The historic grounds of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

The glorious grounds at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens near Belfast are bursting with colour and are a joy to explore.   

The historic gardens, which were developed from the 1760s onwards, offer intriguing contrasts between ornate formal gardens, woodland and meadows.   

Over the past five years, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has been transformed both inside and out.

As part of this transformation project, the gardens have been beautifully reimagined.

Lady Alice's Temple has provided a quiet space for contemplation for many residents of the castle.

Secretary of State Mo Mowlam came here for peace and quiet, away from the pressures of politics, during her time at Hillsborough. 

The Glen is a typical Victorian garden feature, which comes to life in spring and summer.

In spring, you can see colourful magnolias, camelias and rhododendrons, deciduous azaleas and spectacular Embothrium.

Then in summer the luxuriant ferns create a shady area to sit and listen to the stream. 

The large, beautiful lake is fed by the stream that meanders through the gardens from the south-east, before flowing off towards Culcavy to the north-west.  

Leading from the Lake is a mill race that feeds the hydro-electric turbine, which serves the electricity for the estate.

No tour of the grounds of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens would be complete without a stop in the Walled Garden.

This working kitchen garden dates back to the 18th century and is a large, four-acre site historically used to produce fruit, vegetables and flowers for the castle.