In the Footsteps of Royals - Guide to Ballater
As the days grow longer, the warmer season is approaching quickly and it's nearly time to plan your summer holiday. With so many stunning locations around Scotland and the UK, it can be hard to choose where to go and what to do, however, Ballater is a location to put on this year's itinerary.
Less than an hour from the Aberdeenshire Airport, the charming Scottish village of Ballater has been well known as the royal family's summer home for many years. With the royal residence of Balmoral Castle opening its internal doors for the first time to the public, Ballater is the ideal location to spend time immersed in the royal history of the Scottish countryside.
Enjoy the surrounding Victorian architecture and quaint village shops, complete with traditional Scottish souvenirs and the famed British Afternoon Tea. Here in the picturesque village of Ballater, there are plenty of activities to do in the area along with plenty of historic sights to see, all rich in connections to the British Monarchy.
Balmoral Castle
This royal abode was purchased and rebuilt by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852, 10 years after the couple's first trip to Scotland. Entranced by the wild beauty of the highlands, the Queen and Prince took great pride in their newly built residence and willed the estate to King Edward VII and consequently to each royal generation after. It was a personal favourite retreat of Elizabeth II and where she passed in the early Autumn of 2022.
For the first time since the castles finished reconstruction in 1855, King Charles III has officially announced that Balmoral Caslte’s interior doors will be opening to the public for a limited time. From July 1st through August 4th, the unique opportunity for a guided Internal Tour of the apartments and other rooms of the royal residence, with the option of including a royal afternoon tea, has been extended to the general public.
These internal castle tours are limited to 10 people per group, with only 40 visitors being allowed per day. Tickets are between £100-£150 and are selling quickly. As interest is high we suggest planning your visit while tickets are still available.
For a lower price of £17.50 visitors are still welcome for general admission and the option to explore the grounds where you can find beautiful scenery, local highland cows, and even Prince Albert’s Pyramid among the Cairns Walk. General admission includes access to the castle ballroom where you can find an exhibit featuring the King’s watercolour collection along with a display of outfits from King Charles, Queen Camilla, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and The Queen Mother.
Accommodation on the property is available during certain times of year in self-catering cottages, alternatively, find yourself in a luxury Scottish inn close by at the Balmoral Arms less than 15 minutes away. Explore the rooms and suites on offer here: https://www.crerarhotels.com/balmoral-arms/rooms/
Find information on ticket prices and hours of admission for Balmoral Castle here: https://www.balmoralcastle.com/tickets.htm.
Ballater Railway Station
Previously the end of the train line originating in Aberdeen, Ballater Station was the closest station to Balmoral Castle, bringing in and taking home visitors and locals, including Queen Victoria. Originally opened over 150 years ago in 1866, the station underwent several changes of duty before closing its tracks to both passengers and goods a century later in 1966.
After the station's retirement, it took a new role as the visitor centre until 2015 when tragedy struck. In the early hours of May 12th, a fire broke out. The growing flames picked up speed and by the time fire crews arrived at the scene, the building was in a blaze. After 3 hours of firefighting, the building was unfortunately 90% destroyed.
Seeing the impact this incident had on his summer home community, the then Duke of Rothesay, and now King Charles II charity, The Prince’s Trust, took matters into their own hands. Reconstructing the building with precise attention to authentic details, going so far as to paint in original train line colours. It now proudly sits amongst the picturesque town of Ballater by nearby cafes and traditional Scottish pubs.
Brought back to life, the Ballater Train Station now houses the local VisitScotland Visitor’s Centre along with a local library and cafe. Additionally, as a nod to the town's royal heritage, you can find Queen Victoria's royal waiting room and a replica of the royal carriage. Only a five-minute walk from the quintessentially Scottish inn of Balmoral Arms, it’s the perfect spot to start your day of exploration.
Crathie Kirk
Just across the road from Balmoral Castle, you can find the stunning granite church, built in a Gothic revival style that was common for the time. Crathie Kirk, a parish of the Church of Scotland, finished construction in 1895, mostly funded through £5000 of generous donations from locals. Today, that is more than £800,000. Seeing the passion of locals, Queen Victoria’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Louise raised a combined £2000 for the newly built church, or nearly £330,000 today.
The foundation for Crathie Kirk was laid by Queen Victoria in 1893, the history of Christian worship has been incredibly prevalent in Crathie itself, dating back to the 9th Century. Now recognised as the royal place of worship, the first church was founded nearby on the banks of River Dee by Saint Manire, a follower of Saint Columba, the pioneer of Christianity in Scotland.
More recently, Crathie Kirk is notable for hosting the very lowkey but highly VIP wedding of Anne, Princess Royal, and Timothy Laurence on a brisk December day in 1992. 30 people attended the wedding, mostly close family including that of the then Prince Charles, the late Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. Along with joyous occasions it has also been used as a place to mourn. The royal family attended Sunday service here following the sudden death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997 and also housed a private service for the family following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022.
Today, you can visit Crathie Kirk and see firsthand the stunning craftsmanship of the building along with the opulent gifts of the monarchs and royals that have worshipped there. Elizabeth II’s bible was personally donated before her passing, decorated with the royal coat of arms, and the white marble communion table was donated by George V. Along with other donated treasures, you can sit among the pews still today.
Learn more about timings and events: https://braemarandcrathieparish.org.uk/crathie-kirk/
Other Local Attractions
Nestled amongst the Scots pines and alder trees of the Cairngorms National Park, Ballater has an endless rota for those prone to adventure, history, and even sport. Some other popular places to visit include Craigowan House, Poltarch Bridge, and Linn of Dee. Other local attractions that might not be in this article can be found here: https://www.crerarhotels.com/balmoral-arms/location/
If you are filled with history lessons and adventure, you have plenty of options for relaxing. Enjoy a stroll through the quaint village centre that will pull you back in time, the streets lined with both traditionally Scottish and modern shops for the locals. For suggested shopping, see our previous blog on Best Shops in Ballater. Head back to your accommodation at the Balmoral Inn and kick off your wellies, have a dram of whisky at the Ghillies Bar followed by a candlelight dinner in 1852.
If you are travelling without a car you can find public transportation routes across Scotland here: https://www.travelinescotland.com/.
If you’re coming from abroad and thinking about making a trip from Edinburgh, you can find our suggested directions and transportation links here: https://www.crerarhotels.com/blog/archive/edinburgh-to-balmoral-castle/
Stay in Ballater and walk among the footsteps of royals, then relax like one too at the Balmoral Arms.
