His Majesty King Charles III’s iconic Scottish estate, Balmoral, is now open to members of the public to explore the grounds for their summer season, which runs until 9 August. In a matter of weeks, the doors will be thrown open once again for visitors to see inside the walls too, after the success of previous years’ private tours. It was the monarch’s idea to open up the private rooms inside the castle after he took over the management from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Balmoral is now open to the public
The website explains: “Our experienced guides will explain about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal Family; from the purchase of the Balmoral Estate by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to the present day, where rooms within the Castle are used today by Their Majesties The King and Queen and members of the Royal Family.”
Fans looking to partake in one of these landmark tours will have to act quickly as it is set to sell out completely. Currently, May, June and August dates are all sold out, and limited tickets remain for the month of July. Tickets cost £110 per adult and the intimate tours are arranged for a maximum of 12 people at a time.
© Getty ImagesQueen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh in the study at Balmoral Castle – a place you can now tour
Speaking about one of the interior tours, an Instagram user wrote: “This was just stunning, we loved it, if you have not been then I highly recommend it for sure.” Another commented: “Sounds like my perfect day,” when the team shared a glimpse of the inside of the castle.
WATCH: Why Balmoral is so special for the royal family
King Charles’ landmark decision
Since King Charles took on his role as head of the monarchy, he has decided to do things a little differently. He’s upped the eco efforts at all of his royal residences and thrown open the doors of Balmoral Castle for members of the public to tour the inside for the first time. After it was a sell-out success in 2024, His Majesty has continued with the venture. Visitors are now able to see the Entrance Hall, the Red Corridor, the Library, the Family Dining Room and the Drawing Room inside the iconic castle. These are rooms still used by the royal family regularly, and the library is a place that acts as Charles’ study when he is staying in Scotland.
© Getty ImagesCharles has changed the way the monarchy operates
The grounds are now open
This weekend, the Scottish estate opened its gates to welcome tourists into the grounds. An Instagram post about it read: “Balmoral is now open for the 2026 season, and we’re delighted to welcome you back through the gates. From today, the grounds, gardens, Gift Shop, Restaurant, and Ballroom Exhibition are open to the public. Open daily until 9 August, from 10:00 to 17:00 (last recommended admission at 16:00), visitors can enjoy the beauty and heritage of Balmoral — the Highland home of the Royal Family. Whether it’s your first visit or a return, we look forward to welcoming you to Balmoral Castle.
The post got over 1,300 likes and fans got very excited about the prospect. “Booked an expedition tour for April, our first time to Balmoral, and so very excited!,” penned one, and: “Last year my friend & I have a lovely afternoon tea as it treat for her birthday, it truly was amazing, so much so, we will return again this year,” added another. “Will love it,” a third added.