Key Highlights:

1. Royal Connection: Balmoral Castle is famously associated with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The estate was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1852, and the current castle was designed by Prince Albert himself. Since then, it has served as a royal residence and a beloved summer retreat for the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II, in particular, spent a significant amount of time there, and it was known to be one of her favorite homes.

2. Architecture: The castle is built in the Scottish Baronial style, a distinctive form of architecture that combines Gothic elements with traditional Scottish features like turrets, crenellations, and steep roofs. The current building was completed in 1856, and its imposing yet elegant design fits perfectly with the surrounding landscape of the Scottish Highlands.

3. Estate: Balmoral is not just a castle but also a sprawling estate that covers approximately 50,000 acres of land. It includes a wide variety of landscapes, such as forests, hills, and rivers. The estate is managed for wildlife, forestry, and farming, and it has a variety of traditional Highland activities, including hunting and fishing.

4. Gardens and Grounds: The formal gardens around Balmoral Castle are beautifully landscaped and include a mixture of flower beds, conservatories, and kitchen gardens. The gardens, first laid out by Prince Albert, are one of the estate’s highlights. Visitors can explore the gardens, as well as several marked trails around the estate.

5. Visiting: Balmoral Castle is open to the public for part of the year, usually from April to July, when the royal family is not in residence. During the open season, visitors can tour parts of the castle, including the ballroom, and explore the extensive grounds and gardens. There is also a visitor center, café, and gift shop on site.

6. Historical and Cultural Significance: Over the years, Balmoral has been the setting for numerous royal gatherings and is deeply woven into the cultural life of the British monarchy. It is often seen as a place where the royal family can relax and engage in traditional Scottish pastimes away from the formalities of public life.

Balmoral Castle continues to be a working estate and a symbol of the long-standing connection between the British royal family and Scotland.