balmoral castle visit scotland

Balmoral Castle Will Open to the Public for the First Time

King Charles has granted permission for private tours to take place throughout the royal residence.

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Per Balmoral Castle's website , "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. They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle."

In 1852, Prince Albert purchased Balmoral as a gift for his wife, Queen Victoria. The original building was deemed too small, and the royals built a new castle (the one that exists today), and tore down the original.

On the tour, Balmoral Castle's official website notes, "You will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal family. Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the Castle are used today by their Majesty’s The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. You will see why Balmoral is such a special place - the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the Royal Family."

On the tour, visitors will also get access to the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions, and see King Charles's watercolors that show scenes at Balmoral, Highgrove , and Sandringham .

Balmoral was reportedly Queen Elizabeth's favorite residence, and it was where she passed away on September 8, 2022. "I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands," Princess Eugenie said of her grandmother in the documentary Our Queen At Ninety .

In Spare , Prince Harry's memoir, he wrote about Balmoral . "Balmoral. Closing my eyes, I can see the main entrance, the paneled front windows, the wide portico and three gray-black speckled granite steps leading up to the massive front door of whisky-colored oak, often propped open by a heavy curling stone and often manned by one red-coated footman...." He also recalls the many rooms inside, "each with a specific purpose, like sitting or reading, TV or tea, and one special room for the pages, many of whom I loved like dotty uncles."

Tickets are £100, or £150 if you want to also get afternoon tea, and must be purchased in advance. This year, the tours will be available from July 1 until August 4, 2024, and are restricted to 10 people per tour. Tickets can be purchased on balmoralcastle.com .

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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Balmoral Castle

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How to visit Balmoral Castle: Transport and tickets for a trip to the royal family’s Scottish home

The king’s scottish residence is opening the doors to private tour groups for the first time in history, article bookmarked.

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Balmoral Castle in Ballater, Scotland , has long played host to the royal family’s annual summer break – visits that over the years have been filled with informal barbecues, picnic lunches and active pursuits on the 50,000-acre estate.

Where Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle have mastered accommodating trails of tourists within their walls, Balmoral has retained an air of privacy since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased the property for £32,000 in 1852.

Now, as part of plans for improved accessibility to the royal residences the Aberdeenshire castle, the late Queen’s favourite residence, will be open to the public for the first time since the castle was completed in 1855.

With the month-long summer trial comes a spotlight on Aberdeen and the Scottish sanctuary beloved by the royals. Here’s how to make travel plans to visit the regal retreat for yourself while the drawbridge is down.

Read more on Scotland travel :

• The best hotels in Aberdeen: Where to stay for business trips and spa breaks
• Best walking holidays in Scotland for long-distance trails
• Best boutique hotels in Edinburgh: Where to stay for romance and charm

How to get tickets

This summer, Balmoral Castle will be open to the public daily from 10am to 5pm on 4 May, with tickets available to book online.

Tickets are booking up fast, but general admission (£17.50 per adult and £9 per child aged over five) are still available.

Internal guided tours  will take place between 1 July and 4 August, and the 40 tickets a day available at a price of £100 for the exclusive 10-person tour groups quickly sold out.

Also fully booked is the  Balmoral Expedition Tour , for groups of up to six people and priced at £350 for a two-hour Land Rover tour of the famed Scottish estate and old Caledonian Pine Forest.

What you can see at the castle 

The grounds, gardens, exhibitions and ballroom are all included in general admission audio tours. Guests will also be able to visit the Mews Gift Shop for bespoke Balmoral merchandise including tweed and whisky.

On tours of the castle interior, experienced guides will take visitors around several royal rooms “used today by their Majesty’s The King and Queen.” The public will now be able to access rooms including the King’s watercolour collection and outfits worn by King Charles, Queen Camilla and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The green drawing room, family dining room, library and pages’ lobby are also highlights of the new ‘behind the scenes’ tour.

Can you have afternoon tea at Balmoral Castle?

Aside from private tours of the royal’s Highland home, interior tour tickets including  afternoon tea  are on offer for £150 or, to savour sandwiches and scones with general admission, a ticket will set you back £60 per person.

Classic, vegetarian, gluten-free and sparkling afternoon teas are all available on the restaurant’s menu.

How to travel to Aberdeenshire

If you don’t fancy a nine-hour drive to Balmoral, the flight time from London to Aberdeen is around 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Direct flights depart from Gatwick, Luton and Heathrow with several airlines including British Airways and  easyJet  and flights from London Luton to Aberdeen with the latter start from just £20.99.

The Caledonian Sleeper departs six nights a week (excluding Saturdays) from 9pm, taking 10 hours to travel between London Euston and Aberdeen.

LNER trains depart daily for Aberdeen from London King’s Cross and take between seven and eight hours to travel the 396 miles from the English capital.

Where to stay

Read more: The best hotels in Aberdeen

Ardoe House Hotel & Spa

This luxury baronial manor , six miles to the southwest of Aberdeen, is a popular choice with those dreaming of Walter Scott’s romantic Scotland. The chateau-like hotel was inspired by Balmoral Castle just down the road, and its 30 acres of gardens and classic whisky bar with a grand fireplace make it fit for a prince.

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Hotel Amenities

Health & wellbeing, the marcliffe.

The Marcliffe may feature originals by Scottish artists and organise salmon-fishing trips, but it’s the family-friendly feel that lingers. The Victorian-era manor house has 32 rooms and seven suites, a spa, a lounge for afternoon tea and a whisky-crammed bar, plus a list of previous guests that covering actual royalty (including King Charles and Princess Anne).

