Queen Elizabeth II calls Balmoral Castle their home every
summer, staying here from July until September of each year. The Royal Deeside estate
was purchased by Prince Albert in 1852. He fell in love with the property because
it reminded him of his native land, Thuringia, Germany. He and Queen Victoria
first leased the property. They eventually bought it outright for £32,000. The
house was then enlarged to fit the growing family. After Queen Victoria died in
1901, the estate was inherited by his eldest son King Edward VII who also
passed it on to King George V. King Edward VIII retained ownership of Balmoral (as
well as Sandringham) after his abdication in 1936 until a financial settlement was
struck that transferred ownership to his brother and successor, King George VI.
Today, this favorite royal residence is enjoyed and
well-loved by thousands of guests who come to relish the estate’s panoramic
landscape, the tranquil surroundings, and the opportunity to live like a royal,
even for just a few days. So if you’re planning to make a trip here, take note
of these 4 must-do activities that you shouldn’t forget!
Visit the Castle and the Gardens
The Castle’s gardens have been opened to the public since 1931.
It is now available for public tours from April until the end of July, after
which Queen Elizabeth II enjoys her annual summer holiday. Guests may also tour
the Castle’s ballroom, which is the only room in the castle open for viewing.
Go on a Safari Tour
Yep, you got it right! No need to go to Africa to experience
a luxury land rover tour! This is a great chance to explore and enjoy Scotland's
amazing mountain view. The safari tour comes with a guide who takes guests
through the estate’s parkland and gardens facing Balmoral Castle. The tour then
heads to the Estate farm into the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, hailed for being
the home to important habitats, especially the elusive capercaillie.
Sleep like a Royalty at Balmoral's Holiday Cottages
There is a choice of holiday cottages that you can choose
from. Yearround accommodations, such as Colt Cottages, Connachat Cottage, Karim
Cottage and Rhebreck Lodge are always open for reservation, while
Alltnaguibhsaich Lodge and the Garbh Allt Shiel provides you the perfect place
to stay whilst in the estate from late April until early November. Now, that’s
really a home-away-from home experience with a touch of royal splendor!
Go Salmon Fishing
Balmoral provides three fishing beats for those interested
to catch their very own salmon! The River Dee passes through the estate and
provides some of the finest fishing experience in the whole of Scotland. The
three Balmoral Beats are found in the South Bank of the river, extending from
The Brig O' Dee (near Braemar) down to Dalliefour (near Ballater). Guests can
rent these fishing beats from April until July, except on some weeks when the
Royal Family needs them. Fishing is available on a weekly basis though, from
Monday until Saturday although guests may be lucky enough to get a part-week
deal.
Join a Ranger for a Guided Walk
The Ranger Service offers themed guided tours to guests,
which usually takes visitors through the grounds and gardens of Balmoral. And that's for free! Must-see are the estate’s monuments and cairns. The Ranger loads anyone with
Balmoral’s rich history, as well as stories of its thriving woodland, wildlife,
flora and fauna.
Planning to visit the Balmoral estate? Be sure to contact to
make necessary arrangements before you arrive so you can indulge on a
completely royal experience!
Telephone : 013397 42534
Fax: 013397 42034
E-mail: info@balmoralcastle.com
Images were borrowed from Geograph.org.uk and are available for reuse under Creative Commons.
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