Venue Description

Discover a historic gem in Royal Hillsborough, County Down. Explore Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, a grand Georgian estate and royal residence in Northern Ireland, just 20 minutes outside Belfast. The Castle welcomes you to delve into the heart of British and Irish history where pivotal moments and diplomatic efforts have taken place. Set in 100 picturesque acres, the grounds are perfect for relaxed walks and family outings. Join a tour through the elegant State Rooms still in use today, and savour locally sourced food and drink in our cosy café.

Accessibility

We welcome all visitors to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, and aim to make your day out successful and enjoyable. We are committed to improving access and facilities for disabled visitors. Information on accessibility can be found on our website (https://www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle/visit/accessibility/#gs.jhpfq3). This includes our access guide; carer and companion tickets; guide dogs; toilets; wheelchairs; and information on specific needs.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://hrp-prd.azureedge.net/media/2342/hillsborough-castle-and-gardens_access-guide-2019.pdf

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle/visit/accessibility/#gs.jhrwy1

Accessible Performances

The gardens at Hillsborough Castle cover 100 acres of parkland and formal gardens. There are step free routes around the gardens with the Walled Garden, beside the main entrance and visitor centre, providing four acres of flat wide paths and seating. During the months when the castle interiors are open to the public, there is wheelchair accessible mobility transport available to take visitors between the visitor centre and the castle. The castle itself is step free and has seating available in each room, if required. The guides in the castle tell the stories of its political and social history and tailor this to the needs of each group, giving more description or moderating their voice and stories. There are large print guides available in the castle to enable everyone to follow the tour through the State Rooms.

Awards List

Autism NI Impact Award Champion 2024-27 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024 Positive Futures Welcome Award 2021

Toilets

Information about the toilets has not been added for this venue.

Staff

Our staff undergo customer service training to provide all of our visitors with a great experience while at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Autism Awareness training, in line with our Autism Award, and training from the RNIB on supporting visitors with a visual impairment, are updated regularly.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

We manage and maintain Hillsborough Fort (in Hillsborough village, across the road from the Castle). Dogs are welcome to use that area for exercise.

Other assistance dog facilities

Guide dogs welcome: We welcome trained assistance dogs, including hearing dogs, Dog AID, Canine Partners, Dogs for Good, Support Dogs and Medical Detection Dogs. Your assistance dog must be clearly identifiable. We are happy to provide water on request.