Atholl Hotel

With witch’s-hat turrets, rose windows and glorious edifices, this  34-bed independent outpost  has proximity to the city centre and storied history. There’s an extension, believed to have been used as a private chapel, and a restaurant that focuses on local ingredients, such as black pudding, blade of beef and North Sea haddock. It’s as traditional as a tartan tin of shortbread.

Looking for a Scottish beach retreat? Here’s how to spend a day in Portobello, Edinburgh’s swinging seaside suburb

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Plan Your Visit to Balmoral Castle

Balmoral , in Scotland's Cairngorm National Park, is one of Queen Elizabeth's private homes. It's the place where she, members of the royal family and their invited guests spend August to October. You're invited to visit too.

If you'd like to drop in, though, you need to plan and book your tickets well in advance. Unlike Windsor Castle , the British monarch's weekend getaway, open whether the royal family is in residence or not, Balmoral (like Sandringham where the royals spend Christmas), is a private family estate. It is closed during August, September, and October. Even when it is open to the public, only limited areas can be visited, but those give a fascinating insight into the private life of the British monarchy.

What to See

• The Ballroom , which contains an exhibition of paintings, works of art, porcelain, the Balmoral Tartan Collection, and other items from the Castle. This is the largest room at Balmoral and the only one actually open to the public. The rest of the interior is a private residence. Exhibitions in the Ballroom change from year to year so if you've visited once, you'll very likely see something different the next time you come.
• The Carriage Hall Courtyard with its exhibitions of Royal Heraldry, commemorative china, and displays of native wildlife in their natural habitat. Once again, exhibitions are likely to change from year to year in this area.
• A three-acre formal garden with several Victorian glasshouses, a kitchen garden, and a water garden.​
• Garden Cottage - Queen Victoria's retreat, where she wrote her diaries and often ate breakfast. It is not open to the public but you can take a peek inside through the window. It is arranged much as it would have been during Queen Victoria's day.
• Luxury Landrover Safaris - Guided tours of the wilder reaches of the estate in the Cairngorm mountains are offered mornings and afternoons during the opening season. participants are offered the loan of top quality Swarovski Optik binoculars to spot wildlife during the tours.

Ranger Walks

When Balmoral Castle is open to the public, the Ranger Service offers a series of easy guided walks. Throughout the Autumn and winter, walks ranging from easy hikes and family outings to mountain walks up Lochnagar are also scheduled. The walks are free of charge but must be booked in advance and the normal admission for a Balmoral visit applies.

Other Sites of Interest Nearby

• Crathie Parish Church , where the Royal Family attend church services on Sunday mornings, can be visited from April to October. Sunday services are 11:30.
• Royal Lochnagar Distillery -  A small, working Scotch whisky distillery, open year round, with inexpensive guided tours and tastings on the hour until 4 p.m. from April through October and frequently scheduled tours for the rest of the year.

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Inside Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish Retreat

By Madeleine Luckel , Jordi Lippe-McGraw , and Charlotte Collins

Last September, Queen Elizabeth II took her last breath at her beloved Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands with her son King Charles III, grandson Prince William, and other family members by her side. The 96-year-old British monarch had spent the end of the summer there for decades, and after her death, many wondered if King Charles would do the same. But royal traditions are not easily broken, and Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, did in fact make the journey to Balmoral in late August of this year for the customary summer visit to the property. Since their arrival, the pair have watched on in the audience of the storied Highland games and have met up with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at a church service, so it’s already been a relatively eventful holiday. According to a palace spokesperson, no official public event commemorating the one year anniversary of the monarch’s death is scheduled, so the king and company may very well just be spending a quiet day of reflection at the Scottish retreat.

Long said to have been Queen Elizabeth’s favorite, the castle, located in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is known as the site of the Ghillies Ball, an end-of-summer fête where the royals don tartan and celebrate with their staff, though more intimate family affairs are also held at the estate. The late monarch reportedly enjoyed hosting slumber parties at the castle with a number of her great-grandchildren in her twilight years. In a 2016 ITV documentary on her life, the queen’s granddaughter Princess Eugenie shared that the Scottish getaway held a special place in the queen’s heart: “I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands.”

The 2023 reception of King Charles III at Balmoral on August 21, 2023, his first summer holiday at the estate after Queen Elizabeth’s 2022 death.

Queen Elizabeth II did a good job of keeping the extravagant dwelling relatively private, but there are a few interesting design details that have slipped out over the years. It also served as the setting of an especially memorable episode in Season 4 of The Crown , aptly titled “The Balmoral Test,” which detailed the painstaking gauntlet of unspoken trials that served as a crucial assessment for outsiders, despite their social rankings as prominent political figures or otherwise esteemed guests of the family. (Princess Diana, reportedly , passed the test with ease, while Margaret Thatcher was said to have fared worse.) Below, we break down what exactly a design buff needs to know about the vacation palace, from its history and architecture to its opulent interiors and the surrounding property.

Where exactly is it?

The estate is located on the right bank of the River Dee in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, near the town of Ballater and not far from the Lochnagar Mountain, a popular hiking destination. Balmoral Castle is roughly 500 miles from Buckingham Palace, a nine-hour drive.

Who owns it?

Though official royal residences like Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace are owned by the Crown Estate, which is funded by British taxpayers, Balmoral is the personal property of King Charles III, as is Sandringham, located in Norfolk, England. King Charles inherited both of them upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Forbes reports that Balmoral is currently valued at a whopping $118 million. The King is not subject to paying any inheritance tax on the property due to a 1993 agreement with the government.

