Balmoral Estate

Balmoral Estate is owned personally by the Queen (rather than as a Sovereign possession) and is a working estate that is closely integrated with the local community. Balmoral Castle was first rented by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1948. They loved it so much they bought it four years later and it has been a favourite Royal Residence ever since. Visitors can tour parts of the castle including the famous Ballroom which houses several exhibitions including china and silverware from the estate. Visitors can also enjoy guided or marked walks through the gardens and surrounding grounds and there are also opportunities for pony trekking, fishing and Land Rover safaris. The estate rents out holiday cottages and some of the state rooms are available for hire for private functions. The estate is usually closed from August through until the end of March.