Glenarm Castle Gardens
The private family home of the Earl & Countess of Antrim with an historic Walled Garden.
Ballymena, County Antrim, BT44 0BQ
Facilities
-
Accessible loos
-
Accessible parking
-
Bike storage facilities
-
Cafe / restaurant
-
Easily accessible without car
-
Facilities for children
-
Free parking
-
Garden only
-
Mostly wheelchair accessible
-
Parkland / open spaces
-
Pet friendly
-
Picnic area
-
Shop
Where possible we make provisions to ensure the site is accessible for wheelchair, mobility scooter and buggy users. We have a number of wheelchair and buggy access points and dedicated parking areas for blue badge holders. Please note car parks and some paths within the grounds are gravel therefore wheelchairs and pushchairs may find it difficult. If you require additional assistance, please ask a member of staff. Disabled toilets are located in the Walled Garden and Tea Room.
There is level and step-free access to most outdoor areas and indoor venues. However should you need any further assistance, please ask a member of staff. Due to the historic nature of our site some areas within the Walled Garden and the Woodland Walk feature uneven terrain therefore suitable footwear should be worn.
At Glenarm Castle, we are committed to providing an accessible attraction for all and try to ensure everyone can enjoy their visit with us. If you have any questions, or to arrange any additional support for your visit, please email [email protected] or call us on 028 28841 203.
Enjoy your next day out at our award-winning estate! Our 18th century Walled Garden, crowned the 2023 Historic Houses Garden of the Year, is a must-see. Originally created to supply the castle with fresh produce, the garden has been lovingly restored over the last 20 years by Randal and Aurora McDonnell, the Earl and Countess of Antrim. Today it is a tranquil haven, bursting with vibrant colours that change with the seasons. Take a stroll into the calming green Woodland Walk above the garden, and bask in the panoramic views across the estate.
Explore the captivating tale of the Antrim McDonnell family in our Heritage Centre. With a lineage dating back over 2,000 years, the Antrim McDonnells are one of the oldest families in these islands and have played a central role in shaping the famous North Antrim Coast as we know today. Don’t miss the chance to admire a selection of Lord Antrim’s impressive vintage car collection in our Coach House Museum.
Round up your visit by savouring homemade delights from Ground at the Tea Room, mouthwatering gelato ice-cream in The Milk Parlour, delicious wood fired sourdough pizza from the Pizza Pavilion, or grab a fresh coffee and traybake to-go from the Potting Shed. For a touch of retail therapy, roam through The Castle Shop, The Byre, Shearer Ceramics, The Dribbly Yak, Causeway Aromatics and Past & Present. All shops are managed by welcoming and passionate locals, many of whom have personally handcrafted their products.
Embark on an exciting adventure with our Mini Land Rover Experience – a trailblazing off-road adventure that puts kids in the driver’s seat! Don’t forget to visit our Valais Blacknose Sheep, the fluffiest new residents of Glenarm can be found just beside the Mini Land Rover Experience.
We’re also delighted to have opened the Glenarm Castle Dog park, a 4-acre secure area for your four-legged friends to run free, practice essential skills, and train on our agility equipment.
For those visitors that wish to stay a little longer, why not book one of our 4* Ocean View Pods. A quick dander from the estate, our pods boast breathtaking views across this beautiful seaside village.
We also host Castle Tours on selected dates throughout the season. Delve deep into the history of Glenarm Castle and listen to the tales of the estate brought to life by the family butler and house staff.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
General Admission Opening Times
Walled Garden & Woodland Walk
Open daily from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4:15pm) throughout the season. Glenarm Castle Members enjoy early access from 9am. The gardens are closed annually from November to February inclusive. Colour is guaranteed from early spring until the end of October.
Woodland Adventure Play Area
Open daily from 10am to 5pm throughout the season.
Dog Park
Open daily from 10am to 5pm. The last booking slot is at 4:30pm.
Antrim McDonnell Heritage Centre
Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Closed annually from November to February inclusive.
Guided Tours & Special Experiences
Glenarm Castle Guided Tours (2026 Season)
Tours are available on select dates throughout the year. In April 2026, tours run on Friday 10th, Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Saturday 18th, Friday 24th, and Tuesday 28th April (National Garden Scheme Open Day). In May 2026, tours are scheduled for Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th. Access to the Walled Garden and Woodland Walk is included with castle tours from 17th March to 1st November, subject to ground and weather conditions.
Afternoon Tea & Tales in Glenarm Castle
Available year round for group bookings.
Group Visits
Glenarm Castle welcomes group bookings throughout the season with several options:
- Self-Guided Walled Garden & Woodland Walk: Available throughout the season
- Guided Walled Garden Tour with Head Gardener: Available throughout the season
- Guided Castle Tour: Available year round, with Walled Garden and Woodland Walk access from 17th March to 1st November (subject to ground and weather conditions)
Please note that the Walled Garden, Woodland Walk, and Heritage Centre are closed annually from November to February inclusive.
Seasonal Information
The main season runs from 17th March to 1st November. During the off-season (early November to mid-March), discounted rates apply when the Walled Garden and Woodland Walk are unavailable. All opening times are subject to ground and weather conditions.
Walled Garden and Woodland Walk (Also includes admission to Heritage Centre and Coach House Museum):
Adult – £10.00
Youth (4-17) – £5.00
Children (0-3) – Free
Concession – £8.50
Family entrance (1 adult + 3 children)- £17.50
Family Entrance (2 adults + 2 children)- £25.00
Glenarm Castle Member/Historic Houses Member/RHS Member – Free (Must show card/proof upon entry)
Castle Tours: Please check the Castle page on our website for the most up to date information on pricing and available dates.
We are happy to accommodate large, small, and private groups and can tailor the experience to suit your needs. Whether it’s for a quick refreshment stop, or want to combine the castle & garden tours for a full day experience we can provide you with a comprehensive booking pack & prices.
Please email [email protected] for prices and for further details.
Where possible we make provisions to ensure the site is accessible for wheelchair, mobility scooter and buggy users. We have a number of wheelchair and buggy access points and dedicated parking areas for blue badge holders. Please note car parks and some paths within the grounds are gravel therefore wheelchairs and pushchairs may find it difficult. If you require additional assistance, please ask a member of staff. Disabled toilets are located in the Walled Garden and Tea Room.
There is level and step-free access to most outdoor areas and indoor venues. However should you need any further assistance, please ask a member of staff. Due to the historic nature of our site some areas within the Walled Garden and the Woodland Walk feature uneven terrain therefore suitable footwear should be worn.
At Glenarm Castle, we are committed to providing an accessible attraction for all and try to ensure everyone can enjoy their visit with us. If you have any questions, or to arrange any additional support for your visit, please email [email protected] or call us on 028 28841 203.
Getting here
Ballymena, County Antrim, BT44 0BQ
If travelling from Belfast head north on the M2, then take the Causeway Coastal Route from Larne to Glenarm.
If travelling from Ballymena, head east towards Broughshane and follow the signs for Glenarm.
The Castle is signposted from the village.
Enchanted walks around Glenarm Castle Gardens
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