The Queen playing with her children Prince Charles and Princess Anne at Balmoral in 1952.

Queen Elizabeth II helps her son Prince Charles to take a picture of his sister, Princess Anne, at Balmoral, Scotland, 1952.

How long has the British royal family had it?

It was first rented in 1848 and was then bought in 1852. It was purchased by Prince Albert for himself and his wife, Queen Victoria, reportedly paying £32,000 to acquire the estate. He bought Balmoral six years after the couple first visited Scotland and it’s been passed down through the royal family ever since.

Balmoral has technically been around since the 15th century, but several additions and renovations over the years have transformed the home into something far different from the original version.

What’s important to know about its architecture?

Its style is considered to be Scottish baronial and Gothic revival . When Prince Albert purchased Balmoral, it was decided that it was too small for the royal family. The prince, Queen Victoria, and their children lived in the castle while a new one was being built. After the project was completed in 1856, the original castle was demolished . The replacement was built by father and son architects John and William Smith , who were both Scots. It was constructed from local granite and organized into two sections, each of which revolves around a courtyard space. A turreted clocktower remains an eye-catching feature to this day.

An aerial image of Balmoral Castle taken in 1954 shows the sprawling grounds, including several landscaped garden areas.

Prince Albert was deeply involved in the design process. He was also responsible for a series of smaller additions to the property, such as the main farmhouse. After the prince’s 1861 death, Queen Victoria had a series of cottages built on the property which are still in use . She built the Garden Cottage for her children, Baile-na-Coille for her servant, and Karim Cottage for her Indian secretary. In 2019, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their kids reportedly stayed in a three-bedroom cottage on the estate called Tam-na-Ghar during a visit.

One of the cottages at Balmoral, Birkhall, belongs to King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla. The former inherited it when his grandmother, the Queen Mother, died in 2002, and the couple spent their honeymoon there in 2005.

Today, the 19th-century property is considered a Category A historic building, the highest-valued designation which is reserved for buildings “of national importance.”

What are the interiors like?

Though Balmoral Castle contains numerous rooms, some are particular standouts. One prime example is the ballroom. With gigantic chandeliers, mounted stag heads, and trefoil designs, it’s a masterclass in Scottish Highlands–inspired style.

Illustrations from the 1800s give some sense of what the rooms of Balmoral looked like during Queen Victoria’s heyday. Plaid upholstery, patterned wall coverings, fire screens, carved-wood cabinets, and framed landscapes proliferated. There were also plenty of candelabra—a practical necessity at the time. A study belonging to Prince Albert had a similar aesthetic, down to the plaid carpeting. That personal room also made great use of pretty white floral fabrics and a green wallpaper speckled with white blossoms. Apparently, Prince Albert believed that the interiors of Balmoral should be filled with Highland details such as tartans and chintzes, with trophies and weapons adorning the walls.

A drawing room in Balmoral Castle circa 1885 displays a bold mix of patterns throughout the space, from the wallpaper to the carpeting and the upholstery.

Photographs indicate that dark green appears frequently throughout the residence. There are also mirror-topped marble fireplaces, upholstered chairs with box-pleated skirts, and lots of leather-bound books. Despite the presence of stately clocks and light fixtures, it’s not without its modern-day conveniences—like flat screen televisions. Queen Elizabeth had her own study, which, during the 1970s, was carpeted in that same distinct plaid. That room also includes fine wooden furniture and floral drapes to cover bay windows.

Queen Elizabeth in her study in 1972.

Does it have lavish garden grounds?

As is typical of the royal family’s residences, Balmoral is surrounded by picturesque grounds. The estate is situated on 50,000 acres of land, both rugged Scottish landscape and neatly manicured garden areas. According to the Royal Collection Trust, work on the grounds began in 1855, with Prince Albert taking on an active role. A tradition of beautifying the property has been passed down throughout the dynastic line: Queen Mary, for example, created a flower garden. Nearby, Prince Philip contributed additions of his own.

Photos of the main grounds at Balmoral display meticulously manicured lawns with gardens planted in multiple locations along the property.

When Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip took over the estate, the late Duke of Edinburgh took a keen interest in the gardens. His contributions include a vegetable garden, a water garden, a floral walkway, and an oak-filled area. There’s one heartwarming hidden gem out in the wild: a statue of Queen Victoria’s beloved dog, Noble.

A statue commemorating Queen Victoria’s “faithful companion” Noble is located on the grounds at Balmoral.

What is it used for today?

Royal family holidays. The Queen customarily visited Balmoral during the summer. Notably, King Charles III and Princess Diana ended their honeymoon with a stop into the royal residence, after enjoying a cruise around the Mediterranean. Years later in 1997, the queen was at Balmoral when she was informed of Princess Diana’s death. It’s also where King Charles III and the Queen Consort Camilla isolated toward the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aside from being a royal family vacation escape, Balmoral opens its doors to the public from April to July every day, where guests can explore the grounds via guided tours.

The ballroom at Balmoral Castle

Queen Victoria at Balmoral with an unidentified woman

The sitting room of Prince Albert

Queen Elizabeth and her family photographed outside Balmoral Castle in 1960.

The Queen at Balmoral in 2017. She is seen meeting with Canadian governor general designate Julie Payette.

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Find Your Tour

Balmoral castle.

Balmoral Castle is normally open daily from the beginning of April, through May, June and July, and the grounds will be open on specific days during March, but these dates have not yet been confirmed at the time of writing.

