The Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland is a favorite vacation destination for the Royal Family, and a popular tourist attraction for visitors from around the world. Located in the Grampian Mountains, the estate has been the Scottish home of the British Royal Family since 1852, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased it as a private retreat. Today, the estate is still a vacation destination for Queen Elizabeth II and her family, and is open to the public for tours and other activities.
History of the Balmoral Estate
The Balmoral Estate was originally owned by the Farquharson family, who had been living on the estate since the early 1700s. In 1848, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the estate and were so impressed by its beauty and tranquility that they decided to purchase it for their own use. The purchase was completed in 1852, and the couple began making improvements to the estate, including the construction of a new castle.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were so fond of the estate that they spent much of their free time there. After their deaths, the estate was passed down to their son, Edward VII, and then to his son, George V. Today, the estate is still owned by the Royal Family and is used as a private vacation retreat for Queen Elizabeth II and her family.
Attractions at the Balmoral Estate
The Balmoral Estate is home to a variety of attractions, including the Balmoral Castle, the Lochnagar Crags, and the Ballochbuie Forest. The castle is a 19th-century baronial mansion, and is open to the public for guided tours. The Lochnagar Crags are a series of rugged hills and cliffs, and the Ballochbuie Forest is a picturesque woodland area.
The estate also features a variety of gardens, including the Royal Gardens of Balmoral, the Prince of Wales Garden, and the Queen’s Garden. The Royal Gardens of Balmoral are home to a variety of rare plants, trees, and shrubs, and are open to the public for tours. The Prince of Wales Garden is a formal garden, and the Queen’s Garden is a walled garden filled with a variety of flowers and plants.
What to Expect on a Visit to the Balmoral Estate
Visitors to the Balmoral Estate can expect to experience a variety of activities and attractions. The estate is open to the public for guided tours of the castle and gardens, and visitors can also explore the estate’s grounds on their own. The estate also offers a variety of activities, including fishing, walking, horseback riding, and cycling.
Tours of the Balmoral Estate
The Balmoral Estate offers guided tours of the castle and gardens. Tours of the castle are available from April to October, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tours of the gardens are available from April to September, and tickets can be purchased on-site.
Admission to the Balmoral Estate
Admission to the Balmoral Estate is free, but tickets must be purchased for guided tours of the castle and gardens. Tickets for the castle tours must be purchased in advance, and tickets for the gardens tours can be purchased on-site.
Tips for Tourists Visiting the Balmoral Estate
- Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, so be sure to bring a jacket or umbrella.
- Be prepared to walk. The estate is quite large, and much of it must be explored on foot.
- Be sure to bring a camera. The estate is home to a variety of beautiful landscapes and gardens, and is a great place for photography.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The estate is home to a variety of terrains, and comfortable shoes are a must.
- Be sure to bring a map. The estate can be quite confusing, so be sure to bring a map to help you find your way around.
Practical Information for Visiting the Balmoral Estate
The Balmoral Estate is open to the public from April to October. The estate is closed on Sundays, and the castle is closed on Mondays. Free parking is available on-site, and the estate is accessible by public transportation. The nearest train station is Ballater, and the nearest airport is Aberdeen.
