Balmoral Castle Tours and Activities

Things to do near Balmoral Castle

When visiting Balmoral Castle, be sure to explore the stunning gardens and enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding area. The nearby Braemar Golf Club offers a fantastic golfing experience, while the picturesque landscapes provide perfect picnic spots. Wildlife enthusiasts will also find plenty to admire in this beautiful region, making it an ideal destination for a diverse range of activities.

Shopping

In Balmoral Castle, enjoy unique souvenirs from local shops and artisan boutiques in Ballater village. If you're up for a drive, visit the picturesque town of Braemar, around 16.1km away, where you can find charming shops and local crafts that make perfect gifts.

Recreation

At Ballater Golf Club, enjoy the sport amidst stunning scenery, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. Forfar Loch Country Park offers tranquil walks and serene views, ideal for unwinding. Meanwhile, Dufftown Golf Course provides a luxurious golfing experience surrounded by beautiful landscapes, ensuring a memorable escape.

Adventure

At Lecht Ski Resort, 17.7km from Balmoral Castle, experience thrilling skiing and snowboarding amid spectacular scenery. Meall Odhar, 20.9km away, offers exciting ski runs for adventure enthusiasts. Lecht 2090, 14.5km from the castle, provides an exhilarating ski experience perfect for sports lovers.

Nightlife

For a fun night out, visit Frostys Fun House, an arcadeAdventureZone located 46.7km from Balmoral Castle. Experience thrilling games and adventure vibes that will keep you entertained as you unwind after a day of exploring the stunning Scottish landscape.

Find the best attractions near Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle offers a delightful blend of breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit for travellers. Explore the stunning grounds and friendly atmosphere surrounding the beloved castle, which is in close proximity to various lodges and beautiful mountain landscapes. Don't miss the opportunity to venture inside Balmoral for a unique glimpse into its history and heritage, enhancing your overall experience in this picturesque part of Scotland.

• Lochnagar: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Lochnagar, a majestic mountain just 9.7km from Balmoral Castle. This outdoor adventure hotspot offers stunning scenery and invigorating hikes, making it perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
• Braemar Castle: Step back in time at Braemar Castle, located 11.3km away. With its romantic setting and rich cultural heritage, this historic fortress invites you to explore its captivating architecture and the stories of the Scottish clans that once inhabited it.
• Knock Gallery: Just 1.4km from Balmoral Castle, Knock Gallery showcases a vibrant collection of contemporary art. Experience the local culture and creativity while enjoying thought-provoking exhibitions in a welcoming atmosphere.

Best time to go to Balmoral Castle

The best time to visit Balmoral Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Balmoral Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Balmoral Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	33.3°F (0.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	34.3°F (1.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	37.2°F (2.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
October	44.8°F (7.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	38.7°F (3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	34.3°F (1.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Balmoral Castle

For a budget-friendly trip to Balmoral Castle, consider visiting in February to March or November when accommodation prices are lower. Book about a month in advance, and check Expedia for last-minute deals, particularly on Tuesdays, the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Combine your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Keep an eye out for special offers and deal alerts to maximise your budget while exploring Ballater.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Balmoral Castle are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Balmoral Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Balmoral Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Balmoral Castle is Sunday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Balmoral Castle hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.