Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Hillsborough Castle is the most elegant half day out from Belfast and a fine contrast to the city’s industrial and political stories. The late Georgian mansion was built in the 1770s by Wills Hill, the first Marquess of Downshire, and remodelled over the following centuries. Today it is the official residence of the Royal Family when they visit Northern Ireland and the home of the Secretary of State, and it is cared for and opened to the public by Historic Royal Palaces. Inside, timed visits take you through the State Rooms, among them the Throne Room and the Drawing Room, where monarchs, presidents and politicians have been received and where important moments of the peace process were negotiated. Outside, more than 100 acres of gardens, woodland and glens unfold around lawns, a lake and walled garden, with seasonal colour even in late autumn. The pretty village of Hillsborough, with its Georgian square, fort and pubs, is right at the gates. This page links to the Tiqets ticket for garden entry, with the option to add a timed castle visit.

How to visit: Hillsborough is in County Down, south-west of Belfast. Translink’s express bus 238 runs from Grand Central Station in Belfast to the village, and the slower bus 38 runs via south Belfast and Lisburn, whose train station is about five miles away. Drivers will find free on-site parking, following the brown signs from the A1. The Tiqets listing shows opening from Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, with Monday and Tuesday closed and last admission an hour before closing, but check the day you want before you travel in the quieter months.

What to expect: the castle is a working royal residence and can close at short notice for official visits or private events, so keep an eye on your booking emails. If you add castle entry, arrive up to forty-five minutes before your time slot to walk to the State Entrance. The gardens are self-guided with a map, and paths can be muddy after rain. The Tiqets ticket can be cancelled for a full refund, or rescheduled, up to twenty-four hours before your visit.

Making the most of it: choose the castle option, as the State Rooms are the highlight, then walk the gardens and finish with lunch in the village. Combine it with a morning in Belfast or a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, which lies further down the same road.