Antrim Castle Gardens
Antrim Castle Gardens: Hours, Address, Antrim Castle Gardens Reviews: 4.5/5
Antrim Castle Gardens
Antrim Castle Gardens
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Antrim Castle Gardens site is an absolute gem and you will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else. A recent £6m restoration project which received generous support from Heritage Lottery Fund has now preserved this historic site for generations to come. The Gardens are a unique living museum, with layer upon layer of design features and planting added over the centuries. Indeed, rarely is so much history preserved on one site. The many exceptional features include the ancient Motte, the Large Parterre, the Yew Tree Pond and the Pleasure Gardens.
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Popular mentions
4.5
543 reviews
Excellent
387
Very good
128
Average
14
Poor
5
Terrible
9
Mike
Glossop, UK317 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Nice gardens with parterre, Dutch style ornamental canals. Good cafe with open courtyard seating. See the artist in residence.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
aarin
maghaberry3 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
This review is about this years garden show 2022.
There was no signage to tell folk where to go, or where to park. Once we found car park They had put on free bus ride to show which was great as it felt more like a walking show. I/we felt so sorry for the elderly and disabled as from the bus stop to the actual show was long, you kept thinking where are we going on a mystery walk. When we finally got to the start of the GARDEN show we where met with boats, then old crafts all of which where interesting but we went to a GARDEN show! When we finally got to the plant and flower sellers it was so disappointing as there where so few maybe 5 or 6. So many sellers had not turned up, we where told due to the protocol paperwork. I can honestly say if you enjoy eating food looking at craft then this was the show for you.
If like me and many many others who went to see plants and buy plants for the garden or look at garden furniture, flower pots or other garden ornaments then there are more plants at your local garden centre. Wasn’t worth the long walk.
There was no signage to tell folk where to go, or where to park. Once we found car park They had put on free bus ride to show which was great as it felt more like a walking show. I/we felt so sorry for the elderly and disabled as from the bus stop to the actual show was long, you kept thinking where are we going on a mystery walk. When we finally got to the start of the GARDEN show we where met with boats, then old crafts all of which where interesting but we went to a GARDEN show! When we finally got to the plant and flower sellers it was so disappointing as there where so few maybe 5 or 6. So many sellers had not turned up, we where told due to the protocol paperwork. I can honestly say if you enjoy eating food looking at craft then this was the show for you.
If like me and many many others who went to see plants and buy plants for the garden or look at garden furniture, flower pots or other garden ornaments then there are more plants at your local garden centre. Wasn’t worth the long walk.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MadDocNI
Belfast, UK1,131 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Quite extensive castle grounds at the edge of the town centre. Indeed the bypass bisects most of the grounds from part of the outer wall.
Some nice gardens, though very skimpy in planting. Mostly bare earth and weeds in places.
Some interesting features. A strangely shaped canal going nowhere, a few man-made ponds in a wooded area. Also a limited cafe.
Not a lot of parking, many being turned away or looking forlornly for spaces. But this was Easter Monday, with many other attractions closed.
Good for an hour's wander.
Some nice gardens, though very skimpy in planting. Mostly bare earth and weeds in places.
Some interesting features. A strangely shaped canal going nowhere, a few man-made ponds in a wooded area. Also a limited cafe.
Not a lot of parking, many being turned away or looking forlornly for spaces. But this was Easter Monday, with many other attractions closed.
Good for an hour's wander.
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GingerPostie
Anglesey, UK228 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Excellent and picturesque gardens set alongside a beautiful river with quite a few “sights” within.
There’s the remains of the castle itself, a rather large motte, a watchtower, several ponds and individual gardens, a burial ground and a secret fairy garden, all surrounding a small retail area with gift shop, an info centre and a coffee shop/kiosk.
It only takes an hour at most to walk around but certainly worth a look on a nice day.
👍👍👍👍
There’s the remains of the castle itself, a rather large motte, a watchtower, several ponds and individual gardens, a burial ground and a secret fairy garden, all surrounding a small retail area with gift shop, an info centre and a coffee shop/kiosk.
It only takes an hour at most to walk around but certainly worth a look on a nice day.
👍👍👍👍
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stubai99
Douglas, UK195 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
These gardens are extensive and numerous paths on which to journey. I'd love to say that around every corner there's a surprise but there's not, however there's a good few plaques and things of interest fixed to the trees throughout.
There's an onsite gift shop and when I was there a soon to open remodelled café, within a walled courtyard. In the summer the manicured low hedged planted area will look stunning. No trip to the gardens will be complete without a climb to the top of the motte.
There's an onsite gift shop and when I was there a soon to open remodelled café, within a walled courtyard. In the summer the manicured low hedged planted area will look stunning. No trip to the gardens will be complete without a climb to the top of the motte.
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lee-anne G
Johannesburg, South Africa295 contributions
Mar 2022
The gardens are in excellent condition and it's a great place to take the family and visitors for a walk.
