Hillsborough Castle Boundary Trail

Start : Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Visitor Entrance (BT26 6GT) ⚠️ Parking is not available at the site itself

(S/E) From the visitor entrance, turn right (North) and follow the tarmac path down the hill (this route is not waymarked). After passing the buildings on your right and the path becomes steeper, take the path to the right (North-East) and descend the steps to reach a junction.

(1) Turn right and follow the non-surfaced track around the edge of the lake, with the lake on your left-hand side. Enjoy the sight of Swans and Mallard Ducks swimming on the lake.

After 400 m, continue straight (North) where there is a path junction leading left, you will now no longer be following the edge of the lake. Continue to follow this track for around 420 m, with the Gas Works Meadow on your left-hand side. This path can be muddy after wet weather and appropriate foot wear should be worn.

(2) Turn right (South-West) at the next path junction to continue following the track, again keeping a large meadow on your left-hand side.

(3) Upon reaching the walled garden, turn left (West) and follow the track before turning right (South) at the corner of the walled garden and back to the start. (S/E)

The restoration of the Walled Garden is part of a large development project due to take place in 2017/18 and is not currently open to visitors.

Continue on for a short distance before turning right onto the impressive Lime Tree Walk. The trees here are approximately 150 years old and are linked by a spectacular moss covered path. The Lime Trees are flanked by a stunning bluebell display in May of each year. At the southern end of Lime Tree Walk, you will come across the Lady Alice Temple and Pond. The Temple was built in 1880 and was named after Lady Alice Maria Hill. You will also be able to enjoy impressive views across the pond and up Yew Tree Walk towards the Castle from here.

Continue along the gravel path until reaching a T-junction on the path.

Turn right and continue along the track with the Wood Stream on your right hand side.

Continue along the gravel path until it merges with an area of lawn in front of Hillsborough Castle itself. Continue through the Jubilee Garden and ascend the steps to follow the path round the left side of the Castle.

Pass the Granville Garden on your left, a delightful rose garden beside which there is a magnificent ‘Cornish Red’ Rhododendron, which is in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the largest specimen of its type in the world.

Continue to follow the path for a short distance before turning right to return to the start of the walk. (S/E)

Start : Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Visitor Centre (BT26 6GT) ⚠️ Parking is not available at the site itself

Driving / walking to Start : Hillsborough Castle and Gardens are accessed via The Square, just off Main Street, Hillsborough.

Parking : Parking is not available at the site itself, but on street parking is possible within the town or at two public car parks within the village (at the Northern end of Main Street or at Hillsborough Forest)

Terrain : Gravel trail, farm track, gardens

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : Toilets, Guided House Tours

Dog Policy : Only guide dogs and other assistance dogs are permitted within the gardens

Note : Please note there is an admission charge to access the gardens, please see below for details

Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.

Hillsborough Castle is an official government residence in Northern Ireland. It is the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and the official residence in Northern Ireland of the British monarch and other members of the British royal family when they visit the region, as well as a guest house for prominent international visitors.

From 1924 until the post's abolition in 1973, it was the official residence of the governor of Northern Ireland. Since April 2014, it has been managed by Historic Royal Palaces, and is open to the paying members of the public.

Wander through the 98 acres of beautiful gardens of Hillsborough Castle. The gardens were developed from the 1760s onwards, and offer the visitor a contrast of ornamental grounds, woodland, waterways and lawns. The Castle itself, built in the 1770s, is a working royal palace that functions as the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland, and it has been the home of the Secretary of State since the 1970s.

The Castle reopened its doors to visitors in July 2018 after completing extensive renovations on its State Rooms. The final stages of Hillsborough Castle’s transformation are still underway as work continues ready for April 2019.

Source and more information about the Castle here!