Hillsborough Castle
5
5
Date of visit: April 2017
Overall Rating
Excellent
Living history. Walk in the footsteps of local and international politicians and recline like royalty in the beautiful sitting room at Hillsborough. Our small group was greeted in the entrance hall and taken on an intimate tour of the reception rooms currently used by The NI Secretary of State and the royal family when visiting. The informative guide spoke of the past and contemporary events including the Good Friday agreement. Plenty of stories to hear and photographs and art to view . You will recognise the names and faces. Follow with a walk around the gardens, both formal and informal.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Easy level access throughout house. What I loved was you could sit down in most of the rooms so after an hour we didn't feel tired. The gardens are set out to enjoy wether you can walk a little or can tackle a longer walk down to the lime walk and around the lake.
Parking & Transport
0Some public disabled parking bays available. Access to ticket entrance around the back via a lift if you need it. Otherwise use steps to front.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Separate male & female toilets at the entrance of the garden. Very well presented with the luxury of hand moisture in the ladies. Easy wheelchair access, although you have to come out of disabled toilet to dry your hands( but not to wash them).
Staff
Excellent
Security, ticket collectors and tour guide were very welcoming, friendly and informative. A really relaxing tour.
Additional Information
I would recommend to anyone who wants to bring a little current history to life (£8.50 adult, concessions available. But if history is not your thing £5 gains you entrance to the gardens. Tulips were out at the time of our visit, but there will be different displays to see throughout the year.
