Here’s the questions people are asking about Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Good news – there's free on-site parking.

The best way to get to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is by car. The postcode for the car park is BT26 6HR – just put that into your Maps app or Sat Nav and you’ll be directed to the car park and admissions. Nice and easy.

Bear in mind, entrance to the gardens is only possible through the visitor centre, nearest to the car park.

You’re welcome to spend as much time as you like in Hillsborough Gardens. Most visitors spend an average of 3 hours exploring.

Dogs are not permitted in Hillsborough Castle and Gardens unless they are trained assistance dogs, this includes medical alert dogs.

You’ll find toilets in Pineapple Yard, Gardens and West Pavilion (Lower Visitor Centre). All toilets have disabled access and baby changing facilities.

Due to the natural terrain of the gardens, some paths are unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with restricted mobility. They offer some wheelchairs to use on a first come, first served basis which are sanitised between each use.

Of course! Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy picnics in the garden – definitely best during the summer.

There is also a café in the Lower Visitor Centre in the Western Pavilion is open, 09.00-16.00.

Unfortunately, fancy dress is not permitted at the Hillsborough Castle and gardens. Sensible clothes only! No offensive slogans either.

Still got questions?

Contact Hillsborough Castle and Gardens directly using the info below.

If you have a question for the Days Out team, please visit our help and contact section.

View of Hillsborough Castle Walled Garden on sunny day

What's there to do at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

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Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Terms and conditions

TICKETING TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS PROVIDED BY HRP

You must accept these terms and conditions before you can proceed with your booking.

Tickets are sold subject to the following terms and conditions:

❌ Please note, once a booking is confirmed, refunds, cancellations, and rescheduling are not possible.Tickets must not be offered for re-sale via a third party. To do so will invalidate the ticket. Notwithstanding anything above, the laws of England and Wales apply to all tickets sales except those related to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens where the laws of Northern Ireland will apply. Historic Royal Palaces reserve the right to refuse admission, terminate a visit, close rooms or restrict access to areas within the grounds around the palaces at short notice and without prior warning.

VISIT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

You must accept these terms and conditions before you can proceed with your booking:

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. We reserve the right to refuse admission to unaccompanied children. There is a strict adult to child ratio depending on the age of the children, as follows: 13-15 years: 1 adult to every 15 children 6-12 years: 1 adult to every 10 children 0-5 years: 1 adult to every 5 children We reserve the right to refuse admission if the ratio of child to adult is higher than permitted.

Smoking is prohibited within all buildings and anywhere on site unless you are in a designated smoking area. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is a non-smoking site. Eating and drinking are prohibited within all buildings, except designated refreshment and cafeteria areas. The use of photographic and recording equipment, or mobile phones (and selfie sticks), are prohibited within all buildings (unless otherwise advertised). Unless signage says otherwise, you are not permitted to touch any of the artworks or furniture on display. Dogs will not be admitted (except assistance dogs). Security checks are in place at all palaces and will include bag searches and sniffer dogs. Back packs and large bags/suitcases are not permitted to be carried within any of our buildings. Limited luggage storage is available at the discretion of Historic Royal Palaces and subject to availability, withdrawal at any time and bag searches. You are strongly advised to check prior to your visit that such facilities are available and not to bring large items with you. We do not tolerate abuse of staff for any reason and will terminate visit in the event of abusive behaviour.

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets and tips

What's there to do at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

The Glen

Walled Garden

Imaginary Menagerie Play Trail

How to get to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Address

More in this area

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens facilities

Michelle Says

Bring your own sarnies!

Mary Says

Take a pram if you're bringing little ones

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tips and tricks

People say...

Michelle Says...

Bring your own sarnies!

Mary Says...

Take a pram if you're bringing little ones

Here’s the questions people are asking about Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Q. Is there parking at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

Q. How do you get to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

Q. How long does Hillsborough Castle and Gardens take?

Q. Are dogs allowed at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

Q. Are there toilets at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

Q. Are the gardens accessible for wheelchair users?

Q. Can I bring my own food or drink to Hillsborough Castle gardens?

Q. Can I arrive at the castle dressed in costume?

Still got questions?

What's there to do at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

Attractions like Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Tower of London

Hampton Court Palace

Warwick Castle

Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Book now to guarantee entry