Royal Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

We’re calling it, The Royal Hillsborough Castle has the most beautiful gardens in the whole of Northern Ireland. You heard it here first.

We’re calling it, The Royal Hillsborough Castle has the most beautiful gardens in the whole of Northern Ireland. You heard it here first.

Developed in the mid-eighteenth century, these glorious gardens are the go-to spot for anyone needing a nature fix with a diverse mix of peaceful woodland, magical meadows, picturesque glens and meandering waterways – and enough vivid vibrancy to satisfy all of the senses. The gardens are split into different areas. There’s the 4-acre Walled Garden, a site historically used to produce fruit, vegetables and flowers for the castle’s royal residents. Lady Alice’s temple is a place of pure tranquillity – the perfect place for a picnic, or simply some peaceful contemplation. And, the beautiful lake is home to species including kingfishers, goslings, cygnets, to name just a few. Then, head to the Pinetum, an ornate pine grove planted in the 1870s.

The ‘Garden Explorer’ map is your cheat sheet to navigating the gardens, with different areas to visit, as well as pointing out specimen trees and rare plants.

Just bear in mind, tickets don’t include entrance to the Castle itself.

• Royal Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, The Square, Hillsborough, UK