Balmoral Castle’s 167 rooms and lavish grounds have long been kept away from the prying eyes of the public, but for the first time in history, the royal property is now open to visitors.
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Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is one of the British royal family’s most beloved properties. Queen Elizabeth II was so fond of the castle that she spent nearly every summer of her life there. She even spent her final moments there in September 2022.
For the very first time, Balmoral Castle is open to the general public for tours until Aug. 11. Royals enthusiasts quickly purchased the 100 British pounds ($130) tickets for the interior tour when they went on sale; luckily, the 17.50 pound ($22.60) general admission tickets to the estate, gardens and exhibition are still available.
Inside, you can wander the beautiful estate where Prince Philip proposed to the queen, take in the dramatic views of the castle where Princes William and Harry learned about Princess Diana’s death, check out King Charles’ flower gardens and admire the ballroom where the royals party.
Getting there
It takes some effort to reach the castle’s secluded location.
If you’re visiting Scotland by plane, you’ll first want to fly into Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) before making your way to the highlands. Balmoral Castle is situated approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Aberdeen, surrounded by majestic hills and views worthy of a royal. A taxi is a costly affair and will set you back 120 pounds ($155). So, unless you’re willing to splurge, renting a car for the day might be a better idea. The one-hour-and-20-minute drive through the stunning Scottish countryside is an experience in itself.
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Alternatively, you can take public transportation, but it will take you up to three hours and require multiple changes. The best option we found was the 201 Ballater bus from Union Square, which will take you to Golf Road; there, you’ll have to change to the 203 Braemar bus. This one will stop close to the parking lot at Balmoral Estate.
Note, however, that daily buses don’t run that often, so make sure you plan well and stick to a schedule if you choose this option.
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You can also join organized day trips from Aberdeen through booking sites such as GetYourGuide. The tours include visits to spots such as the charming village of Ballater and Cairngorms National Park in addition to the Balmoral estate itself. The Balmoral Castle leg of the tour, however, is generally limited to just two hours, so you might feel a bit rushed. It’s also important to note that when booking a tour, sometimes the entrance ticket to Balmoral Castle needs to be booked separately.
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If you can, it’s better to organize your own transportation to the castle so you can have as much time as possible to explore. Come early in the morning, as the grounds are massive. You’ll need a whole day to get around them.
It’s a good idea to stay in Aberdeen the night before. There are many affordable options in the city center, as well as hotels you can book with points. Use Hilton Honors points at Hilton Aberdeen TECA, or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to book Aloft Aberdeen TECA.
What’s inside?
Balmoral Castle has a long history, and many important royal events have occurred there over the years. If you’re a history buff, we recommend picking up the audio guide to bring everything to life. The castle has been the Scottish home of the royal family since Prince Albert purchased it for Queen Victoria in 1852, so there is a lot of history to cover.
Once you’re admitted onto the grounds, you’re free to explore the estate as you like. The audiobook is perfect for self-guided tours.
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Make sure you bring a pair of comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot. The walk from the gates to the castle alone takes around 20 minutes, and there are plenty of countryside walks in the area to enjoy in addition to visiting the castle.
Highlights of the tour include the exhibition in the ballroom — where you can see some of the royals’ iconic gowns and learn more about the importance of the estate (no pictures are allowed, unfortunately) — the views of the castle from the beautiful garden and lunch in royal surroundings.
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There is a visitor cafe close to the castle that serves scones and sandwiches, as well as tea, coffee and cakes. The prices are surprisingly affordable; I paid 8.25 pounds ($10.66) for a scone and a cappuccino. Next to the cafe, you’ll also find a gift shop that is definitely worth checking out.
Bottom line
Balmoral Castle has opened to the general public for the first time. Visitors can walk through the same rooms and grounds as the British royal family and learn about the site’s rich history and heritage. Tour tickets can be booked now at the Balmoral Castle website.