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter C
Wallsend, UK443 contributions
Mar 2022
Have not visited for some years. What a transformation! Beautifully set out grounds with interesting walks. Seems to be very popular with the locals which is always a good sign
Written 15 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
sam latin
2 contributions
Jan 2022
found some wee man with a bottle of buckfast luckily he couldnt hack it so i stroaked it and got blocked sitting beside ross johnston with the tunes pumping, all the wee lads where getting pics with me i was so happy.
Written 7 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JenMC
Qrendi, Malta298 contributions
Oct 2021
Beautiful gardens. Beautiful river. Beautiful house.
Really lovely place to spend some time, just wandering. We go a lot & always see something new.
Really lovely place to spend some time, just wandering. We go a lot & always see something new.
Written 17 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
malcsaville
Stroud, UK1,059 contributions
Oct 2021
How lucky are the residents of Antrim?! We did not have a lot of time to spend here, but these gardens, so close to town, are truly wonderful; there is something for everyone, all ages are catered for, and the cafe and shops in the courtyard are well worth visiting too. We loved the motte and the riverside.
Written 17 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi is this place suitable for wheelchair users?
Alison P
Ballymena, UK30 contributions
Yes. There are ramps.
Gillian467
Dundonald, UK27 contributions
Does anyone know is the cafe dog friendly?
TJMac_10
Belfast, UK288 contributions
We had our dog with us but in the courtyard only.
Joan B
Antrim, UK28 contributions
Does the cafe seriver food all day?
mrmrsjones2011
Truro, UK60 contributions
Yes during the day but not during the evening.
Is there a playground?
Harry M
Templepatrick, UK48 contributions
There is a good children’s park at Lough Road,Antrim beside the Antrim Forum, both of which are convenient to Antrim Castle Grounds. A new park is being constructed further down Lough Road but I do not know when it is due for completion. Details could be obtained from the Council ar 02894464131 OR 02894463113.
davyaustin
Magherafelt, UK
Will there be any bands playing in the gardens this year? If so do you have a diary of events?
Arthur W
Rochester, UK636 contributions
Hi, Try putting Antrim Castle Gardens into Google. I tried putting the link into my reply but apparently this is not allowed !
Anne R
Carmel, CA93 contributions
Can one tour the castle??
NiborNorthernIreland
Northern Ireland36 contributions
There is only a ruin of the Castle which burned down at the start of the 20th century. You mainly see and enjoy the gardens.
David946
Belfast, UK13 contributions
who owns the grounds and is it free?.
Jennifer S
Toronto, Canada107 contributions
Yes it is Free but I am not sure who owns it may be The Natioal Trust I live in Canada just visited the location.Good Luck
DTZJML
Princeton, NJ19 contributions
What would be a reasonable amount of time to allot to see the gardens?
Margaret F
Aldeburgh, UK73 contributions
At the very least a few hours. The gardens have many interesting nooks and crannies. A welcoming restaurant serving a good Irish stew and flavoursome tea, scones and cake are available too. The trees are beautiful and the walk to the lough a must to experience. There is a small eating place there too. To be so close to the lough and not see it would be a shame. I would love to go and spend more time there. The people who walk their dogs every day are welcoming and love a chat. Take your time and enjoy the gardens not a place to rush through.
Chris M
New South Wales, Australia180 contributions
we will be there in June this year. what sort of weather are we likely to get, i know no one can predict but just and idea of if its normally warm or cold and wet. thanks can't wait to see the area where my great grandma was born
Claire M
Antrim, UK28 contributions
Hello, we really are lucky to have amazing grounds in our town. The weather really is unpredictable here, the other day we had coats, hats, scarfs, gloves and sunglasses on. Normally in June it is alot dryer and temperature starts to creep up a tiny bit. It normally isn't that cold and we would normally wear light clothes. Tho i am sure it will be no where near the weather you get. Enjoy your holiday and I hope the Northern Ireland weather is kind to you
Richard R
Honolulu1 contribution
Can you BBQ onsite anywhere? Just seen picnic available.
NatalieStewart
Belfast, UK6 contributions
There are no dedicated BBQ areas- however, if you walk over the bridge and up to the Lough Shore there are BBQ areas- its a pretty mile long walk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antrim Castle Gardens
- Antrim Castle Gardens is open:
- Mon - Mon 09:30 - 17:00
- Tue - Tue 09:30 - 21:30
- Wed - Wed 09:30 - 17:00
- Thu - Thu 09:30 - 21:30
- Fri - Fri 09:30 - 17:00
- Sat - Sun 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near Antrim Castle Gardens:
- (1.10 km) Holiday Inn Express Antrim - M2, JCT.1, an IHG Hotel
- (0.69 km) Six Mile Water Caravan Park
- (2.81 km) Dunsilly Hotel
- (9.09 km) Keef Halla Country House
- (6.02 km) Ballyrobin Country Lodge
- Restaurants near Antrim Castle Gardens:
- (0.41 km) Rococo
- (0.45 km) Classique Coffee Shop
- (0.43 km) Kebab Express
- (0.51 km) Banh Boy Antrim
- (0.52 km) Masala Fusion