Balmoral Castle - Go to Scotland.com

Scotland, with its grandiose landscapes and historic relics, has always been a land of legends and epic tales. But beyond its battles and heroes, it’s also home to a very special family: the British Royal Family. Balmoral Castle is an emblematic symbol. Immerse yourself with me in the history and majesty of this royal residence in the heart of the Highlands.

History of Balmoral Castle

A royal residence in the Highlands

Located in the county of Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle extends over an estate of more than 20,000 hectares. Its foundation stone was laid long before the royal family acquired it, but it was under the reign of Queen Victoria that the castle acquired its current renown.

In 1848, Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, visited Scotland and fell in love with the region. In 1852, they decided to buy Balmoral. Under the leadership of Prince Albert, major renovations were undertaken to give the château its current appearance. The architecture is inspired by the Gothic Revival style, with distinctly Scottish additions such as the conical turrets.

Balmoral, witness to royal joys and sorrows

Balmoral Castle has been the scene of many of the royal family’s most important events. It was here that Queen Victoria, after the death of Prince Albert in 1861, found solace in the serenity of the Scottish landscape. The Queen’s diaries show her deep attachment to this place, which she often referred to as her “dear Highland paradise”.

Many subsequent monarchs have shared this love of Balmoral. It’s a place of retreat, away from the formalities of court, where they can enjoy activities such as fishing, hunting and walking.

Visit Balmoral today

Although Balmoral is the private summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II, part of the castle and gardens are open to the public. A visit to the castle will allow you to appreciate the splendor of the royal residence, with its richly decorated rooms and historical artifacts.

The gardens are another of Balmoral’s jewels. Visitors can stroll through the formal gardens, admire the carefully tended flowerbeds and be surprised by the variety of plants. The Victorian greenhouse is a must-see, as is the vegetable garden that still provides fresh produce for the royal table.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the Balmoral estate also offers a multitude of hiking trails. These trails take you through forests, valleys and mountains, offering spectacular views of the Highlands.