Book tickets and spend a day in the gorgeous gardens at Hillsborough Castle

Are you looking for things to do in Lisburn?

Located close to Hillsborough Forest Park in Northern Ireland, you will find one of the highly esteemed Historic Royal Palaces. The only one of six historic palaces that is based outside of London, which we think, makes Hillsborough Castle extra special!

The 12 Days of Christmas at Hillsborough Castle

Make this festive season unforgettable for the whole family with a visit to Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Throughout the day, explore gardens adorned with stunning decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.

Stroll at your leisure and discover all 12 festive displays. Keep an eye out for delightful surprises, including a polar bear swimming in the pond and a giant Advent calendar! You might also find a special garden play trail, a walled garden, and a secret grotto – all offering plenty of space to explore and play.

On select days in December meet Santa himself! Meet Santa from 11:00am to 14:30pm on December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, and from Friday, December 20th to Monday, December 23rd!

A day out for the whole family at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens is an ideal outdoor attraction if you're looking for places to visit with your family. Set in 100 acres of stunning gardens, with woodlands, paths and trails and a like, there's a whole variety of things to do and see here. 

• The Lake - explore an expanse of picturesque waterways and magnificent giant sequoia trees in this secluded section of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Look out for the flash of a blue kingfisher, goslings or even cute little cygnets in spring!
• Walled Garden - an 18th-century kitchen garden, restored to its former glory!
• Garden Play Trail - a must-see if you're visiting with children. This area is called the Imaginary Menagerie and is the ultimate kids' playground. Explore the animal-inspired play trail throughout the Castle's gardens, taking you on adventures celebrating the animals and wildlife that have made, and continue to make, Hillsborough their home

Complete your day out at Hillsborough Castle garden with a family picnic or a visit to the award-winning café

After spending a few hours roaming the wonderful woodlands, lakes and gardens, you're bound to have built up quite the appetite.

If you've brought a homemade picnic, you've no doubt spotted a few ideal picnic spots to lay down your blanket and settle down for a munch.

Or, pay a visit to the Hillsborough Café where you can sample the fruit and veg from Hillsborough Castle's very own Walled Garden.

Either way, we can't think of a better way to end your day out at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens.