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Balmoral Castle: The Scottish Home of the British Royal Family
Updated: 4 days ago
Balmoral Castle is a royal residence located in the northeast of Scotland, near the village of Ballater in Aberdeenshire. It has been a significant part of the British royal family's history and continues to serve as a private retreat for the royal family, especially during the summer months.
While Balmoral Castle is a private residence, parts of the estate are open to the public during certain times of the year. Visitors can explore the gardens and some areas of the grounds, and there is a visitor center where tourists can learn about the history of the castle and the royal family's connection to it. That's exactly what we did, along with a lovely tour of the grounds and the castle's famed Ballroom.
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Our Balmoral Castle Highlights
We visited in April 2019, while on our Scotland road trip. It was part of our month long first date! We met on Instagram in February of that year, and after meeting for the first time in Australia on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, Jenn decided to come to England. Literally the day after we landed, we took a road trip up to Scotland, for the both of us it was our first time in this beautiful country.
Finding the Balmoral Castle was not initially part of any plan as we were heading to Edinburgh, Loch Ness and Inverness, but it was a cool detour as we ventured through the sensational Cairngorms National Park.
As we were driving through the park we were overtaken by this Ferrari. We remember saying to each other at the time how nice the car was and that it was a shame we could not keep up with it. We must admit we did push the pedal just that little bit harder but we rally had no chance to be honest!
It was a really cool moment however, that when we took a pit stop at this sensational viewpoint to take in the breathtaking views, we turned around and there it was! Parked right behind us. We had a good chat with the owner before shooting a few photos. He had an assistant with him so we figured he must have been someone important.
In an even more special moment we also came across these wonderful stone monuments at this viewpoint, the Hill of Allargue at Corgarff. They had holes bored through them to help see further down the glen and others which highlighted a white house on the opposite side. It was a great place for photos and even better when we encountered the beautiful words of Strathdon artist Louise Gardner on each stone.
As still skies or storms unfold, take a moment to behold, in sun rain sleet or snow, warm your soul before you go.
Of all the things for two poets who have just met to find right!!! We would definitely recommend checking this place out.
When we first arrived in the small outlying village we were greeted with a very large police presence and we couldn't exactly figure out why. However we soon learned that Prince Charles (now King Charles III) had literally just passed through the parking lot on his way from the castle to Sunday Mass as it was Easter Sunday!
It was really neat to know we were in the same place he was, even if we had just missed him. We then went on to visit the castle and grounds and could completely see why the Royals love this place. It is truly magnificent!!
The Balmoral Castle Estate covers thousands of acres and there are approximately 150 buildings on the estate with a range of purposes. Visitors can explore the stables, garages, and its magnificent grounds and gardens, which include beautifully landscaped areas designed by Prince Albert.
The visitor center provides insights into the castle's history and its royal connections, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural and natural heritage that make Balmoral a cherished symbol of the British royal family's relationship with Scotland. Alongside hiking trails, there is also a War Memorial commemorating the members of the royal family who served in the First and Second World Wars.
We were also treated to the pure delights of a traditional Sunday dinner at the on-site public restaurant. We went for the shepherds pie with a side of baby potatoes, carrots and parsnips. The price was reasonable and the food was delicious! It really did feel fitting for such a royal place.
The History Behind Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle was originally purchased for Queen Victoria by her husband, Prince Albert, in 1852. The property at the time included a modest hunting lodge. However, in subsequent years, the original lodge was expanded and rebuilt into the larger and more grandiose castle that exists today.
The estate has been occupied since 1390 but the castle you see today was a result of the extensive and hugely impressive remodelling works to the original structure conducted in 1830 and 1853.
The architecture of Balmoral Castle is primarily in the Scottish Baronial style, which is characterized by its turrets, towers, and crenellated parapets. The design elements were influenced by both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's interests in Scottish culture and architecture. The interior is decorated with tartans, stag antlers, and other Scottish symbols.
