Balmoral Castle Balmoral Castle

Situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Balmoral Castle is best known as a retreat of the Royal Family. Here’s everything you need to know prior to visiting Balmoral Estate, including ticket information and everything you can do during your visit.

Balmoral Castle opening dates

As Balmoral is still used as a home to the Royal Family, the areas you can visit vary throughout the year. For the most accurate information on whether you’re currently able to visit Balmoral, please refer to the official website.

On specific dates in the winter, from February to early March the grounds, gift shop and café open to visitors. To see and learn more during a visit to Balmoral, you must visit from late March to mid-August. During these summer months, you can enjoy an audio handset tour and exhibitions inside the castle.

Balmoral Castle tickets

You don’t need to book tickets during the winter months when Balmoral is open to visitors. In the summer, however, everyone over the age of 5 must purchase a ticket to enjoy the estate. Purchase your tickets online in advance to guarantee the best price and an audio handset.

Balmoral highlights audio tour

This is the best way to tour the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions during the summer months. Listen to the story of Balmoral and learn about the most famous residents and visitors to the castle.

Prince Albert’s Cairn

There are 11 cairns within the Balmoral Estate, the most famous of which is Prince Albert’s, built by Queen Victoria in 1862. The pyramid shape is striking against the backdrop of beautiful Ballater. You’ll need your walking boots for the 30-minute direct walk to Prince Albert’s Pyramid as the steep terrain can be muddy. It’s worth the walk for the views over the estate and Cairngorms National Park.

Balmoral Castle tours

You can book onto a limited number of two hour tours of the estate. You’ll be taken through the estate to the old pine forests, high up to the flanks of Lochnagar, while learning about the residents of the estate and spotting some of the landscape’s inhabitants including capercaillie, red squirrels, red deer and black grouse.

Events

Check the Balmoral website to see if there’s anything happening when you plan to visit. Expect events like Easter egg hunts, fun family days and car shows.

Balmoral parking

View parking information, including prices. Disabled and elderly visitors can park within the grounds of Balmoral, which is nearer than the car parks.

Taking your dog to Balmoral

You can take your four-legged friend to visit Balmoral with you, however they can’t go inside and need to be on their lead at all times.