Hillsborough Castle is part of a 100-acre estate made up of historic buildings, gardens and parklands.

Now thanks to the National Lottery players an ambitious programme of restoration is underway to transform the site, ready to welcome up to 200,000 visitors each year by 2019.

A £4.8m HLF grant will be used to restore the Castle’s gardens, conserve a number of State Rooms including the Throne Room and the Drawing Room.

New visitor facilities including ticketing and a retail space will be created, and the Stable Yard used to house a dedicated learning centre for families, schools and youth and community groups.

An ambitious 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 site 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.”