Balmoral Castle, Scotland: Home of The Royal Family

Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria in 1852.

Balmoral Castle, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and historical significance, has long been a beloved royal residence.

Its story dates back to 1390 when the first tower was erected on the site.

However, the transformation into the grandeur that we see today began in the early 19th century when King George IV and Queen Victoria fell in love with the location during a visit in 1848.

For generations, Balmoral Castle has served as a cherished retreat for the British monarchy - Queen Victoria famously described it as "my dear paradise in the Highlands."

Queen Elizabeth II had been at Balmoral Castle since July 2022 for her annual summer holiday and had been receiving medical care there.

In a break with tradition, Balmoral Castle, rather than Buckingham Palace was the location of the appointment of British Prime Minister on 6 September 2022, due to concerns regarding the Queen's mobility issues.

Elizabeth died at Balmoral at 15:10pm on 8 September 2022 at the age of 96.

She was the first monarch to die at Balmoral, and this was the first time a monarch had died in Scotland since James V in 1542 at  Falkland Palace.

It's not merely a grand estate; it's a cultural hub encapsulating the essence of Scottish tradition and heritage.

Visitors to Balmoral are greeted by impeccably maintained gardens, sprawling estates, and the charming castle itself.

The estate spans over 20,000 hectares of stunning landscapes, including forests, lochs, and rolling hills—a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The architecture of Balmoral Castle is a marvel in itself - the castle, largely rebuilt in the 19th century, combines a mix of Scots Baronial and Victorian styles.

Its distinctive turrets, towers, and granite façade exude a sense of grandeur and elegance, making it an architectural gem set against the breathtaking Scottish scenery.

While the castle itself remains a private residence for the Royal Family, visitors have the opportunity to explore the grounds, gardens, and a specially designated ballroom on the estate.

The Ballroom, with its intricate details and stunning décor, offers a glimpse into the refined taste and opulence of the royal abode.

The castle ballroom is the largest chamber at Balmoral and it hosts an exhibition of fine art and furnishings in the collection of the royal family.

Included are paintings by Landseer, silver sculptures by Sir Joseph Boehm, and fine china.

The ballroom is used each year for two dances called the Ghillies Ball, a tradition that has carried over since the days of Queen Victoria.

The Royal Family's connection to Balmoral Castle remains a vital part of their heritage.

It's not just a residence; it's a place that symbolizes their love for Scotland and the preservation of tradition.

Annually, the Royal Family spends their summer months at Balmoral, engaging in various activities and events, further enriching its historical legacy.

The grounds are now open to the public on specific dates over the winter months.

You will be able to enjoy a relaxed walk in the grounds, view the exterior of the Castle and also have an opportunity to visit the Mews Gift Shop and Cafe.

As admission is free of charge there is no requirement to book admission tickets to visit the grounds.

The iconic landmark has raving reviews on TripAdvisor.

One recent tourist wrote: “An experience that I will never forget. A certain ambience rests with Balmoral given we only lost our Queen last year.

”After visiting I can see why she loved it so much. It has a serenity that was beyond compare, private, secluded with views unparalleled.

”The colours of autumn were out of this world. Never in my life did o think I would spend hours (yes literally) looking at various trees or staring at the hillsides but I did and I loved it.”

We would highly recommend a visit if you’re planning a trip to the beautiful Scottish Highlands, just check their website first for opening times.

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