Since its acquisition for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, Balmoral Castle has served as the Scottish residence of the royal family. Initially leased in 1848 and subsequently completed in 1856 by the Aberdeen architect William Smith, it has remained a significant and cherished property for the monarchy.
Sections of the castle, traditionally reserved for the royal family, will be now accessible to the public for the first time. Albeit, for those willing to pay a premium. These tours, scheduled from 1 July to 4 August, before the arrival of King Charles III and Queen Camilla for their annual retreat, will also serve as a trial period for estate staff to assess the impact of increased visitor traffic on the historic building.
The decision to open up the grounds seems to align with the King’s wider initiative to enhance accessibility to royal residences. This summer also marks the first time the East Wing of Buckingham Palace, including the iconic central balcony used by the royal family for public appearances, will be accessible to the public. Additionally, other royal properties, such as Windsor, Sandringham, Holyrood and Highgrove houses, regularly open their grounds for various events.
For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with our experienced guides.
Balmoral Castle Estate Office
Priced at £150 (€175) per person for both the tour and high tea, the unique Balmoral opening will be the priciest royal residence experience to date, attracting visitors in search of exclusivity and with “deep pockets”, as warned by The Guardian. Nevertheless, all available slots were booked within 24 hours by royal family enthusiasts. Considering that Buckingham Palace charges about £95 (€110) for an exclusive guided tour, while general admission is around £35 (€40), and Windsor Castle’s entrance and Sandringham House’s admission is £24 (€28), one can immediately recognize the historical significance of the operation at Balmoral.
It is not the first time the estate opens its gates to the public, but previous tours have only allowed visitors to explore parts of the grounds and gardens. Five cottages within the estate’s borders can also be reserved for accommodation. However, the current tour now includes access to the green drawing room, the library, the dining room and the page hall. Moreover, visitors will be able to browse through the ballroom showcasing the King’s unseen collection of watercolour paintings, depicting scenes from Balmoral and other royal residencies, as well as outfits worn by some royal family members.
The estate has always served as a peaceful retreat for the British royal members. Its first owner, Queen Victoria, died here, and so did the long-lived Queen Elizabeth II. It was also here that, on 31 August 1997, Prince William and Prince Harry learned of their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales’ tragic death. Balmoral has witnessed other historical events, yet it remains primarily a sanctuary for activities such as grouse shoots, picnics and relaxed walks with corgis that keep the royal family busy during summertime.
