Balmoral

About this place

Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire has been the Scottish residence of the sovereign since Queen Victoria's reign.

She laid the foundation stone on 28th September 1853, and the castle was completed in 1856, replacing an earlier building on the same site that was subsequently demolished.

A stone on the front lawn marks the position of the original front door.

Beneath the foundation stone, a sealed bottle holds a parchment signed by Victoria and an example of every coin in circulation at the time.

The ballroom, gardens, and grounds are open to visitors during the summer season.

Historic Houses members receive free general admission on production of a valid membership card.

History

The castle, completed in 1856, replaced an earlier building on the same site, which was subsequently demolished. A stone on the front lawn marks the position of the original front door. Victoria signed a parchment recording the foundation date, which was sealed along with an example of every coin in circulation at the time inside a bottle beneath the foundation stone, where it remains today.

Architecture

The present castle was built to replace an earlier structure, with the foundation stone placed at the foot of the wall adjacent to the west face of the entrance porch in 1853. The tower is a prominent feature visible from the front lawn.

Worth knowing

Beneath the foundation stone laid by Victoria in 1853 sits a sealed bottle containing a signed parchment and an example of every coin in circulation at the time.

Gardens & grounds

The Balmoral estate gardens are open year-round. Named walks including the Cairns Walk and Prince Albert's Pyramid Walk are available as part of general estate access.

Facilities