Balmoral Castle
Scottish residence of His Majesty The King and all monarchs since Victoria.
The Estates Office, Balmoral Estates, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
Accessible parking available by the Estates Office – please speak to staff on duty at the admission desk for directions.
Accessible toilets available by the restaurant and assistance dogs welcome.
Mobility scooters available for summer opening times only.
The foundation stone for Balmoral Castle was laid by Queen Victoria on 28th September 1853 and can be found at the foot of the wall adjacent to the West face of the entrance porch.
Before the foundation stone was placed in position Queen Victoria signed a parchment recording the date. This parchment, together with an example of each of the current coins of the realm, was then placed in a bottle, inserted into a cavity below the site prepared for the stone.
The Castle was completed in 1856 and the old building was then demolished. This building is commemorated by a stone which is located on the front lawn at a point opposite the tower and about 100 yards from the path. This stone marks the position of the front door to the demolished castle.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
General Opening Hours
Balmoral Castle's grounds, gardens, castle ballroom, restaurant and mews gift shop are open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm. During the summer months, opening hours are extended. Please note that access may be restricted during the Royal Family's annual visit.
Admission Prices
Until 1st November 2026: Paid admission applies. Adults £10; children under 16 free. This period includes access to the grounds, gardens, restaurant, exhibitions and castle ballroom.
From 4th November 2026 onwards: Admission is free. However, the castle ballroom will be closed during this period. The grounds, gardens, mews gift shop and restaurant remain open.
Seasonal Opening Calendar
October 2026: Open most days 10am–4pm. Saturdays and Sundays are typically closed, with the exception of 25th–31st October, which are open daily.
November 2026: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm. Sundays and Mondays closed. An Artisan Market runs 6th–8th November.
December 2026: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm, with some additional days open. Christmas Eve (24th December) has reduced hours: 10am–2pm. The estate is closed 25th–31st December.
January 2027: Closed 1st–19th January.
Castle Ballroom
The castle ballroom is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm during the paid admission season (until 1st November). It closes from 4th November onwards.
Guided Tours & Audio Guides
Castle Interior Guided Tours: Available on select dates during autumn opening times. Minimum age 16 years. For information about 2027 tour dates, sign up to the mailing list.
Audio Guide Tour: Available during general admission opening hours. Please download the app before your visit.
Gardens & Walks
The gardens are open year-round and accessible during general estate opening hours. New seasonal developments are introduced throughout the year. Certain areas may have restricted access during the Royal Family's autumn visit.
Walks including the Cairns Walk and Prince Albert's Pyramid Walk are available during estate open hours. Some walks remain accessible during the free admission period from 4th November.
Special Events
Artisan Market: 6th–8th November 2026.
An Evening at Balmoral: Select dates from 14th November to 18th December. Specific times to be confirmed.
Christmas Festivities at Balmoral: Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th December.
Historic House members can enjoy complimentary general admission and must provide Historic Houses Pass to staff on duty at the admissions desk on arrival.
Adults: £18.50
Children (5 to 16 years): £9.50
Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): £42
Parking costs £6.
GUIDED EXPERIENCES
Interior Castle Tours, Expedition Tours and Afternoon Teas available on specific dates.
Please visit www.balmoralcastle.com to check availability / to make a booking.
Experiences must be booked / paid in advance. Please note no discount on experiences.
Please visit www.balmoralcastle.com for details.
Accessible parking available by the Estates Office – please speak to staff on duty at the admission desk for directions.
Accessible toilets available by the restaurant and assistance dogs welcome.
Mobility scooters available for summer opening times only.
Getting here
The Estates Office, Balmoral Estates, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB
Balmoral is easy to find halfway between Ballater and Braemar on the A93. The nearest railway station and airport are located in Aberdeen, approximately 50 miles east of Balmoral.
To arrive by public transport please use the 201 Stagecoach service from Aberdeen.
When Queen Victoria died in 1901 Balmoral Estates passed, under the terms of her will, to King Edward VII, and from him to each of his successors. Balmoral Estates has been more than just a favourite home to successive generations of the Royal Family.
Although it remains largely the same as it was in Queen Victoria’s reign, successive Royal owners have followed the initiative of Prince Albert in making improvements to the estate. The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Prince of Wales take a close personal interest in running and improving the Estates.
The Queen plants a tree for the Jubilee at Balmoral
As announced by the Royal Household, Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will mark the start of the official planting season for The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) at the Balmoral Estate on Friday, 1st...
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