Food, fun and summer tunes
Celebrate the bank holiday weekend at the Hillsborough Castle Summer Fair. Set in the stunning grounds of Northern Ireland's Royal Residence, this three-day event - formerly known as the popular Honey Fair – promises plenty of fun, music, and artisanal delights.
Enjoy live music and local produce
Explore a variety of stalls with the finest local produce and crafts as our artisan producers bring you the best in gourmet foods and unique handmade items. Soak up the atmosphere and relax with live music against the picturesque backdrop of the castle.
The perfect blend of culture and charm awaits in the stunning 100-acre gardens, whether you choose to picnic on the lawn or enjoy some quality local food.
When
24 - 26 August 2024
In line with gardens opening hoursTicket Information
Summer Fair and Gardens only tickets: Adult £15.00 | Child £7.50 | Concession £12.00 | Under 5s go free. Upgrade your ticket to visit the inside of Hillsborough Castle.
Summer Fair Combined Castle and Gardens tickets: Adult £22.50 | Child £11.25 | Concession £18.00 | Under 5s go free.
Event and admission combined ticket (members go free)
Buy Summer Fair ticketsFamily fun guaranteed
The fair is packed with activities for all ages. Try your hand at your favourite lawn games then settle down to live storytelling. There’s something to keep everyone entertained.
Your ticket will also include access to our special Peter Rabbit™ Adventure trail, taking place throughout the summer. Don't miss your chance to get a photo with Peter Rabbit, the Summer Fair's VIP guest!
Expert Gardening Advice
Get special access to the talent that makes Hillsborough Castle’s gardens so famous. Have your gardening questions answered in a drop-in clinic run by the Castle’s gardeners, ready to help newbies and experienced gardeners alike.
These skilled gardeners will also run a series of fascinating talks throughout the weekend on themes such as sustainability, late summer propagation and flower arranging for free in the Clore.
You can also get useful tips from local beekeepers about how to make your garden more bee friendly – or even how to keep bees yourself!
Upgrade and explore the palace
Upgrade to a Castle ticket and discover inside this iconic residence – including the historic Throne Room. You'll also get to explore Life Through A Royal Lens. Featuring photos from Annie Leibovitz, Rankin and Cecil Beaton, this fascinating exhibition investigates the Royal Family’s enduring relationship with the camera.
Members go free
Become a member today and visit Hillsborough time and again for free. Enjoy a whole year of unmissable events for all the family. Be spooked at Halloween, celebrate Christmas, go on a special Easter hunt, or simply wander through the ever-changing gardens.
Please note that the Kids Go Free offer is excluded for the Summer Fair. However, this is included with other events such as the Peter Rabbit Adventure™ (please see Tickets and Prices for more information).
EXPLORE WHAT'S ON
- Things to see
- Tours and talks
The Castle
Discover elegant State Rooms still used by the royal family inside Hillsborough Castle.
- Open Wednesday - Sunday
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (members go free)
- Events
- Families
Peter Rabbit Adventure
Discover 100 acres of fun with Peter and friends this summer. Treat your family with free gardens tickets for kids.
- Until 01 September 2024
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- Tours and talks
- Events
Garden Workshops
Join our expert gardeners in workshops and explore Hillsborough Castle's historic gardens.
- Until 14 September 2024
- 10.30 - 12.30
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
Art at Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle has become a place in which to see amazing art
The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
‘The Grandest House in County Down’