Balmoral Castle

What to See at Balmoral Castle

Visitors to Balmoral Castle can explore the Castle Ballroom, which is open to the public during the summer months. This is a beautifully decorated room which currently has an exhibition of His Majesty the King’s watercolor paintings. Visitors can also take a stroll around the beautiful gardens and woodland trails, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna.

The Balmoral Estate has grown over time, with successive members of the royal family expanding its boundaries. Today, it sprawls across approximately 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) of land, making it a dynamic working estate encompassing grouse moors, thriving forestry, productive farmland, and carefully managed herds of deer, Highland cattle, sheep, and ponies.

Royal Collections at Balmoral Castle

The story of Balmoral's royal legacy traces back to 1852 when Prince Albert, the beloved husband of Queen Victoria, acquired the estate along with its original castle from the Farquharson family. Shortly thereafter, it became evident that the existing house could no longer accommodate the royal family's needs, prompting the commissioning of the current Balmoral Castle.

This architectural masterpiece was brought to life through the skilled craftsmanship of William Smith from Aberdeen, with Prince Albert's personal touch on the designs. It's worth noting that Balmoral remains the private property of the reigning monarch and is not part of the Crown Estate. Throughout the years, it has served as a cherished summer residence, most recently by Queen Elizabeth II, who peacefully passed away there on September 8, 2022.