Group visits can sometimes be arranged outside of that period if the Royal family are not in residence. Starting in 2023, access to the castle grounds will be allowed on certain dates from September to December.

Balmoral Estate has a very appealing location amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside and is located about midway between the villages of Braemar and Ballater. It is easy to understand why it became a favourite holiday retreat of the Royal family. Purchased by Prince Albert in 1852 for Queen Victoria, the Estate has been the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family ever since.

The Castle itself has an interesting story, as it is not the original building that Prince Albert bought. It was decided that the old building was not adequate for the Royal Family’s needs so another one was built in the grounds nearby. The process took 4 years and the new Castle was completed in 1856. The old building was demolished, but the location of its front door is marked by a commemorative stone on the grounds of the estate.

Balmoral is a well-known tourist attraction in Scotland, however, we find it disappointing as very little of the Castle is accessible to the public apart from the Ballroom, which has been converted into a constant exhibition displaying pictures of the other rooms in the Castle.

The grounds are extensive and beautifully maintained, and the stables have a collection of Royal carriages and cars. There is an excellent tearoom and shop, but we wish that more of the castle interior was open to the public.

If you arrive after 4 pm, the admission fee is reduced.

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

Balmoral Castle

Crathie, Scotland, United Kingdom

Balmoral Castle has been the official Highlands home of the British royal family since the reign of Queen Victoria.

Lily Johnson

12 mar 2021.

About Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle has been the official Highlands home of the British royal family since the reign of Queen Victoria, and today welcomes visitors to view some of its eminent history first-hand.

Balmoral Castle history

Having fallen in love with the Highlands after their first visit in 1842, it was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who first bought the lease to Balmoral in 1848, despite having never visited the site itself.

Thus that same year the pair ventured to their new estate, with Victoria writing in her diary that: “All seemed to breathe freedom and peace, and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoils”. The surrounding area reportedly reminded them of Thuringia, Albert’s German homeland.

Finding the existing castle too small however, they commissioned Aberdeen architect William Smith to build a completely new structure some 100 yards from the original. Prince Albert himself had a role in the design process, taking a particular interest in its turrets and windows, and the Balmoral Castle we see today was built between 1853 and 1856.

Balmoral Castle today

Today Balmoral Castle remains the private residence of the British Royal family, and as such many of their private rooms are closed to the public. Between April and July however, some of Balmoral is open for visitors.

The highlight of the site is the Castle Ballroom, a magnificent hall adorned with portraits, silver statues, and Minton China still used to host dances by the Royals each year. Audio guides are available detailing the workings of the estate and its history, while a series of exhibitions are also on display, such as the Estate exhibition and wildlife display in the Carriage Hall Courtyard.

The extensive gardens at Balmoral may also be explored, each of which have been improved and expanded by successive members of the Royal Family. Features include a water garden, a number of Victorian glasshouses and a conservatory, and a kitchen garden that used to be curated by the Duke of Edinburgh.

In September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II died there, aged 96. Her reign spanned 70 years, making her the United Kingdom’s longest serving monarch.

Getting to Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle is located between Ballater and Braemar, just off the A93. The nearest train station is in Aberdeen, 50 miles from Balmoral, and the 201 Stagecoach service runs to the Balmoral Road End Stop, a 20-minute walk to the entrance. Parking is available by the Estates Office.

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King Charles opens Balmoral Castle to the public for the first time amid cancer battle

King Charles III is making a royal move that's never done before: opening the doors to Balmoral Castle .

For the first time since the Aberdeenshire, Scotland, castle was completed in 1855, guests will be granted behind-the-scenes access to the landmark. Queen Elizabeth II , the United Kingdom's longest reigning monarch, died at the private estate at the age of 96 in September 2022; the residence was where the queen and her family would spend summer holidays.

Tickets for the historic event – with tours scheduled between June 1 and Aug. 4 – sold out this week within a day of being released, according to the BBC .

According to its official website , Balmore is the Scottish castle that serves as a beloved home for the royal family, which was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852.

Historic opening of royal residences to the public comes amid royals' health battles

The monarch's unprecedented decision to open up royal residences comes amid changes within the monarchy.

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace is set to open to the public for the first time this summer, like Balmoral Castle. Guided tours of the palace's principal floor are scheduled from July through August, per the BBC .

The guided tours also come as seniors members of the royal family are battling health issues . After Catherine, the Princess of Wales, was notably out of the public eye for several months, Kensington Palace  shared a video  of Princess Kate in which she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer .

"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful; however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present," Princess Kate said. "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."

The princess said she was "well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirits."

Looking back at the last century: A timeline of the royal family's biggest moments

Prior to this revelation, in early February, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles III's cancer diagnosis .

"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have  identified a form of cancer ,"  Buckingham Palace said  in a Feb. 5 statement.

Before his diagnosis was revealed, Charles underwent a "corrective procedure" at The London Clinic after the palace had previously announced that the monarch, 75, was seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Contributing: Pamela Avila

Love Exploring

Beautiful Scottish Castles You Can Visit – And Their Fascinating Stories

Posted: 9 October 2023 | Last updated: 12 October 2023

Fantastic fortresses

There are as many as 1,500 castles scattered throughout Scotland’s vast landscapes, from those that look as though they have fallen out of the pages of a fairy-tale book, to craggy ruins that cling precariously to clifftops and wear their scars from past battles well. Be they the former stronghold of a fierce clan, the scene of illicit entanglements or the lavish home of historic royals, every castle in Scotland has a story to tell. Sally Coffey, author of guidebook  Moon Scotland , highlights some of the best castles can visit yourself.

Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie

If you are travelling to Skye via the Skye Bridge, the chances are you will pass this castle , which is one of the most atmospheric in all of Scotland, making it the country's most photographed. The setting helps – sitting at the confluence of three lochs with the hills of Kintail as a backdrop, it's the perfect shortbread-tin view of Scotland, and looks as though it has stood just like this for centuries.

However, all is not as it seems and much of the castle you see today was built in the early 20th century after it fell into ruin (though it follows much of its 15th-century footprint). From this angle it may look familiar as the Highlander castle, after its medieval appearance won it a starring role in the 1986 film. If you get a chance, step inside where you can see actual cannon balls fired against the castle during the Jacobite risings, which is more exciting than any film plot.

Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire

Hidden away in the Aberdeenshire countryside, where castles are almost as common as people, this flushed pink fortress is a beautiful example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Fyvie comes with five towers and numerous turrets, where you can almost imagine Rapunzel hidden away waiting for her prince, but if she's as unlucky as one former resident, her rescue won't be forthcoming.

Though Fyvie's interiors are extravagant and speak of great wealth (like this concert hall suggests), it's fair to say that not all former inhabitants enjoyed their time here. The Green Lady is Fyvie's resident ghost , said to be the spirit of Lilias Drummond, wife of Alexander Seton, who was locked away in one of the rooms for failing to produce a male heir. She eventually starved to death. Yikes.

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Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries and Galloway

This Renaissance 'pink palace' set amid the rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway is a genuine treasure trove. While the beautiful architecture and bucolic setting is evident at first sight, what isn't instantly revealed is that Drumlanrig Castle is home to one of the most incredible art collections in Britain, the Buccleuch Collection. Highlights include Rembrandt’s 'An Old Woman Reading' and family portraits by the likes of Sir Joshua Reynolds and Allan Ramsay.

Outside, there are acres of Victorian gardens to explore, but if you can, book onto the Bedrooms and Beyond tour, an extension of the usual house tour, which runs each July and August and takes you to parts of the castle that most guests don't get to see. On these tours you'll see an extra five ostentatious rooms, which help tell the castle's 600-year history.

Here are eight more reasons why you should visit Dumfries and Galloway

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle is like the capital's very own queen – sat upon her volcanic throne, surveying her subjects at all times. She can be seen from virtually all points of the city and is both an icon of Scotland and a reassuring presence, having guarded over Edinburgh for centuries. For many visitors, admiring her from afar or simply listening out for the firing of the One O'Clock Gun is enough, but to see some of Scotland's most treasured items, you must step behind the castle walls.

Within the castle lies Edinburgh's oldest building, St Margaret's Chapel, and you can also see the Honours of Scotland (Scotland's Crown Jewels), which are older than England's, as the Scots were able to keep them hidden from Oliver Cromwell. You will also want to see The Stone of Destiny on which Scotland's monarchs were crowned for centuries. After a back-and-forth tussle with the English, the Scots finally secured the stone and brought it back to its rightful place, Edinburgh.

Discover eight of the most haunted places to visit in Edinburgh

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire

This beautiful clifftop castle on the Ayrshire coast is pronounced 'Cullain', and though it was designed by one of Scotland's most revered architects, Robert Adam, it is probably best known for its ghostly tale. The story goes that a piper and his dog were tasked with entering the cave below the castle to put to rest fears that locals had regarding a ghost, but were never seen again. There have been occasional reports of the faint sound of pipes coming from the cave ever since.

Ghost stories aside, the castle, which was built to an L-shaped design by Adam in the late 18th century for the 10th Earl of Cassilis, has been extended several times and yet still retains many beautiful original Georgian features, including delicate plasterwork on some of the ceilings. Guided tours will reveal many more secrets of the castle, and Culzean is well placed for anyone wishing to visit the hometown of famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

Ballindalloch Castle, Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire is known as castle country – they are seemingly everywhere – which is why fortresses such as this often get overlooked. In the heart of Scotland's single malt whisky region of Speyside, Ballindalloch , whose oldest part dates from the 16th century, is still a family home and has been developed by successive members of the Macpherson-Grant family over the years to become a bona fide Scottish Baronial palace.

Tours of the castle are available, but you may have to drag yourself away from the stunningly beautiful gardens that are bursting with colour most of the year. Amid the expansive grounds is a walled garden, a rockery and walkways vibrant with the pinks and reds of rhododendrons and the yellows of the lemon-drop laburnums. Fountains and statues are dotted throughout and you could spend a happy hour or two here before even setting foot in the historic castle.

Flower fan? These are the world's most beautiful gardens

Stirling Castle, Stirling

This castle , located between the Highlands and the Lowlands, was once so integral to the swing of power in the country that it was said ‘he who holds Stirling, holds Scotland’. For this reason, it’s one of the most besieged castles, and though it fell into disrepair for many years, careful restoration has returned some of the interiors to their Renaissance glory.

There's plenty to do inside the castle, including a visit to the Great Hall – the largest banqueting hall in Scotland, the Royal Palace – where costumed interpreters set the scene of what was Mary Queen of Scots' childhood home – and the Great Kitchens, where you can see how feasts were prepared for royalty. Outside the castle stands a statue of Robert the Bruce, who looks out towards the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, the scene of one of Scotland's most celebrated victories over the English. 

