Balmoral has been the royal family’s Highland retreat since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought the estate and rebuilt the castle in the 1850s. The Scots Baronial mansion sits in the Dee valley beneath the peak of Lochnagar, surrounded by forest, moor and river.
For part of the year the grounds, gardens and exhibitions open to visitors, giving a rare look at the estate that generations of royals have used as a private escape.
Location & Getting There
Balmoral is at Crathie on the A93, roughly an hour and a half west of Aberdeen through Royal Deeside and just east of Braemar. There is a large visitor car park; public transport is limited, so most people arrive by car or organised tour.
What to See & Do
Visits centre on the estate grounds, formal gardens and seasonal exhibitions, with the castle ballroom typically the main interior space open to the public. Walking trails, the Crathie area and estate viewpoints round out a visit, and the wider estate is prime hillwalking country.
Who It Suits & Best Time to Visit
It suits anyone interested in royal history, gardens or Deeside scenery. Opening is seasonal and varies with the royal family’s own use of the estate, so always check current dates. Late spring and summer show the gardens at their best.
Practical Tips
- Opening dates are seasonal and can change – check first
- Combine with Braemar Castle and the Lochnagar views
- Allow half a day for grounds, gardens and exhibitions
- Bring layers – the Dee valley can be cool even in summer
- Book tickets online in peak summer weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Balmoral Castle?
Yes, for part of the year. The estate grounds, gardens and exhibitions open seasonally, with the ballroom usually the main interior space accessible. Dates depend on the royal family’s use of the estate, so check the official site.
Where is Balmoral Castle?
It is at Crathie on Royal Deeside, about 90 minutes west of Aberdeen and just east of Braemar, set in the Dee valley below the mountain of Lochnagar.
