In
the heart of Scotland lies the magnificent valley
of the River Dee. Rising high in the Cairngorm
Mountains and running east to its mouth at Aberdeen
the river flows through some of Scotland's finest
scenery. Midway, in the shadow of Lochnagar mountain,
lies Balmoral Castle, holiday home of the Queen
and her family.
The
existence of the Estate was first recorded in
the 1480's, but it only became a royal residence
in 1852 when Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince
Albert visited the Scottish Highlands, where they
fell in love with the scenery and people and decided
to buy a home there for private holiday periods. |
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In 1856
Prince Albert had the mansion demolished and replaced
by a castle in the neo-Gothic, 'Scottish Baronial'
style. The result was a picturesque castle with
towers, turrets and crenellations. A plaque on
the front lawn marks the position of the front
door of the old castle.
When
Queen Victoria died in 1901, Balmoral Estates
passed, under the terms of her will, to Edward
VII and from him to each of his successors, and
is still today the traditional holiday home for
the Queen and members of her family.
Today,
Balmoral is a working estate, which provides for
and is closely linked with the local community.
The estate comprises 18,659 hectares owned between
Balmoral, Birkhall and Glen Doll, with 2,940 hectares
of grouse moor at Corgarff. There are seven Munros,
while 3,000 hectares are afforested and 190 hectares
are arable and pasture. |
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From
1 April - 31 July 2006, the only part of the castle
open to the public is the Ballroom, containing
paintings, works of art, porcelain, Balmoral Tartan
Collection and other items of interest from within
the Castle. In the Carriage Hall there is an exhibition
of Royal Heraldry, commemorative china and a display
of native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Over
the years the gardens have been improved and extended
to include a formal garden, kitchen garden and
a water garden. This is situated near to Garden
Cottage, which is not open to the public, however
it is possible to glimpse the interior of the
cottage through the window. Queen Victoria used
the cottage at times to take breakfast and as
a quiet retreat to write her famous diaries. |
To
make your visit complete there are shops where
you will find a wide selection of gifts, knitwear,
foods, Balmoral whisky and many items exclusive
to Balmoral. Nearby is the Parish church of
Crathie, where The Royal Family attend Sunday
morning service when in residence at Balmoral.
Open
1 April – 31 July 2006 daily 1000 –
1700
Last admission 1600
Tel : 013397 42534
Fax: 013397
42034
Email: info@balmoralcastle.com
www.balmoralcastle.com
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