Inveraray Castle, Argyll

If there was a prize for most symmetrical Scottish castle, it may well go to this magnificent fortress , which was built shortly after the final defeat of the Jacobites in 1746, hence it remains in remarkable condition. The seat of Clan Campbell, and home to the Duke of Argyll, Inveraray was built in a Neo-Gothic style and commands respect from all who set eyes on her. Don't miss the impressive Armoury Hall, which boasts the highest ceiling in Scotland, and the opulent State Dining Room. Brave the first floor if you dare – this is where the ghostly MacArthur Room is.

Check out these stunning images of the world's abandoned castles

The castle is sited on the edge of Loch Fyne, near the Georgian town of Inveraray, which was built up around it. There's an award-winning museum and a Neoclassical church, plus a couple of good places to lunch, making Inveraray a lovely stop-off for people travelling from Glasgow through to Oban.

Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire

It's no secret that Queen Victoria fell head over heels (or should that be head over hills?) for the Scottish Highlands, and so her husband Albert had Balmoral built for her. Today, Balmoral is still a holiday home for the British royal family, who spend every summer here, and it is without a doubt the best located of all the royal palaces in terms of scenery.

Here are more incredible royal residences you can visit

As you can see, the setting for Balmoral is pretty hard to beat and although you can't see much of the inside of the castle (except the ballroom), it doesn't really matter. Audio guides will explain the architecture of the building and reveal anecdotes about the royal family, but really, a visit to Balmoral should all be about breathing in its spectacular setting and following the woodland walks and trails. Make sure your camera is fully charged.

Floors Castle, The Borders

If Aberdeenshire is home to Scotland's highest concentration of castles, then the Borders must be home to its 'big houses' or stately homes. The family seat of the Duke of Roxburghe and his family, Floors Castle was built in the 1720s by William Adam and includes symmetrical wings, with William Playfair adding to them in the 19th century with battlements and turrets.

Like many of Scotland's stately homes and castles, Floors is still inhabited, but it is also geared up to visitors. There are exquisite walled gardens and glasshouses to explore in the grounds, while guided tours of the house itself are illuminating. If you've ever wanted to peep behind the velvet curtains of a grand house with Downton Abbey levels of luxury, this is it.

Glamis Castle, Angus

Glamis  Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth,  has long been associated with the Bard, and the castle has even created a Shakespeare trail in the grounds, inspired by the 'Thane of Glamis' in the play. The playwright aside, with a redbrick exterior and Scottish Baronial architecture, Glamis, which was also the childhood home of The Queen Mother, is about as close to the epitome of a Scottish castle as you can get.

Duart Castle, Mull

This once formidable fortress is one of the first things you see as you arrive by ferry from Oban to Mull. It has guarded this entry to Mull for centuries and its thick curtain walls are proof of how seriously its owners took matters. Open from April to September, many visitors to Duart Castle come to learn more about its Clan Maclean connections, but its beautiful Banqueting Hall and Edwardian state rooms inside are the highlights.

See which Scottish isle floats your boat

Today, you are more likely to see wandering Highland coos here that clan warriors or Viking invaders, but Duart was once the scene of much turbulence and unrest and played a key part in the old Lordship of the Isles. In fact, if its curtain walls could talk, there would be many tales to be told. 

Slains Castle, Aberdeenshire

Slains Castle , near Cruden Bay, is worth a visit for any fans of Gothic fiction as it is widely believed that it provided inspiration for the castle in Bram Stoker's Dracula . It's certainly true that Stoker would have known it – he holidayed nearby regularly before writing the book, and the castle, which would have been in a much better state of repair back then, also has an octagonal hall, much like Dracula's castle.

Today, the castle is brooding and sinister looking – a literal shell of its former self. Its roof was removed in the 1920s by a former owner who wanted to avoid paying taxes, and so its decline began. The best way to reach it is to take the coastal path from Cruden Bay, but go by car as the coast here is exposed and the term windswept may be something of an understatement.

Craigievar Castle, Aberdeenshire

This pretty-in-pink castle is like the realisation of a Disney fantasy. Built in the Scottish Baronial style around 1576, it is said that Craigievar's towered fortress with its numerous turrets, provided some inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle (although this is hotly disputed with Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany). It certainly looks the part, and remarkably the exterior or the property remains virtually unchanged since it was completed in 1626.

The castle’s position on top of a hill adds to the romance of her appeal and, if you take a closer look, you can see the heraldic beasts, intricately carved gargoyles and ogee-shaped spires that adorn her façade. Inside, you can admire Jacobean oak panelling and ornate plasterwork, while the Forbes tartan draped around the place is a reminder that, like so many other Scottish castles, this was a family home until the 1960s.

These are Europe's most beautiful castles

Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland

Dunrobin will always be associated with George Granville Leveson-Gower, the first Duke of Sutherland, and his wife Elizabeth, the Duchess of Sutherland, who carried out some of the most brutal of the Highland Clearances – the forced eviction of inhabitants of the Highlands – here in the early 19th century. Though Sir Charles Barry (who famously rebuilt the Houses of Parliament) transformed the house and stunning gardens (pictured) into what you see today, no amount of gloss has been able to hide that tainted blemish.

Now check out more secrets of the world's most incredible castles

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Afternoon Tea in the Restaurant

Enjoy a wonderful day out at Balmoral, the celebrated Highland home to the Royal Family. From Monday 1st July until Sunday 11th July you can make your visit to Balmoral extra special by including a delicious afternoon tea with your general admission ticket.  Relax in the bright and spacious setting of our recently renovated restaurant and savour a selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes.

