Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Families can journey through the grounds on a daytime trail themed around The Gruffalo's Child, encountering favourite scenes from the story and playing interactive games along the way. Visitors can also watch screenings of The Gruffalo's Child animated film inside the Clore Learning Centre and enjoy festive treats like mince pies and hot chocolate. Upgrades offer the opportunity to book add-on meet-and-greets or step inside the decorated royal castle and Throne Room.
What to Expect
Features The Gruffalo's Child trail across 100 acres of gardens.
Event Details
Duration
The Gruffalo’s Child film lasts approximately 25 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Historic Royal Palaces
Food & Drink
Festive treats include mince pies and hot chocolate.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Storybook and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: The Gruffalo’s Child garden trail and movie screenings are included in general admission (gardens-only or castle and gardens); members go free. Little ones under 5 can experience the trail for free. Meet Santa is £8 per family (up to 4 children), or £7 for members; meet The Gruffalo is £8 per family (up to 4 children), or £6 for members. Each meet requires an additional ticket and general admission The castle visit is an upgrade. – Get tickets
- Hours: The event follows gardens opening hours. The included film screenings are at 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00 on weekends and every day during school holidays, excluding 24-26 December.
- Accessibility: Some garden paths are unsuitable for wheelchair users due to terrain, though loan wheelchairs and a step-free route between the car park and castle entrance are available.
Tips & Advice
- Pre-book Meet Santa, even if you are a member, because advance booking is required for every Santa experience.
- Non-members should buy a castle or gardens ticket for each person attending Meet Santa; members get general admission free.
- Arrive earlier if your Santa booking is after 14:00, so there is time to complete the outdoor garden trail first.
- Film screenings are first come, first served and last about 25 minutes, so head to the Clore Learning Centre early to secure places.
- Allow 30 to 45 minutes to walk from the car park through the gardens to a timed castle entry, and use the free lockers for bags.
Special Events & Promotions
- Meet Santa: a separate add-on session that needs an extra ticket. Everyone must pre-book, including members.
- Meet The Gruffalo: a separate add-on session with a family ticket. Members pay a lower price.
- The Gruffalo's Child film screens on weekends and every day of the school holidays, except 24–26 December.
- Castle upgrade: add a visit to the decorated castle and the Throne Room.
- Members get free general admission, and under-5s do the trail for free.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes, it's meant for the whole family, and under-5s can do The Gruffalo's Child trail for free.
What is there to do on the trail?
You walk through the 100-acre gardens and find favourite scenes from The Gruffalo's Child along the way. There are interactive games to play too, and the shop sells Gruffalo's Child books and toys.
Do I need to book the film screenings?
No. The Gruffalo's Child film is included in general admission and seats are first come, first served. It lasts about 25 minutes.
What food and drink is there?
You can warm up with a hot chocolate and a mince pie, or try a Gruffalo-themed treat.
Can we go inside the castle?
Yes, if you upgrade your visit. The castle is decorated for the season, and you can step into the famous Throne Room.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.