Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
A great rainy-day historic-house-gardens in County Down
Historic royal residence set in 100 acres of gardens and woodland. Families can explore the formal gardens, woodland walks, and the adventure playground. The castle offers guided tours that are engaging for older children, with stories of royal visits and state occasions. Facilities include a café, gift shop, and baby-changing. Tip: book tickets online to avoid queues, and check for seasonal family events like Easter egg hunts or Christmas trails.
At a glance
Rainy day pick
A great choice when the weather is against you
What parents should know
Historic royal residence set in 100 acres of gardens and woodland.
queues
Book tickets online in advance
Purchase tickets online before visiting to skip queues at the gate, especially important during peak times or school holidays.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Sign in to leave a review
Today
Overcast
20°C
Comfortable and mostly dry
Opening hours
Seasonal details
Plan your visit
Worth combining
Recommended next adventures
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
A sprawling 128-acre public park in south Belfast, best known for its spectacula…
Colin Glen Forest Park
A sprawling forest park in West Belfast offering a range of outdoor adventures f…
Lagan Towpath
The Lagan Towpath is an 11-mile linear park and trail along the River Lagan from…
Lagan Meadows
Lagan Meadows is a large public park in south Belfast, part of the Lagan Valley …
Divis and the Black Mountain
Divis and the Black Mountain is a vast upland area managed by the National Trust…