For the first time in history, you can step inside Balmoral Castle

24.07.2024 - 15:10 / thepointsguy.com / Charles / queen Elizabeth Ii II (Ii) / princess Diana

Balmoral Castle's 167 rooms and lavish grounds have long been kept away from the prying eyes of the public, but for the first time in history, the royal property is now open to visitors.

Related: How to spend 1 day in Edinburgh

Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is one of the British royal family's most beloved properties. Queen Elizabeth II was so fond of the castle that she spent nearly every summer of her life there. She even spent her final moments there in September 2022.

For the very first time, Balmoral Castle is open to the general public for tours until Aug. 11. Royals enthusiasts quickly purchased the 100 British pounds ($130) tickets for the interior tour when they went on sale; luckily, the 17.50 pound ($22.60) general admission tickets to the estate, gardens and exhibition are still available.

Inside, you can wander the beautiful estate where Prince Philip proposed to the queen, take in the dramatic views of the castle where Princes William and Harry learned about Princess Diana's death, check out King Charles' flower gardens and admire the ballroom where the royals party.

It takes some effort to reach the castle's secluded location.

If you're visiting Scotland by plane, you'll first want to fly into Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) before making your way to the highlands. Balmoral Castle is situated approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Aberdeen, surrounded by majestic hills and views worthy of a royal. A taxi is a costly affair and will set you back 120 pounds ($155). So, unless you're willing to splurge, renting a car for the day might be a better idea. The one-hour-and-20-minute drive through the stunning Scottish countryside is an experience in itself.

Alternatively, you can take public transportation, but it will take you up to three hours and require multiple changes. The best option we found was the 201 Ballater bus from Union Square, which will take you to Golf Road; there, you'll have to change to the 203 Braemar bus. This one will stop close to the parking lot at Balmoral Estate.

Note, however, that daily buses don't run that often, so make sure you plan well and stick to a schedule if you choose this option.

You can also join organized day trips from Aberdeen through booking sites such as GetYourGuide. The tours include visits to spots such as the charming village of Ballater and Cairngorms National Park in addition to the Balmoral estate itself. The Balmoral Castle leg of the tour, however, is generally limited to just two hours, so you might feel a bit rushed. It's also important to note that when booking a tour, sometimes the entrance ticket to Balmoral Castle needs to be booked separately.

If you can, it's better to organize your own transportation