“From spectacular garden displays and imaginative family adventures to new, fresh ways of exploring our transatlantic stories, we’re expanding what this special place can offer”
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has announced a vibrant 2026 programme for the whole family, all played out across the estate’s 100 acres of gardens, parkland and ornamental woodland.
Featuring new openings, family adventures, seasonal spectacles, a major US anniversary to a riotous Beano takeover, there is something for everyone coming next year.
With a programme that honours its past while embracing new experiences, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens continues to offer visitors a rich blend of history, culture, and family-friendly adventure in a stunning setting.
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Built in the 1750s as the family home of the Hills – the founders of the village of Hillsborough – the estate grew into an influential political and social hub, hosting statesmen, writers, thinkers and travellers drawn to its Georgian architecture and landscaped grounds.
Over the centuries, the Castle has been a backdrop to pivotal moments in Irish and British history, from early parliamentary life to the conversations and agreements that shaped the modern peace process of Northern Ireland.
In 2014, Historic Royal Palaces took over the running of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and began an ambitious project to restore the house and gardens to their former glory, marking a new era for the estate as a dynamic, accessible destination for domestic and international visitors.
Here are some of the highlight events coming in 2026:
Throughout 2026: America 250 at Hillsborough Castle
In 2026, the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has long played a role in US–Northern Ireland relations, hosting distinguished visitors such as Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and serving as the backdrop for conversations that have supported peace and partnership.
Less known is its link to America’s independence story: in 1771, US founding father Benjamin Franklin met with Secretary of State for the Colonies, Wills Hill— the man who built the castle —to discuss American affairs.
Their cordial dialogue over five days later soured when Hill blamed Franklin for his political downfall. To mark America 250, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will present a curated display of related letters, portraits, and artefacts, along with the return of the popular American History tour.
Spring 2026: A spectacular start to the season
The NI Science Festival (14-19 February) returns to the castle offering hands-on workshops, talks and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring science, nature and heritage to life, including an in-conversation event with Dick Strawbridge.
Bulbs & Blooms (14 March – 4 May) will see the return of Hillsborough’s 100-acre gardens filled with an abundance of colour as hundreds of thousands of bulbs bloom across beds, pots, and barrels. Visitors can expect vibrant tulips, fragrant hyacinths and a showcase of Northern Irish daffodil varieties, transforming the estate into a breathtaking celebration of spring and marking a vibrant start to the year.
During Easter, families can enjoy the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt (28 March – 12 April) with little ones searching for hidden Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues.
On 25 March, Historic Royal Palaces will announce the Northern Ireland winner of the Inspiring History Teaching Awards, a new initiative celebrating educators who make history engaging, inclusive, and unforgettable for young people across the UK.
In Northern Ireland, the awards are supported by the Historical Association, the Association of Independent Museums, National Museums NI, and the History Teachers’ Association of Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland winner will then join the UK’s top ten teachers and be eligible for the overall prize, to be revealed at a special ceremony at the Tower of London on 20 June.
Summer 2026: Beano Hijinks at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Following previous blockbuster family partnerships with Peter Rabbit and Disney Winnie the Pooh , summer 2026 brings a riotous new adventure at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens from 27 June – 31 August 2026.
Next summer, dive into 100 acres of time-travel trouble as Dennis, Minnie, Harsha, Rubi and Gnasher from Beano find themselves stranded in history as their bonkers go-kart time machine goes haywire, scattering its vital pieces across the historic gardens of Hillsborough Castle!
Armed with a bespoke comic strip story, Beano fans of all ages will track down the six missing go-kart time machine parts on a trail through the Castle gardens and meet larger-than-life characters from Hillsborough’s history — from daring pranksters to music makers and world-famous inventors.
Expect jokes, japes and comic chaos with this ‘blam-tastic’ adventure for the whole family. With Kids Go Free to the Gardens all summer, the experience reinforces Hillsborough Castle and Gardens as a standout family day out. A Beano Studios Product © DC Thomson & Co Ltd. (2026).
Autumn 2026: Seasonal splendour at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Visitors can look forward to walks around the gardens transformed by autumnal colours, seasonal trails, and engaging experiences for all ages.
From family-friendly activities to immersive opportunities that bring the estate’s history and landscapes to life, full details of the 2026 autumn programme will be shared later in the year.
Winter 2026: Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Details of the 2026 Christmas experience will be revealed later in the year, building on the success of previous winter partnerships – including The Snowman™ and The Snowdog – which has transformed the gardens into a sparkling, story-led adventure in 2025.
Nicola Andrews, Palaces Group Director at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “2026 will be a landmark year for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
“From spectacular garden displays and imaginative family adventures to new, fresh ways of exploring our transatlantic stories. we’re expanding what this special place can offer. Our aim is to welcome more people than ever before to connect with the history, landscapes and experiences that make Hillsborough so unique.
“As an independent charity, Historic Royal Palaces is committed to opening up our sites in ways that inspire curiosity, spark creativity and make heritage meaningful for everyone.
“This year’s programme reflects that mission – offering new ways for visitors of all ages to discover the stories, communities and global connections that continue to shape Hillsborough Castle and Gardens today.”
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