Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle stands in the Dee Valley in Aberdeenshire, at the heart of the Scottish Highlands. A private residence of the British royal family since 1852, the estate spans some 20,000 hectares, blending pine forests, heather moorlands and a salmon-rich river. Each summer, the royal family would retreat here — a tradition maintained through the reign of Charles III. The castle itself remains closed to the public, but the gardens and stables open for part of the year.

Practical information at a glance

• Access: village of Crathie, a few kilometres west of Ballater on the A93.
• Entry: paid admission for the gardens and stables (the castle itself is closed to the public).
• Opening: typically April to July, before the royal family's summer arrival — check the official calendar before you go.
• Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours for the gardens, exhibitions and a walk through the estate.
• What to wear: comfortable walking shoes for the estate trails.

What to see

The visit focuses on the formal gardens laid out in the nineteenth century, the stables converted into exhibition space on the estate's royal history, and marked trails through the Caledonian forest. The grey granite castle, with its characteristic square tower, can be admired from outside. The River Dee flows alongside the estate, offering views of the surrounding hills.

History and context

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert acquired the estate in 1852 and had the castle rebuilt in Scottish baronial style, completed in 1856. Albert personally oversaw much of the development. Since then, Balmoral has been private Crown property — not funded by the state — and remains a summer retreat. It was at Balmoral that Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022.

Highlights of the visit

The Victorian gardens

The flower beds, greenhouses and kitchen gardens reflect the Victorian era's taste for order and abundance. In spring, rhododendrons and azaleas brighten the walkways. A leisurely stroll is all you need to take them in.

The exhibition in the stables

The former stables house a collection of horse-drawn carriages, hunting trophies and royal photographs. The exhibition traces the royal family's attachment to this estate over more than 170 years.

The estate trails

Several marked routes cross through Scots pine forest and moorland. Some lead to vantage points overlooking the Dee Valley and the hills of Cairngorms National Park that surround the estate.

Photography tips

Morning light is ideal for photographing the castle's façade from the garden paths. In autumn (outside official opening hours), the colours of the surrounding moorlands are spectacular from the A93 road. Drones are prohibited on the private estate.

Location and access

Balmoral is located in Crathie, about 10 km west of Ballater and approximately 80 km west of Aberdeen. The A93 runs alongside the estate. By car from Aberdeen, allow about an hour. Buses connect Aberdeen to Ballater, from which a taxi or hired bike takes you to Crathie in minutes. The grounds are partially accessible to people with reduced mobility in the paved areas of the gardens.

In the surrounding area

• Ballater — A charming royal village a few kilometres away, with its shops bearing royal crests and granite stone cafés.
• Cairngorms National Park — The UK's largest national park surrounds the estate; hiking, wildlife and highland scenery.
• Braemar — Neighbouring village to the west, known for its annual Highland Games and Braemar Castle.
• The Dee Valley (Royal Deeside) — A scenic route dotted with several castles and villages between Aberdeen and the Cairngorms.