Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Balmoral Castle in Scottish highlands to be opened to public this summer

Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, the summer residence of the British Royal Family, showcases Scottish baronial revival architecture and grounds.

Balmoral Castle in Scottish highlands to be opened to public this summer

This grand castle, exclusively used by the royal family, will be opened to the public this summer. King Charles has made this unprecedented decision for Balmoral Castle, where the public can explore the Scottish highlands.

The tickets for guided tours of the castle will offer glimpses into royal quarters. The tickets will be priced at £100, or £150 including afternoon tea. These tours are limited to groups of 10 people and are in high demand, with only 40 tickets available per day.


queen elizabeth ii scaled Queen Elizabeth II last photo as she awaits Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle to invite her as Prime Minister due to mobility issues. (Photo credit: Getty images)

The tours, scheduled between 1 July and 4 August, will conclude before the arrival of the King and Queen for their annual summer retreat. This initiative marks the first time such access has been granted since the castle's completion in 1855. Previous tours focused solely on the grounds and gardens, with limited access to the castle's ballroom.

Visitors embarking on the new tour will be taken on a historical journey through various rooms within Balmoral Castle, learning about its origins and its significance to generations of the Royal Family. Highlights include the ballroom, showcasing the King's watercolour collection depicting scenes from Balmoral, Highgrove, and Sandringham, as well as outfits worn by members of the royal family.

The opening of Balmoral Castle for tours coincides with the East Wing of Buckingham Palace also welcoming visitors for the first time this summer. This wing, still utilised by the Royal Family for official functions, offers guided tours of its principal floor, including the iconic central balcony.

Balmoral Castle Vintage photograph of Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Victorian 19th Century. (Photo credit: iStock)

Balmoral Castle, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, serves as a significant residence for the British royal family. Originally purchased from the Farquharson family in 1852 by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, the estate underwent expansion due to the inadequacy of the existing structure.

Renowned architect William Smith of Aberdeen was enlisted to design the new Balmoral Castle, completed in 1856, featuring Scottish baronial architecture. Classified as a category A listed building by Historic Environment Scotland, the old castle was subsequently demolished.

This estate, privately owned by the monarch and not part of the Crown Estate, was a favoured summer retreat for Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away there on 8 September 2022. Over time, successive royal family members have contributed to the expansion of the Balmoral Estate, which now encompasses approximately 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares). Functioning as a working estate, it includes grouse moors, forestry, farmland, and various managed herds such as deer, Highland cattle, sheep, and ponies.

The etymology of "Balmoral" traces back to its Gaelic roots, with interpretations suggesting the name may signify "a hut" or "big spot (of ground)". The castle's historical significance, architectural grandeur, and expansive estate make it a cherished asset within the British royal family's heritage.

More For You

Former police officer arrested in Rotherham investigation

Investigators believe the earlier offences happened between 1995 and 2002 (Photo for representation: iStock)

Former police officer arrested in Rotherham investigation

A FORMER police officer has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into child sexual abuse in Rotherham, authorities revealed on Tuesday (1).

The former constable, who is in his 50s, was taken into custody on Monday (31). He is suspected of raping a teenage girl in the South Yorkshire town in 2004, according to officials.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi Xi

Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping during their meeting in October 2024.

75 years of India-China relations: Modi, Xi call for stronger ties

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping exchanged messages on Tuesday to mark the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations.

Modi stated that the development of bilateral ties contributes to global stability and a multipolar world, while Xi called for a "dragon-elephant tango" to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less