Balmoral Castle: The Scottish Home of the British Royal Family
Updated: Apr 16
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.
Read on for our highlights, the history of the castle, how to get there, the best time to visit, ticket information, some special offers from our partners at Klook, and your comprehensive GUIDE to visiting Scotland.
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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.
⪢ Spring Opening (2024)
From 23rd March until 3rd May you will be able to enjoy a relaxed walk in the grounds, view the exterior of the Castle and also have an opportunity to visit the Mews Gift Shop and Cafe.
Admission is free of charge at this time, and there is no requirement to book tickets to visit the grounds.
The grounds, Mews Shop and Cafe will be open from 10am until 5pm on select days which you can check out here.
Please note that there is no access to the Castle Ballroom and the audio tour / mobility scooters are not available at this time.
⪢ Summer Opening (2024)
The grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral will open to the public on a daily basis from Saturday 4th May until Sunday 11th August and you can now book your tickets online. Ticket prices apply during this time. Find out more in the next section.
Balmoral Castle ticket prices
The cost of visiting Balmoral Castle varies depending on the time of year and the type of ticket you purchase.
These prices are accurate at time of writing (April 2024). Visit the Balmoral Castle website (link below) for the most up-to-date pricing.
Adult: £17.50
Child (5-15 years): £9
Family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 to 16 years): £38
Children under 5 years old: Free
Group ticket (for up to 6 people): £350
These prices include admission to the castle, the gardens, and the exhibitions. Audio guides are also available for an additional £3.
The castle is a popular tourist destination, so it is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during the summer months. You can book tickets directly on the Balmoral Castle website here.
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. If you are planning to visit, it is a good idea to book your tickets in advance.
⪢ 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
Stagecoach Bluebird operates a bus service from Aberdeen to Braemar, with a stop at Crathie. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
⪢ By Train
The nearest train station is in Aberdeen. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Ballater. The journey takes about 1 hour.
Address: Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1339 742534
Website: balmoralcastle.com
Email: info@balmoralcastle.com
Our Balmoral Castle experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
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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