Opening Times
Tuesday to Saturday
10am to 4pm
Closed from 25th Dec to mid Jan
Hours & Facilities open change during the seasons
Royal Gardens and Highland Walks!
Located in Crathie, around nine miles west of Ballater in Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle offers 45 acres of gardens within a 50,000 acre royal estate. Explore seasonal planting, woodland trails, Prince Albert’s Pyramid and the historic Ballroom. Enjoy guided tours, locally sourced refreshments, summer afternoon tea, golf and seasonal events, alongside a well stocked gift shop.
My top tip: Pre book your house tour as space is limited!
Visitor Review Rating – 4.3
Ticket Prices:
Adults from £10
Under 16’s Free
Buy Tickets here!
Quick Links
Opening Times & Admission for Balmoral Castle
Visitor Information for Balmoral Castle
Visitor Reviews of Balmoral Castle
Gardens nearby to Balmoral Castle
Weather for Balmoral Castle
Accessibility at Balmoral Castle
Dogs at Balmoral Castle
Photos of Balmoral Castle
Contact Details for Balmoral Castle
Accommodation near to Balmoral Castle
Opening Times & Admission Prices
Opening Times: The garden is open from Tuesday to Saturday – closed 25th of December until mid January
Opening Times: 10am to 4pm – later closing in the summer
Note that times and facilities change throughout the year so check the link below before you book or travel
Admission Prices: Adults from £10, Under 16’s Free – prices may vary during the year and general admission is free from early November
Check for today’s Balmoral Castle Visitor Information in case there are any updates!
Local Weather for Balmoral Castle in Crathie
10°C | °F
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Visitor Information for Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle is a residence of the Royal Family which was extended for Queen Victoria and her family.
Located in Crathie about 9 miles west of Ballater, you can visit the Castle, gardens and wider 50,000 acre estate making it a very enjoyable day out for all the family.
There are a number of guided tours you can take including the estate and Castle and you can even play golf during the summer months.
Your general admission ticket gets you entry to the gardens, estate, Castle ballroom only, shop and restaurant.
Note that during the Autumn in particular some facilities may be closed like the Ballroom.
The Gardens were originally developed by Prince Albert and like his relatives King Charles has a hands on approach to evolving the gardens.
Now covering 45 acres there is planting for your enjoyment throughout the year and do check out the organic kitchen garden first laid out by Prince Philip and now masterminded by King Charles III and Head of Gardens Kirsty Wilson.
There are a number of good trails to follow like the The Balmoral Cairns Walks and the Prince Albert’s Pyramid Walk with the largest cairn erected by Queen Victoria in memory of Prince Albert.
Refreshments can be taken at the Restaurant where excellent locally sourced seasonal food and drink is available.
Afternoon Tea is also served during the summer months and you need to book your spot ahead of time with tickets available in January for the year ahead.
There is also a takeaway hatch for drinks and freshly prepared food, including ice cream and hot chocolate, for those who wish to be outside.
There is outdoor, dog friendly seating available.
And of course there is the Mews Gift Shop where you can purchase carefully selected food, drink, gift boxes, souvenirs, clothing and home accessories.
Throughout the year you will find a host of events, exhibitions, tours and events taking place at Balmoral from artisan markets, dining events Christmas workshops and more.
If you find yourself in Norfolk you can visit another Royal residence at Sandringham House.
Accessibility at Balmoral Castle
The Gardens are generally accessible but weather can impact their condition. Blue Badge parking available on request. Full accessibility guide here. Mobility scooters available to hire.
Dogs at Balmoral Castle
Dogs need to be on a lead in the estate grounds, gardens & trails. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor restaurant area. Assistance dogs allowed everywhere.
Photos of Balmoral Castle
Images © Balmoral Castle
Local Accommodation near to Balmoral Castle
If you are looking for somewhere to stay near Balmoral Castle then look here for your local Ballater Accommodation.
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Visitors Reviews of Balmoral Castle
Visitor Review Score 4.3 stars
Don’t take our word for how genuinely super these gardens and features are.
Here is what visitors have to say about their visit to Balmoral Castle:
Saul321 praised the beautiful gardens, organic kitchen garden and peaceful setting.
Andrea L enjoyed the signposted trails, royal history displays and restaurant selection.
CJH70 loved the gardens, Ballroom exhibition, café and understated royal residence.
r87baker like the stunning gardens, informative audio guide and well presented exhibition.
SMa1983 particularly enjoyed Queen Mary’s Sunken Garden, Highland cows, peaceful walks and lunch.
Map of local gardens near to Balmoral Castle for you to visit
While you are visiting the Balmoral Castles take some time to discover other gardens nearby!
Local gardens and attractions near to Balmoral Castle
Braemar Castle – 12 miles from Balmoral Castle : Explore a restored 1930s kitchen garden, woodland trails, historic castle grounds and a traditional Scottish folly.
Crathes Castle & Gardens – 4o miles from Balmoral Castle : Discover eight distinctive walled gardens, sculpted yew hedges, colourful borders and woodland wildlife trails.
Drum Castle & Garden – 48 miles from Balmoral Castle : Visit a historic castle estate with a walled garden, rose garden and atmospheric woodland walks.
Castle Fraser – 55 miles from Balmoral Castle : Explore historic walled gardens, ornamental planting, woodland paths and extensive grounds surrounding an impressive tower house.
Pitmedden Garden – 75 miles from Balmoral Castle: Admire elaborate formal parterres, intricate geometric planting and a traditional herb garden at this distinctive historic property.
Map, Location, Directions & Contact Details for Balmoral Castle
All information was believed to correct at the time of publication