Headed out to Lisburn today, looked round the Linen museum then jumped on a bus to Hillsborough, a lovely village a few miles away. Hillsborough castle is the official residence of the secretary of state, and the royals when they visit. The queen was here with Prince Philip last weekend but sadly they didn't hang around for us.
The tour only goes round the ground floor, and not the private apartments above, but we still viewed the dining room and sitting rooms that are used when there are guests. It's nice, obviously full of antiques but lived in, not like some National Trust properties where you can't sit down or lean on anything.
The gardens are really pretty too - Europe's largest rhododendron (they thought it was the world's biggest until the Japanese premier discreetly told them he owned that one), and some beautiful magnolias with upturned flowers. It was a bit blustery but well worth a visit.
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