Balmoral Castle (/bælˈmɒrəl/) is a large estate house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and a residence of the British royal family. It is near the village of Crathie, 9 miles (14 km) west of Ballater and 50 miles (80 km) west of Aberdeen.
Where exactly is Balmoral?
Where exactly is it? Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It’s on the River Dee and not far from the Lochnagar Mountain. Balmoral Castle is roughly 500 miles from Buckingham Palace, a nine-hour drive.
What town is near Balmoral Castle?
Ballater
Ballater is the nearest town to Balmoral Castle, one of the residences of the Royal Family, which explains the many ‘By Royal Appointment’ signs that can be seen on local shops and business. Close by is Royal Lochnagar Distillery which produces one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies.
How long is it from Balmoral to Aberdeen?
Yes, the driving distance between Balmoral Castle to Aberdeen is 52 miles. It takes approximately 1h 17m to drive from Balmoral Castle to Aberdeen.
Is Balmoral worth visiting?
Now that I have seen Balmoral in the springtime, I feel a bit more positive about the place. The castle, as far as I’m concerned, isn’t worth a stop, unless, as I said above, you’re a royal aficionado. The grounds, though, are lovely and worth a nice long walk.
Can the public go to Balmoral?
Admission will be free from October – December.
Balmoral Castle is open to the public from April to July each year. Group visits can sometimes be arranged outside of that period if the Royal family are not in residence.
Where do the Royal Family stay at Balmoral?
Craigowan Lodge
Located on the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, this beautiful stone cottage is believed to have seven bedrooms, making it the perfect comfortable residence for Her Majesty and any important guests.
How do you get to Balmoral Castle?
To access the location by car, it is located off the A93 and there is parking available at Crathie which is only a short distance away. By bus, services operated by Stagecoach Bluebird run from Aberdeen to Braemer, and there is a Balmoral stop at Crathie.
Can you stay at Balmoral?
Rhebreck Lodge
This property is located in the grounds of Balmoral, overlooking the golf course. Rhebreck Lodge provides accommodation for up to six people (seven using the day bed).
How far is the walk to the Balmoral pyramid?
It’s a short 30 minute, albeit fairly steep walk up to the Balmoral Pyramid (Prince Albert’s Cairn) along a woodland path. It can get quite muddy in places, so suitable footwear is advised. At Prince Albert’s Cairn you can also enjoy views out across the Balmoral Estate and over the Cairngorms National Park!
Does the Balmoral have a dress code?
Only smart casual dress is acceptable. It must be clean and neat with emphasis on the smart aspect and should enhance, rather than detract from, a high standard in the clubhouse. The following are not acceptable: Caps.
How much does it cost to go to Balmoral Castle?
Considering the £15 entrance fee and the advertising, it is very bad not to provide decent catering facilities. We were lucky it was warm and sunny for eating out sandwich outside.
How far is Balmoral from Edinburgh via Aberdeen?
The distance between Edinburgh and Balmoral Castle, Balnault Farm is 75 miles. The road distance is 100.8 miles.
What should I wear to Balmoral?
The dress code at Number One is smart casual.
How do you know if the Queen is at Balmoral?
The Royal Standard is flown only when the Sovereign is present. If the Union Jack is flying above Buckingham Palace instead of the Standard, The Queen is not in residence.
Do you have to pay to visit Balmoral Castle?
During this time no admission fee will be charged and visitors will be able to visit the grounds and gardens, where they can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this special place and pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
How do I get from Aberdeen to Balmoral?
Take one direct bus from Aberdeen to Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire: take the 201 bus from Union Square Bus Station, Aberdeen stop to Balmoral Rd End, Crathie stop. The total trip duration for this route is approximately 2 hr 24 min.
Do you get midges in Balmoral?
Queen Victoria allowed smoking in Balmoral Castle to deter midges. Midges are attracted to some people over others. Midges will feed on your skin for approximately 3-4 minutes. Midges have a wingspan of only 2-3mm.
Can you drive into Balmoral Castle?
The car park is free to use and you buy your tickets in a small shop at the entrance gates to the Balmoral Estate. From there it is either a 10 minute walk through the forest to reach the Castle, or you can hop on board the free shuttle bus which drops you exactly where you need to pick up your audio guide.
What does the Queen wear at Balmoral?
It is worn by HM The Queen and several members of the Royal Family but only with the Queen’s permission. The only other approved wearers of the Balmoral tartan are the Piper to the Sovereign and pipers on the Balmoral Estate (estate workers and ghillies wear the Balmoral tweed).
Who can wear the Balmoral tartan?
It is the private property of The Royal Family and can only be worn after permission from Her Majesty The Queen. The only other person permitted to wear the Balmoral Tartan is Her Majesty The Queen’s Piper, whose kilt and plaid are made in it.