Balmoral Castle

The Estates Office
Balmoral Estates
Ballater
Aberdeenshire
AB35 5TB

Tel: +44 (0)1339 742 534
Fax: +44 (0) 1339 742 034
Email: info@balmoralcastle.com
Web: http://www.balmoralcastle.com


In the heart of Scotland lies the magnificent valley of the River Dee. Rising high in the Cairngorm Mountains and running east to its mouth at Aberdeen the river flows through some of Scotland's finest scenery. Midway, in the shadow of Lochnagar mountain, lies Balmoral Castle, holiday home of the British Royal family.

The existence of the Estate was first recorded in the 1480's, but it only became a royal residence in 1852 when Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert visited the Scottish Highlands, where they fell in love with the scenery and people and decided to buy a home there for private holiday periods.

The original Balmoral castle was considered to small for a Royal residence and in 1853 Prince Albert set about designing a new building with the help of Aberdeen Architect William Smith. The result in all its Baronial splendour is the Balmoral castle of today.

When Queen Victoria died in 1901, Balmoral Estates passed, under the terms of her will, to Edward VII and from him to each of his successors, and is still today the traditional holiday home for the Queen and members of her family.

Today, Balmoral is a working estate, which provides for and is closely linked with the local community. The estate comprises 18,659 hectares owned between Balmoral, Birkhall and Glen Doll, with 2,940 hectares of grouse moor at Corgarff. There are seven Munros on the estate, while 3,000 hectares are afforested and 190 hectares are arable and pasture.

From 1 April - 30 July 2007 the Castle grounds, gardens and exhibitions are open to the public. A specially commissioned audio tour guides you around the displays and is available in four languages. New for 2007 is Wild Land; an exhibition which looks at the beauty of the Cairngorm landscape and wildlife through the medium of photography. Royal Ball gowns will be on show in the ballroom which is the only room in the Castle open to the public.

Over the years the gardens have been improved and extended to include a formal garden, kitchen garden and a water garden.To make your visit complete relax in the Balmoral Coffee Shop or buy a unique gift from the Balmoral Collection Gift Shop.

Nearby is the Parish church of Crathie, where The Royal Family attend Sunday morning service when in residence at Balmoral.

 

Opening Times
(2007 times)
Grounds, gardens and exhibitions:
1st April to 30th July Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm. (Last recommended admission 4.00 p.m.)

Admission Charges
(2007 prices)
Grounds, gardens and exhibitions:
Adult £7.00; Senior Citizen £6.00; Child (5 to 16yrs) £3.00; Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) £15.00.

Admission charge includes the new audio tour of the grounds, gardens and exhibitions.
For further details, including facilities for disabled access, please contact the Estate Office.

Directions
Balmoral Castle is off the A93 between Ballater and Braemar.
Show map of Balmoral Castle...

Nearby Attractions
Braemar Castle (7 Miles)*
The impressive fortress of Braemar Castle was built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar on the site of an even older habitation.
Craigievar Castle (20 Miles)*
This fairytale-like castle, which exemplifies some of the best Scottish Baronial architecture, seems to have grown naturally out of the beautiful rolling hillsides of Aberdeenshire.
Grampian Transport Museum (23 Miles)*
A treasure house of transport history with lots to see and do. Dramatic displays, push button exhibits and video presentations trace the history of road travel in the locality.
more nearby attractions...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Hotels
Loirston Hotel (6 Miles)*
The Loirston Hotel is a quiet rural property, ideally placed to visit Balmoral Castle and Crathes Church. There are many activities to enjoy in the area such as golf and hill-walks in the local town of Ballater.
Loch Kinord Hotel (15 Miles)*
Nestled in the beautiful rustic village of Dinnet, within the heart of Royal Deeside lies a hotel of character. The warm glow of burning log fires, fine malts and superb cuisine just about sums up this small but perfectly formed former Victorian hotel.
Huntly Arms Hotel (16 Miles)*
The Huntly Arms, formerly an old coaching inn, offers traditional Scottish hospitality in a romantic atmosphere set in the heart of Royal Deeside, next to the Cairngorms National Wildlife Park.
more nearby hotels...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Self Catering
Cornellan Cottage (6 Miles)*
Cornellan Cottage is a lovely two bedroom cottage in the heart of the picturesque village of Ballater. Forming part of a converted steading, it benefits from modern facilities whilst retaining old world charm.
Riverside Apartment (7 Miles)*
The property is a 2 bedroomed ground floor flat in a converted historic church situated close to the centre of the village of Braemar. The church is in its own wooded grounds on the banks of the river Clunie.
Dalmunzie Highland Cottages (17 Miles)*
If youre looking for self-catering holiday accommodation in a fabulous location, Dalmunzie Estate in Glenshee, Perthshire has it all. Our seven highland cottages are set amongst the spectacular scenery of a 6,500 acre estate.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
more nearby self catering...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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