Balmoral Castle Tours



If only the ageing walls of Balmoral Castle could talk! But as they can't, check if tours are available to hear some of its fascinating tales instead.

To explore this fortified complex, find your way to Ballater. There are plenty of other things to see and do in the area, such as Knock Gallery, and Ballochbuie Forest.

Plan a trip to see Balmoral Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
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Ardoe House Hotel & Spa
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel

Reviews of Balmoral Castle

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5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 15%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing 8%
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3/5 - Okay

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Best Lodging Options Near Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Arms

Balmoral Arms

4 out of 5
13-15 Victoria Road, Ballater, Scotland
Balmoral Arms
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland

4 out of 5
Braemar Road, Ballater, Scotland
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland
Braemar Youth Hostel

Braemar Youth Hostel

3 out of 5
21 Glenshee Road, Ballater, Scotland
Braemar Youth Hostel
Braemar Lodge Cabins

Braemar Lodge Cabins

2.5 out of 5
6 Glenshee Road, Ballater, Scotland
Braemar Lodge Cabins
Stunning 3-bed Cottage in the Village of Tomintoul

Stunning 3-bed Cottage in the Village of Tomintoul

3.5 out of 5
Ballindalloch
Stunning 3-bed Cottage in the Village of Tomintoul
Glen Clova Hotel and Lodges

Glen Clova Hotel and Lodges

5 out of 5
Glenclova, Kirriemuir, Scotland
Glen Clova Hotel and Lodges
The Commercial Hotel

The Commercial Hotel

3 out of 5
19 The Square, Tarland, Aboyne, Scotland
The Commercial Hotel
Argyle Guest House

Argyle Guest House

3 out of 5
7 Main Street, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch, Scotland
Argyle Guest House
The Smugglers Hostel

The Smugglers Hostel

2 out of 5
Main Street, Ballindalloch, Scotland
The Smugglers Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Balmoral Castle

While visiting Balmoral Castle, immerse yourself in the stunning Scottish wilderness and enjoy a variety of activities. Consider playing a round at the Braemar Golf Club, exploring the beauty of Scottish adventure tours, or taking an informative tour of Balmoral itself. These experiences offer a perfect blend of outdoor fun and rich history, making your trip truly memorable.

Shopping

Balmoral Castle offers a charming shopping experience with local gift shops featuring Scottish crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Macduff Marine Aquarium Gift Shop, located 15 miles away, which offers unique marine-themed gifts and local artisan products.

Recreation

At Ballater Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, just 7 miles from Balmoral Castle. For a serene retreat, visit Forfar Loch Country Park, 30 miles away, where you can unwind in nature. Braemar Golf Club, also 7 miles away, offers another fantastic golfing experience amidst scenic views.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of winter sports at Lecht Ski Resort, located 11 miles from Balmoral Castle, offering fantastic skiing opportunities. Alternatively, enjoy the slopes at Lecht 2090, just 9 miles away, or venture to Meall Odhar, a ski area 13 miles away, perfect for adventure seekers.

Nightlife

For a fun night, head to Frostys Fun House, an arcadeAdventureZone located 29 miles from Balmoral Castle. Experience adventure vibes while enjoying games and activities that are perfect for all ages, ensuring an entertaining evening for you and your companions.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Balmoral Castle

When visiting Balmoral Castle in Ballater, Scotland, tourists can explore stunning mountain landscapes, charming lodges, and the beautiful Balmoral Gardens. This area offers a rich cultural experience with nearby Scottish castles and the historic Easter Balmoral. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or scenic views, Balmoral Castle and its surroundings provide a perfect getaway for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

  • Lochnagar: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lochnagar, a stunning mountain just 6 miles from Balmoral Castle. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers adventurous hiking trails and picturesque scenery, perfect for capturing memorable photographs.
  • Braemar Castle: Explore the romantic charm of Braemar Castle, located 7 miles away. This historic fortress is steeped in culture and history, providing a glimpse into Scotland's past and offering beautiful grounds for a leisurely stroll.
  • Knock Gallery: Just 0.9 miles from Balmoral, Knock Gallery showcases local art and culture. This intimate gallery features a collection of contemporary works, making it a delightful stop for art lovers looking to appreciate regional talent.

Best time to go to Balmoral Castle

The best time to visit Balmoral Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Balmoral Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Balmoral Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March37.2°F (2.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
April41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Balmoral Castle

To save money on your trip to Balmoral Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February to March or November, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance. Tuesdays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Sundays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s tools to filter by price and eco-friendly options, and check for last-minute deals. Combining your hotel with flights and activities through Expedia's package deals can lead to extra savings. Joining the One Key membership provides access to exclusive discounts and potential future cash rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Balmoral Castle are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Balmoral Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Balmoral Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Balmoral Castle is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Balmoral Castle with flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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