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
STUNNING 5 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE 5 MINS TO CITY CENTRE
Delightful Family Home

Delightful Family Home

Lisburn
Delightful Family Home
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
Lisburn Serviced Accommodation
Dunhill Cottage

Dunhill Cottage

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

7 Bedroom Stunning Villa with function room and spa.

Lisburn
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Crowne Plaza Belfast by IHG

Crowne Plaza Belfast by IHG

4 out of 5
117 Milltown Road, Shaw's Bridge, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Crowne Plaza Belfast by IHG
Arthurs

Arthurs

4 out of 5
4-6 Main Street, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
Arthurs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Castle Gardens

Castle Gardens in Lisburn offers a delightful range of activities for visitors, including scenic walks and guided tours. Families can enjoy the adventure playground, while those seeking unique experiences can consider boat trips or a book tour. For special occasions, such as anniversary parties, the gardens provide a picturesque backdrop, and food enthusiasts may also explore themed events like the Bunratty Castle medieval banquet nearby.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Victoria Square Shopping Centre, 12.9km away, offering a lively atmosphere with entertainment and diverse shops. St. George's Market, also 12.9km away, features local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, Twin Villages Shopping Centre, 35.4km away, provides a family-friendly shopping experience.

Recreation

At Colin Glen Forest Park, immerse yourself in nature with tranquil walks and serene picnic spots. The Club Spa offers rejuvenating body treatments, perfect for relaxation. For the sports enthusiasts, Dunmurry Golf Club provides an invigorating golfing experience amidst picturesque landscapes.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, try Jetpack Adventures, located 12.9km from Castle Gardens, where you can soar above the water. Alternatively, visit Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre, 20.9km away, for skiing fun. For a scenic hike, explore Wetlands Way, also 20.9km from Castle Gardens.

Nightlife

For a lively evening, visit the Crown Liquor Saloon for a delightful drink in a romantic setting, or catch a captivating performance at the Lyric Theatre. If you're in the mood for a film, the Queens Film Theatre offers a charming cinematic experience, perfect for an entertaining night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Castle Gardens

Castle Gardens in Lisburn offers a delightful mix of attractions for visitors, including the serene urban park ideal for leisurely strolls, the historic prison for a glimpse into the past, and a modern civic government building showcasing contemporary architecture. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural enrichment, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly experiences, making it a perfect destination for a memorable holiday.

  • Boucher Road Playing Fields: A vibrant fairground and showground, Boucher Road Playing Fields offers a delightful outdoor atmosphere perfect for families. Enjoy various events and activities that make it a great spot for leisure and entertainment, just 8.0km away from Castle Gardens.
  • Queen's University of Belfast: This modern university boasts stunning architecture and a lively atmosphere, embodying the essence of city life. Located 9.7km from Castle Gardens, it provides a rich cultural experience with its beautiful grounds and engaging educational environment.
  • Lisburn Road: A bustling street just 9.7km from Castle Gardens, Lisburn Road is known for its vibrant shopping and dining scene. Experience the local culture and enjoy the lively city vibes as you explore the various shops and cafes.

Best time to go to Castle Gardens

The best time to visit Castle Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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

To save money on your visit to Castle Gardens, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can also yield savings. Opt for Monday stays, as they are typically less expensive than Saturdays. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for additional discounts. Look for eco-certified hotels to align with sustainable travel practices while keeping costs down.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Castle Gardens is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • 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.

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