Balmoral Castle has been a favorite residence for the British royal family for generations. It is particularly associated with Queen Victoria, who loved the Scottish Highlands and spent much of her time there. The castle and its surrounding estate have been passed down through the generations since Victoria's time.
The Balmoral estate is extensive, covering some 50,000 acres of forests, moors, and farmland. The grounds are known for their natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes, rivers, and lochs. Prince Albert, played a significant role in developing the estate's gardens, which include a formal garden and various themed areas. The estate is a working one, and the royal family still engages in traditional Scottish activities such as shooting and fishing.
Balmoral Castle has become a symbol of the royal family's connection to Scotland and its culture. It has been featured in various works of literature, art, and media over the years. It remains a private retreat for the royal family, offering them a place to escape the pressures of official duties and public life. The castle is traditionally open to the royal family during the late summer and early autumn, and it's a place where they can enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Balmoral Castle Opening Times
While Balmoral Castle is a private residence, parts of the estate are open to the public during certain times of the year. Visitors can explore the gardens and some areas of the grounds, and there is a visitor center where tourists can learn about the history of the castle and the royal family's connection to it.
⪢ Winter Opening (2025)
From 24th January, the grounds at Balmoral Castle will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, until the 23rd March..
Admission is free of charge at this time, and there is no requirement to book tickets to visit the grounds.
The grounds, Mews Gift Shop and Restaurant will be open from 10am until 4pm. There is no access to the Castle Ballroom and the audio tour / mobility scooters are not available.
⪢ Summer Opening (2025)
From Tuesday 1st April, Balmoral Castle will welcome visitors to the grounds, gardens and exhibitions, 7 days a week, from 10am to 5pm.
The only room in the Castle open to the public at this time is the Ballroom, where visitors can see the castle's 2025 exhibition.
Balmoral Castle Ticket Prices
Balmoral Castle’s Summer Season 2025 will start on the 1st April and run until 10th August 2025.
Visitors this summer will be able to see the exciting changes HM the King has made to the gardens, including the Thistle maze, Celtic maze garden and extensive new planting of trees, shrubs and topiary throughout.
In 2025 the exhibition in the Ballroom continues the garden theme, outlining the history of Balmoral Castle’s gardens over the last 170 years and you will learn about some of the plans of King Charles III for the future.
● Adult: £18.50
● Child (5-15 years): £9.50
● Family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 to 16 years): £42
● Children under 5 years old: Free
These prices include admission to the castle, the gardens, and the exhibitions. Audio guides are also available.
The castle is a popular tourist destination, so it is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during the summer months.
How to Get to Balmoral Castle
The castle is located in a rural area, so public transport is limited. If you are driving, be sure to allow plenty of time for your journey. Balmoral is often busy, especially during the summer months.
By Car
The castle is located off the A93 road, about halfway between Ballater and Braemar. There is a car park at Crathie, just a short walk from the castle.
By Bus
By Train
⪢ Consider Taking a Tour
Participating in a private tour or guided outing is a convenient choice, particularly if you want a stress-free experience. Explore some top options like a Balmoral Estate and Royal Deeside tour with Get Your Guide.
⪢ Contact Information for Balmoral Castle
Address: Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1339 742534
Website: balmoralcastle.com
Email: info@balmoralcastle.com
⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Scotland
Use our interactive map to easily locate the top hotels nearby, sourced from a variety of reputable platforms such as Booking, Vrbo, Expedia, Get Your Guide, and Hotels.com.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Our Balmoral Castle Experience Rating
It may not have been part of our initial itinerary when we drove to Scotland, but in hindsight we are so happy we discovered Balmoral Castle. Cairngorms National Park is stunning and driving through there, and stopping here at Balmoral, is an absolute must in our opinion.
This castle reminds us of something out of a Disney movie and is a fascinating place to explore. We were not here for long as we were on a bit of a time crunch but if not for that we could have easily spent a good hour or two here. Totally worth it and highly recommended!
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