Balmoral Castle |
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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 - 31 July 2008 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 2008 is The Braemar Gathering Exhibition which features striking photographs of members of The Royal Family attending the games as well as the many competitors who participate. The athletic dancers and their wonderful dress uniforms, the colourful pipe bands, the tug of war teams and the magnificent heavy event partipants are all featured. You can also learn about the history of the dances and the origins of the heavy events. 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.
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Opening Times
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(2008 times)
Grounds, gardens and exhibitions:1st April to 31st July: Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm. (Last recommended admission 4.00 p.m.) |
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Admission Charges
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(2008 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. |
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Directions
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| Balmoral Castle is off the A93 between Ballater and Braemar. |
| Show map of Balmoral Castle... |
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Balmoral Castle Postcode for SatNav: AB35 5TB |
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Nearby Attractions
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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. |
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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. |
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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... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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