Balmoral Castle, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a grand estate house and a royal residence of the British royal family. Originally purchased by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria in 1852, the castle was later rebuilt to accommodate their growing family and visitors. The new Scottish baronial-style castle was completed in 1856, replacing the old structure. Set amidst a vast estate covering over 53,000 acres, Balmoral remains a private property of the monarch and serves as a working estate with various activities like grouse moors, forestry, and farming.

Situated in the Scottish Highlands, nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, Balmoral Castle is free to the public to visit between January 19th and March 17th 2025.

Balmoral Castle offers different access options depending on the time of year. Here's a breakdown of when you can enter and whether it's free or not;

* Winter (January to March): The grounds are open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Admission is free, and there's no need to book tickets.

* Spring (April to early May): The grounds, gardens, and exhibitions are open daily. Admission is free, but some areas may require a paid ticket.

* Summer (early May to July): The grounds, gardens, and exhibitions are open daily, but you'll need to book tickets online. Guided tours of the castle interior are also available for a fee.

* Autumn (August to December): The grounds, gardens, and exhibitions are open daily, with tickets available online. Guided tours of the castle interior are also available for a fee.

It's essential to check the Balmoral Castle website for the most up-to-date information on opening times, ticket prices, and availability before planning your visit.

You can take the Caledonian Sleeper to reach Balmoral Castle. You'll need to book a ticket to Aberdeen, the nearest city to Balmoral Castle. Once you arrive in Aberdeen, you can take a bus or rent a car to get to Balmoral, which is about 50 miles (80 km) away. The journey from Aberdeen to Balmoral takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your mode of transportation and traffic conditions. It's essential to plan your journey in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.