Save places from Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more
Balmoral Castle
Attraction
4.3 (4563 reviews)
Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB, UK
+44 1339 742534
Did You Know?
Private Residence
Balmoral Castle is not a crown property, but rather a private residence of the British Royal Family, purchased personally by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852.
A Beloved Retreat
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with Balmoral's picturesque surroundings, finding it a tranquil escape from their duties. Albert largely designed the current castle.
Local Material
The current Balmoral Castle, completed in 1856, was built predominantly from local grey granite, giving it a distinctive Scottish baronial architectural style.
Summer Holiday
For generations, Balmoral Castle has served as the traditional summer holiday home for the British Royal Family, where they often gather for several weeks each year.
Highlights from Reviews
• beautiful grounds
The estate boasts spectacular, well-kept gardens, ancient woodlands, and extensive walking paths, offering a serene escape.
• excellent cafe
The cafe offers good food options, including delicious desserts and cream teas, with reasonable prices and a pleasant atmosphere.
• rich royal history
The site provides a deep connection to British royal history, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of the Royal Family.
• informative audio guide
A free audio guide app provides fascinating stories and historical information, enhancing the visitor's understanding of the grounds.
• stunning natural scenery
The majestic Scottish landscapes, including the River Dee and views of the Cairngorms, offer breathtaking natural beauty.
Featured in
Scottish Road Trip Through Castles and Landscapes
Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Eilean Donan Castle
Scottish Stays: Art, Antiques, and Royal Proximity
The Fife Arms
Scotland's Top Cities, Nature, History, and Adventures
The Dean Bridge, Glencoe, Steall Waterfall
Scotland's Most Picturesque Castles
Dunnottar Castle, Urquhart Castle, Dunrobin Castle & Gardens
Royal Memorial Cairns at Balmoral Castle
Prince Albert’s Cairn
Fairytale Castles Across Europe
Mont Saint-Michel, Neuschwanstein Castle, Bran Castle
Scottish Highlands Road Trip Through Cairngorms
Inverness, Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire Castles For A Magical Road Trip
Dunnottar Castle, Craigievar Castle, Castle Fraser, Garden & Estate (National Trust for Scotland)
NE250 Scotland Motorhome Tour Highlights
Dunnottar Castle, Braemar, Peterhead
Scottish Castles, Natural Wonders, and Unique Sites
Fairy Pools, Glencoe Mountain Resort, The Kelpies
Historic Castles And Estates Of Scotland
Dunnottar Castle, Craigievar Castle, Dunrobin Castle & Gardens