- Until now tours of the castle have been limited to the grounds and ballroom
King Charles is opening the interior of Balmoral Castle to the public for the first time – but a ticket will set you back £100.
Until now tours of the castle have been limited to the grounds and ballroom –where the late Queen’s coffin was placed following her death at the castle in September 2022 – at a price of £17.50.
The small group tours, to begin this summer, will cost £100 or £150 with afternoon tea, and be limited to just 40 tickets per day. The move is said to be in line with the King’s wish to open the doors of more official residences to the public.
Following the Queen’s death at her beloved Scottish retreat, suggestions were made to earmark the property as a house to remember the late Queen.
The tours, which will take place from July 1 until August 4, before the King and Queen arrive for their annual summer break, will teach ‘how it has been loved by generations of the Royal Family‘, according to the estate’s website. The tours are said to be considered a trial period to see how the building copes with an increased footfall. It is said to not be set up for large numbers of visitors.
The small group tours, to begin this summer, will cost £100 or £150 with afternoon tea, and be limited to just 40 tickets per day. Pictured: King Charles inspects Balaklava Company at the gates of Balmoral in 2023
Following the Queen’s death at her beloved Scottish retreat (pictured), suggestions were made to earmark the property as a house to remember the late Queen
Tours will take guests through a selection of rooms used by the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family.
In a statement on its website yesterday, the Balmoral estate announced: ‘Since its completion in 1855, access to the interior of Balmoral Castle has been restricted to the public, until now. For the first time in history, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of interior castle private tours – The Balmoral Experience.
‘Learn about Balmoral’s history and heritage, led by our experienced guides through several of the exquisite rooms within Balmoral Castle.’
‘You will see why Balmoral is such a special place – the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the Royal Family.’ Balmoral Castle, in Aberdeenshire, has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848.
The King has also ordered construction of a giant, thistle-themed maze in the grounds – inspired by a maze he used to play in as a child at Sandringham.