Castle Gardens



A true one-off horticultural gem in Northern Ireland, the 400-year-old Castle Gardens at Antrim Castle are a must-visit for any garden lover or plant enthusiast.

Following a recent £6 million refurbishment backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, these historic gardens have been given the care and attention they deserve, preserving them for future generations.

Stroll into the gardens for a unique visitor experience, with popular sections including the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and the Yew Tree Pond. At the heart of the garden lies the beautiful Clotworthy House, where you can visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition. Here you can read about the history of the gardens and understand better how they have developed over the years. There are a number of displays in the Oriel Gallery throughout the year, too.

You can also stop off for some refreshments at the garden’s coffee shop and pick up a souvenir at the visitor shop. With year-round events and activities, stunning gardens, performances and even interactive workshops, the Castle Gardens are a popular visitor destination in Antrim.

You can find the gardens in the north of Antrim just next to the Six Mile Water River and a few miles from the shores of the mighty Lough Neagh. Visit at any time of year depending on the event calendar, but the summer months make an especially good time to come, with the Castle Gardens bursting into life.

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Haslem Hotel

Haslem Hotel

3 out of 5
15 Lisburn Square, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
Haslem Hotel
STUNNING 5 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE 5 MINS TO CITY CENTRE

STUNNING 5 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE 5 MINS TO CITY CENTRE

Lisburn, Northern Ireland
STUNNING 5 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE 5 MINS TO CITY CENTRE
Delightful Family Home

Delightful Family Home

Lisburn, Northern Ireland
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Delightful Family Home

Delightful Family Home

3.5 out of 5
2 Bereley Hall, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
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Lisburn Serviced Accommodation

Lisburn Serviced Accommodation

3 out of 5
96 Belsize Rd, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
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Relaxing retreat in Lisburn

Lisburn, United Kingdom
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Dunhill Cottage

Dunhill Cottage

3 out of 5
47b Carnreagh, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
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7 Bedroom Stunning Villa with function room and spa.

Lisburn
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Arthurs

Arthurs

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4-6 Main Street, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
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Things to do near Castle Gardens

At Castle Gardens in Lisburn, you can enjoy a variety of activities including scenic walks and guided tours. Don't miss the enchanting Castle Gardens light show and the magical light trail that illuminates the area. Whether you're exploring the gardens on a guided tour or simply enjoying a round of golf nearby, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in this beautiful setting.

Shopping

In Castle Gardens, enjoy shopping at Victoria Square Shopping Centre and Castle Court Shopping Centre, both 5.0km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. For a unique experience, visit St. George's Market, also 5.0km away, brimming with local produce and crafts.

Recreation

At Colin Glen Forest Park, enjoy serene walks amidst lush greenery, perfect for relaxation. The Club Spa offers rejuvenating body treatments, just a stone's throw away, while Dunmurry Golf Club provides an invigorating outdoor experience for golf enthusiasts, all within easy reach of Castle Gardens.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Jetpack Adventures, located 5.0km from Castle Gardens, where you can soar above the water and embrace the excitement of water sports. For a unique skiing experience, visit Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre, situated 8.1km away, or explore the scenic Wetlands Way hiking trail, also 8.1km distant.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Castle Gardens with a visit to the Lyric Theatre for captivating performances. For a more laid-back evening, enjoy the charming atmosphere of the Crown Liquor Saloon. Alternatively, catch a film at the Queens Film Theatre, perfect for a romantic night out.

Find the best attractions near Castle Gardens

Whether you're interested in culture, outdoor activities, or family experiences, Castle Gardens in Lisburn offers a variety of attractions to explore. Popular points of interest include the urban park, historic prison, and cathedral. Don't miss opportunities to visit Lisburn Castle, the picturesque Castle Gardens, and the charming old castle gardens, all set in the beautiful Lisburn Castlereagh area for a delightful day out.

  • Boucher Road Playing Fields: Located 3.1km from Castle Gardens, Boucher Road Playing Fields offers a vibrant fairground atmosphere, perfect for families. Enjoy outdoor activities and entertainment in a lively setting that caters to all ages.
  • Queen's University of Belfast: Situated 3.7km away, this modern university boasts impressive architecture and a vibrant city vibe. Explore its beautiful campus, rich history, and the cultural experiences that come with being in such a dynamic educational environment.
  • Belfast Botanic Gardens: Just 4.3km from Castle Gardens, the Belfast Botanic Gardens features stunning floral displays and serene green spaces. Ideal for a romantic stroll or a family day out, the gardens provide a peaceful escape from city life.

Best time to go to Castle Gardens

The best time to visit Castle Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Castle Gardens falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Castle Gardens falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Castle Gardens

For a budget-friendly visit to Castle Gardens, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance typically yields better rates, while Monday is the cheapest night to stay. Keep an eye on last-minute deals on Expedia, indicated by a green banner for discounts. You can further save by filtering your search for hotels by price and combining your bookings for flights and activities into a package deal. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Castle Gardens are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Castle Gardens about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Castle Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Castle Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most economical prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Castle Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.