We offer classic, vegetarian or gluten free versions and on the day you can choose to upgrade to the sparkling option if you wish.

Please note that afternoon tea will be served in the restaurant.  This is a set menu and we are unable to cater for food intolerances and allergies, including nuts.

Afternoon Tea Tickets       General Admission with Afternoon Tea £60.00 (Classic, Vegetarian and Gluten Free options available)       Castle Interior Tour with Afternoon Tea SOLD OUT (Classic, Vegetarian and Gluten Free options available)  

On the day of your visit you can arrive at any time and just need to arrive at the restaurant for the afternoon tea time booked for on your ticket.   You can choose to visit to the grounds, gardens and exhibition throughout the day.   Your admission includes the audio tour, which is available in English with Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish translations. The audio tour lasts approximately an hour and guides you around the grounds and gardens. FOR ADVANCE ONLINE BOOKINGS FOR ADMISSION WITH AFTERNOON TEA WE INCLUDE THE AUDIO HANDSET TOUR AS A COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE - THIS IS NORMALLY CHARGED AT £5 PER HANDSET. The highlight of the visit is the Ballroom, which is the only room in the Castle available for general admissions. This year we are delighted to have some of His Majesty The King's watercolour paintings on display in the Ballroom.

Parking is available in the car parks, which are located next to the A93 at Crathie (£5 parking fee applies). From the car park it is a short walk to the Main Gates of Balmoral and the Admissions Desk. Please have your ticket confirmation to show to the staff on duty and ensure you arrive for your allocated time slot. At the Admissions Desk you can collect the handset for the audio guide, which will guide you up the main drive, through the gardens and on to the Castle Ballroom. Please note that all audio handsets must be returned to the Mews Gift Shop at the end of your visit. After your tour you can visit the Mews Gift Shop, where you will find a wide range of gifts, many bespoke to Balmoral. Choose from our exclusive tweed gifts, home made preserves and Balmoral Whisky, Gin and Beer products. All the facilities for visitors at Balmoral are suitable for disabled access, with clear signposting where one entrance is preferable to another. Parking facilities for disabled and elderly visitors are available within the grounds of Balmoral, near the Estates Office. Please ask the staff on duty at the Admissions Desk for directions for parking.

Booking conditions:-

• Please ensure that you arrive at the restaurant for your allocated afternoon tea time slot.
• Your table will be available for an hour and a quarter so you can relax and enjoy your afternoon tea.
• You can choose to visit to the grounds, gardens and exhibition throughout the day.
• Photography is not permitted within Balmoral Castle and the Ballroom.
• Please note the flying of drones, or any other aerial device, within one kilometer of Balmoral Castle is not permitted at any time of the year.
• Dogs are permitted in all outdoor areas and should be kept on a lead at all times.
• Dogs are NOT permitted in the Castle or Restaurant.
• Assistance dogs are allowed in all areas.
• We ask that you clean up after your pet.
• Please allow 10 to 15 minutes to enjoy the walk up to the Castle from the car parks at Crathie.
• Please note that tickets are non refundable unless we have to close due to unforeseen circumstance, such as Government restrictions.

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Balmoral Castle tour

This is a PRIVATE BESPOKE TOUR to Balmoral Castle. Join us on this wonderful Scottish tour to Balmoral Castle.

Balmoral castle tour, we will be heading over the Tay Bridge and arriving in the city of Dundee. We will have time to admire the stunningly impressive building that is the V&A Dundee.

This is home to some of Scotland’s most brilliant creatives and is a showpiece of our talent for design, both current and historic, and how our design talent has made its mark within Scotland and throughout the rest of the world.

From here we will head onwards to Blairgowrie one of the largest towns in Perthshire, sitting to the north of the city of Perth on the banks of the River Ericht. This handsome market town was once known for its trade in flax and these days is known best for fruit growing activity (mainly raspberries).

Our tour reaches Balmoral Castle

We will then move further north over the Spittal of Glenshee where you will pass through the Glenshee Ski area and on to Balmoral. We will set aside at least one and a half hours for your visit to Balmoral. This will give you time to visit the grounds, gardens, exhibitions and shop.

Onward from Balmoral, we will visit Braemar, situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. This lovely village is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, beautiful glens and home to the ancient Braemar Gathering tradition. Known colloquially as The Games and originating from those believed to have been held by Malcolm III, annual Highland Games Gathering is held at Braemar in September and is traditionally attended by the British Royal Family.

This completes our fine day out in Royal Deeside heritage mixed with a twist of design exploration at the Dundee V&A.

Price on Request

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +44 (0131) 2413018
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Small Group (1-16)

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Tour company information

Heartland travel - tours of scotland.

We provide small group tours (no more than 16 passengers) of the Highlands, Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Experience authentic Scotland with our small family business. We provide 2 separate scheduled tours - a 3 day tour to the Isle of Skye departing from St. Andrews, Dundee and Stirling, and a 4 day tour to the Isle of Skye and Inverness which departs from Edinburgh. We can also create bespoke tours for anyone who comes with the glimmer of an idea they want to make real. An exhaustive knowledge of Scotland also means that we are able to drop the itinerary for that unexpected magical detour.

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Visit Heartland Travel - Tours of Scotland

Opening times

09.00 to 18.00

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

"With vibrant festivals, historic charm, and stunning views, [and] don’t skip enjoying a cold pint at a beer garden."

Whether you're planning to splurge on your next trip, or you want a vacation that can be more budget-friendly, both are possible for a trip to the Scotland capital.

