BALMORAL - ROYAL DEESIDE

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Balmoral is located 72 miles south east of Water's Edge in Inverness. The landscape of the Braemar to Ballater stretch of the River Dee takes in fields along the valley floor, plantations and natural woodlands sweeping up to heathery grouse moors and deer forest country above, and a remote mountain horizon. What has really made it most famous is Balmoral Castle. At the heart of an extensive estate, it is the British Royal Family's Highland home.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert first rented the old Balmoral Castle in 1848. Four years later, Prince Albert bought the property for £31,500. He commissioned the Aberdeen architect William Smith to design a replacement castle to be built from local Glen Gelder granite. Many of the Prince's own ideas were incorporated into the layout. Victoria and Albert were welcomed to the new castle on 7 September 1855 and thus the future of Royal Deeside was assured.

During the year Balmoral Castle will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., however it is recommended that 4 p.m. is the last admission time.

Click here if you would like to visit Balmoral Castle's own web site.