Royal Treat: Balmoral Castle To Open To The Public For The First Time

In a rare move by King Charles, visitors will be able to enter and see rooms in Balmoral Castle that are used by the royal family. The castle has been the British royal family’s Scottish home since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert back in 1852. This summer, visitors will be able to enjoy guided tours through the opulent rooms and experience the other side of being royal.

Explore a royal home at Balmoral Castle in Scotland

From March 23 through August 11, 2024, visitors can explore the garden and use the gift shop and cafe. However, from July 1 to August 4, visitors will be able to head inside Balmoral Castle and see the rooms used today by King Charles, Camilla and other members of the royal family.

This is the first time that Balmoral Castle is opened to the public, as previously, they could only explore the grounds. Meanwhile, the castle has been the British royal family’s Scottish home since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852.

Visitors will be able to enjoy private guided tours through some of the most beautiful rooms in the castle.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our 2024 Spring/Summer tickets – on sale and available via our website now!

This year the grounds, gardens, exhibitions, Mews Gift Shop and Café will be open to the Public daily 10:00 until 17:00 from Sat 23rd March until Sun 11th August. pic.twitter.com/xioIOMi8JG

— Balmoral Castle (@Balmoral_Castle) February 15, 2024

 

According to the castle’s website, this will be the first time since the castle was completed in 1855 that permission has been granted to the public to enjoy a private tour with knowledgeable guides. Visitors will experience a historical journey through several of the rooms within Balmoral Castle.

Learn the history of the castle

As the guided tour continues, visitors will learn the origins of the castle and how it has been loved by generations of the British royal family. Moreover, they will travel through time from the purchase of the castle by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to the present day. There, they will view rooms within the property that are used today by the King and Queen and other Royal family members.

Exclusive private tours will be available from July 1 through August 4 and each group will be restricted to 10 people.

Summer Opening at Balmoral will run from Saturday 4th May until Sunday 11th August this year, with daily tickets for visitors to attend the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions at Balmoral. pic.twitter.com/hBRImnXLjL

— Balmoral Castle (@Balmoral_Castle) March 22, 2024

Meanwhile, Balmoral Castle is where King Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, passed away in 2022. In a 2016 documentary, Our Queen at Ninety, the royal family discussed Balmoral. Princess Eugenie said of Balmoral:

It’s the most beautiful place on earth. I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands.

“Walks, picnics, dogs – a lot of dogs, there’s always dogs – and people coming in and out all the time,” the Princess added. “It’s a lovely base for Granny and Grandpa, for us to come and see them up there; where you just have room to breathe and run.”

Where is Balmoral Castle?

Balmoral Castle is located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and is near the village of Crathie, 9 miles (14 km) west of Ballater and 50 miles (80 km) west of Aberdeen.

Readers, are you intrigued about the private tours being offered to the public at Balmoral Castle? Will you be booking a ticket to enter? Let us know by dropping a comment below.