Balmoral Castle, Balmoral Estates, Ballater, Aberdeenshire AB35 5TB

Details

Accessibility

https://balmoralcastle.com/visiting/accessibility

"To make your journey around the grounds as seamless as possible, mobility scooters available from gift shop (during summer openings) for free with no prior booking required.

Our gate lodge, restaurant, gift shop and ballroom, all included in the grounds tour ticket, are accessible by ramp for wheelchairs and scooters.

Disabled parking is offered within the grounds of the estate to Blue Badge Holders upon request.

Accessible toilets can be found at the Crathie Gallery and in the restaurant.

During winter weather, certain paths and walkways may be closed due to poor weather conditions. On those occasions, there are always staff available in the restaurant and shop to support and assist you during your visit with to Balmoral Castle and Estates. 

For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section."

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmoral_Castle

2025: "Balmoral Castle (/bælˈmɒrəl/) is a large estate house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and a residence of the British royal family. It is near the village of Crathie, 9 miles (14 km) west of Ballater and 50 miles (80 km) west of Aberdeen.

The estate and its original castle were bought from the Farquharson family in 1852 by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. Soon afterwards, it was found that the house was too small, and the current Balmoral Castle was commissioned. The architect was William Smith of Aberdeen, and his designs were amended by Prince Albert. Balmoral remains the private property of the monarch and is not part of the Crown Estate. It was the summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II, who died there on 8 September 2022.[1]

The castle is an example of Scottish baronial architecture, and is classified by Historic Environment Scotland as a category A listed building.[2] The new castle was completed in 1856, and the old castle demolished shortly thereafter.

Successive members of the royal family have added to the Balmoral Estate, and now it covers an area of 53,680 acres (21,725 ha) of land.[3] It is a working estate, including grouse moors, forestry and farmland, as well as managed herds of deer, Highland cattle, sheep and ponies. "

Address

Email

enquiries@balmoralcastle.com For questions about Balmoral Estates please call or email us. Please note that the office is currently open on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00. It could take us up to 2 days to reply to your message.

Phone

013397 42534  For questions about Balmoral Estates please call or email us.Please note that the office is currently open on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00. It could take us up to 2 days to reply to your message.

Website

https://balmoralcastle.com/

https://www.facebook.com/balmoralcastle

Directions

For directions to the Balmoral Castle car park, please see Google Maps.

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

https://balmoralcastle.com/visiting/opening-times "The grounds, gift shop and restaurant are open to the public on certain days over the autumn and winter months. THERE IS NO NEED TO BUY TICKETS FOR GENERAL ADMISSION AS THIS IS FREE OF CHARGE."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmoral_Castle#Public_access_to_gardens_and_castle_grounds

2025: "Public access to gardens and castle grounds

Northwest corner of Balmoral Castle

In 1931, the gardens and castle grounds were opened to the public for the first time. They are now open daily between April and the end of July, after which royal family members arrive at the castle for their annual stay.[55] The ballroom was the only room in the castle that could be viewed by the public until 2024.[59]

In 2024, limited numbers of the public were able to view the interior and several rooms used by members of the royal family during a month-long summer tour programme.[60] This was the first time since the castle was completed in 1855 that it was open to the public.[61][62] In addition, the gift shop, restaurant and café were redesigned and renovated, prioritising local Scottish craftsmanship and premium textiles.[63] "

Transport

Amenities

Balmoral Cafe

Balmoral Estates

Ballater

AB35 5TB

+ Balmoral Gift Shop

The Estates

Balmoral Estates

Ballater AB35 5TB

https://balmoralcastle.com/stay

"Enjoy a break like no other in one of Balmoral’s rental cottages, each offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern comforts.

Connachat Cottage, Garbh Allt Shiel, Karim Cottage, Knocks Cottage, the three Milton of Braichlie Cottages, Rhebreck Lodge, Sterinbeg and Tigh Na Garaidh offer the unrivalled opportunity to enjoy the stunning Estate and Grounds in the comfort of your own boutique accommodation.

Please note that some cottages are not available for rent for certain dates during the Royal Family’s visit. "