Balmoral Castle

Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate.

In her journals Queen Victoria described Balmoral as "my dear paradise in the Highlands" - we hope you will feel the same way about Balmoral once you have visited this most special place.

Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. The Castle is a hunting lodge, built to accommodate the needs of the Royal Family and their guests.

The highlight for every visit to Balmoral is the Castle Ballroom, the largest room in the Castle.

On display you will find works of art by Landseer and Carl Haag, silver statues by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm together with Minton China and artifacts from within the Castle. For 2015 a new exhibition will be staged in the Ballroom at Balmoral. Through original works of art, photographs and fascinating objects we explore childhood at Balmoral.

The Ballroom is still much used by the Royal Family today and is the venue for two big dances during Her Majesty’s stay at Balmoral. These dances are known as the Ghillies Ball and have taken place every year since Queen Victoria’s reign.

Group Visits
Group admissions to the grounds, gardens and exhibitions

The group admission charge is available for groups of ten people or more. If you advise the date and approximate arrival time of your visit we can make arrangements for your coach to park by the Estates Office.

Guided Tours of the Palace
For groups of ten or more

The tour last approximately one hour and a quarter. Your guided tour will start from the Carriage Hall Courtyard Displays where you can view the DVD show, which illustrates the work of those who live on the estate throughout the year.

Your guide will then take you through the grounds and gardens, passing the stone, which marks the position of the front door to the original castle.

After viewing Garden Cottage and the sunken rose garden you will then head to the Castle Ballroom.

The Ballroom is the largest room in the Castle and here can see works of art by Landseer and Carl Haag , silver statues by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm, Minton China and artefacts belonging to Kings and Queens throughout history.

Your tour guide will also show you some of the wonderful architecture of the Castle - the detailed stone panels dressing the exterior of the Castle, the beautiful hand painted ceiling and the intricate wood carvings on the staircase in the Ballroom.

Ranger Guided Walks
Join the Rangers an enjoy a themed guided walk

When Balmoral is open to the Public the Ranger Service are pleased to offer a series of guided walks.

Each Wednesday afternoon during April, May, June and July they provide a guided woodland walk, which starts from the Carriage Hall Exhibition at 2.00 p.m.

This walk will take you through the grounds and gardens of Balmoral, passing by some of the monuments and cairns. Your guide will explain about the history of Balmoral as well as the woodland, wildlife, flora and fauna.

The walk last approximately two hours and covers between two and three miles.

There is no charge for the guided tour.