Ever wondered what it’s like in the Queen’s house? Enjoy the richness and diversity of the house and gardens at Hillsborough Castle, home to the British Royal Family whenever they visit Northern Ireland. Located in County Down, just 12 miles from Belfast, Scenic Tours NI enables you to take a guided tour of the historic property and its grounds, allowing you to enjoy the sheer splendour of your surroundings. Get in touch today to discover more.
Built in the 1770s by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire, the house was later remodelled in the 19th and early 20th century. It is now a working royal palace and has been the home of the Secretary of State since the 1970s.
Over the years, the castle has hosted the Dalai Lama, the Crown Prince of Japan, Princess Diana, Hilary Clinton, and Eleanor Roosevelt. What’s more, the castle played an important role in the Northern Ireland Peace Process, hosting several historic meetings between British and Irish politicians.
Wander through a hundred acres of beautiful gardens, developed from the 1760s onwards. Offering a contrast of ornamental grounds, peaceful woodlands, waterways, and trimmed lawns, Hillsborough’s many striking attractions include:
Beautiful Gardens
The Statue of Ossian
Lady Alice’s Temple
The Quaker Burial Ground
The Ice House