Attractions in Aberdeenshire

Balmoral Castle - Aberdeenshire

Royal Deeside is the magnificent setting for Balmoral Castle, the summer holiday home of our Royal Family. Originally a sixteenth century tower - house, it was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1848. The woodland near the castle is said to have reminded Prince Albert of Thuringia in his own Country. The Prince bought the house and estate as a gift for the Queen. In 1853 William Smith was commissioned to design the castle in the Scottish Baronial style, the work was completed in 1855. Visitors are welcomed into the ballroom to view an exhibition of items from the castle. Paintings, silverware, porcelain and the famous Balmoral tartans can be admired there.