Additionally, the city is a great "jumping-off point" for travel to other European destinations, with many short-haul trip options, and budget airline flights, to travel around. You can also use the Skyscanner search "everywhere" option to find the cheapest flights from Edinburgh, including return flights under $100 for places like Denmark, Belgium, Germany and France.

How much does it cost to go to Edinburgh, Scotland in May from Canadian cities?

Using Skyscanner search data for flights to Edinburgh, from Canadian airports, roundtrip flights from Toronto for the month of May are currently as low as $609, departing May 26 and returning June 1.

Travelling from Vancouver to Edinburgh, roundtrip flights are as low as $790, and from Montreal flights are about $960 roundtrip in May right now.

Don't forget to check the Skyscanner site for live pricing.

3 expert tips on what to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

To take in the destination's historic charm, visit Edinburgh Castle during your trip to the city.

"As interest in travel amongst Canadians increasingly grows, a majority of destinations are chosen based on a variety of characteristics, with attractions accounting for 61 per cent," Lindsay stated.

"One of the oldest fortified places in Europe, Edinburgh Castle has a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress."

With the Scotland capital being among Europe's most walkable cities, that includes some unique city parks, like Holyrood Park.

"Atop Holyrood Park as the park's highest point, Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcano, and sits 251 metres above sea level giving excellent view of the city; it is also the site of a large and well preserved fort, one of four hill forts dating from around 2,000 years ago," Lindsay advised.

If you really want to immerse yourself in Scottish culture, don't miss out on trying local cuisine, including haggis.

"The national dish of Scotland, haggis is a type of pudding composed of the majority of sheep or calf offal and has been recognized as a Scottish delicacy since the mid-18th century," Lindsay highlighted. "Fit right in with the Scots and enjoy haggis with turnips (called 'swedes' or 'neeps') and mashed potatoes ('tatties'), as well as Scotch whisky."

Where to stay in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Balmoral is a five-star landmark, identifiable by its clock tower, in a prime Princes Street location. The hotel also feature The Balmoral Spa with an indoor pool and multiple dining options.

The Roseate Edinburgh is an intimate option for your stay in Edinburgh, that dates back to 1851. The Dunstane Restaurant & Bar at the hotel boasts the use of seasonal Scottish produce.

Market Street Hotel brings contemporary design to your stay in Edinburgh. It also has a rooftop champagne lounge with views across the city.

Tips for finding the cheapest flights

If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.

Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.

Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.

Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.

Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.

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King Charles to Return to Public Duties as Palace Shares Major Update on His Health amid Cancer Treatment

The King, 75, will visit a cancer treatment center with Queen Camilla as the palace says he is "greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties"

Stephanie Petit is a Royals Editor, Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE.

King Charles is gearing up for a return to public-facing royal duties after revealing his cancer diagnosis in February.

Buckingham Palace shared an encouraging update about the monarch's health on April 26, announcing that King Charles, 75, will visit a cancer treatment center to meet medical specialists and patients with Queen Camilla , 76, on April 30. It's understood that the center has not been directly involved with the King's medical care.

The palace added that the outing will be the first of several engagements planned for the King in the coming weeks, including hosting a state visit at Buckingham Palace for the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June.

After beginning cancer treatment, King Charles postponed public duties but continued to work behind the scenes and undertake meetings including small audiences at Buckingham Palace . However, a royal source previously told PEOPLE that the monarch's desire to work was "wholly undiminished" with his nephew Peter Phillips revealing in an interview that his uncle was "frustrated" by his limitations .

Buckingham Palace/PA Wire 

“He is always pushing, his staff and everybody and his doctors and nurses to be able to say, 'Actually, can I do this? Can I do that?' " Peter said. “So the overriding message would be that he's obviously very keen to get back to a form of normality. And he's probably frustrated that, recovery is taking a little longer than probably he would want it to."

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that King Charles' cancer treatment will continue, but "doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties."

Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The King will continue all official state business and select audiences in addition to adding public outings to his agenda, but he will not have a full summer schedule, according to the palace. His appearance at Trooping the Colour , the annual celebration and parade marking the British monarch's birthday in London, on June 15 is still unconfirmed, in addition to other highlights on the royal calendar such as Royal Ascot in June and palace garden parties in May.

"Any public-facing engagements will be announced nearer the time in the usual way and will remain subject to doctors’ advice," the palace spokesperson said.

"His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise," the spokesperson added.

Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty 

The latest health announcement was accompanied by a new portrait of King Charles and Queen Camilla, taken to mark the first anniversary of the coronation approaching on May 6. The snap was taken in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on the morning of April 10, the day after the couple's 19th wedding anniversary , by portrait photographer Millie Pilkington.

Pilkington also got behind the camera last year to snap the official birthday pictures of Kate Middleton and Prince William 's three children, Prince George ,  Princess Charlotte  and  Prince Louis . She also snapped the image of the Prince of Wales surrounded by his sons and daughter that was released last year to celebrate Father's Day.

King Charles was most recently seen spending time with Queen Camilla in Scotland. On April 21, what would have been  Queen Elizabeth 's 98th birthday, the couple were photographed in a car after attending church at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle, where the royal family traditionally gathers in the summer months.

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The sovereign  made his first major public appearance since his cancer revelation at Easter. After attending a church service at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle with Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family, he greeted well-wishers outside by shaking hands and wishing them a happy holiday.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

A royal source told PEOPLE last month that King Charles was " progressing well " in his cancer treatment and there is an "amplified confidence" amid the sophisticated treatment receiving.

"He is positive, the doctors are optimistic," the source said.

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