The Scottish home of Queen Elizabeth II and holiday destination for the Royal Family for more than 100 years, there’s nowhere better to begin a regal tour of Aberdeenshire. Located in Royal Deeside within Cairngorms National Park, the estate has been in the Royal Family since 1852, when it was purchased by Prince Albert as a gift for Queen Victoria.
Now, the castle is a category A listed building, as classified by Historic Environment Scotland and its gardens, grounds, exhibitions in the stable area, ballroom within the castle itself, café and gift shop are open to the public from April until early August, before the Queen takes her annual holiday.
There are also special events including safari tours, Rangers walks every Wednesday, garden tours every Thursday and seasonal events including Easter egg hunts, Run Balmoral and an outdoor cinema to enjoy. Visitors can even treat themselves to a stay in the grounds by booking one of Balmoral’s beautiful self-catering holiday cottages.