Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is to receive a grant of almost £5 million from the National Lottery, it has been announced.

The £4.8m fund is from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and will go towards transforming the visitor experience at the site. Some 200,000 people are expected to visit the historic site each year by 2019.

Located in Co Down, the castle is part of a 100-acre estate made up of historic buildings, gardens and parklands. The project will be led by the charity Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) and will conserve and interpret the heritage of the site, increase accessibility with the installation of new visitor facilities and provide a range of opportunities for learning and skills development.

Outside works will be carried out to conserve the historic features of the Walled Garden, including its original quadrant layout and central pool, and enhance its original planting. The Lost Garden, which had become overgrown and difficult to access, will be reinstated and new paths, bridges and trails installed to allow visitors to explore the grounds. New visitor facilities – including ticketing and a retail space – will be created, while the Stable Yard will be transformed and used to house a dedicated learning centre for families, schools and youth and community groups.

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Inside the castle, visitors will be able to tour the State Rooms, including the newly conserved and re-presented Throne Room, Drawing Room and Staircase Hall. The tour will also give visitors an insight into life for those living and working in the 'back-of-house' areas.

A volunteer programme will provide opportunities for learning and development, with the gardens becoming a hub for horticulture and heritage skills. Training will also be provided for a number of roles including visitor information, tour-guiding, conservation and events.

Anna Carragher, UK Trustee and Chair of HLF in Northern Ireland, said: "Thanks to National Lottery players the important natural, cultural and built heritage of Hillsborough Castle will be conserved and opened up for many more people to enjoy.

"This unique heritage attraction will become a must-see attraction, allowing visitors to learn more about its fascinating history, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens or tour the historic State Rooms."

Patricia Corbett, Head of Hillsborough Castle, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the HLF has chosen to support our exciting plans for Hillsborough Castle. This major project will enable us to open up this fascinating and beautiful historic site to the widest possible audience.

"Work to create the new facilities is already well underway and we look forward to welcoming many more visitors to Hillsborough Castle in years to come."

Image: Pupils from Downshire Primary School visiting Hillsborough Castle. Credit: Rory Moore.

(JP/LM)