From Aberdeen: Balmoral Estate & Royal Deeside Tour

Traveling through Aberdeenshire with a guide who knows the landscape and stories behind it can turn a simple day trip into a memorable experience. The Balmoral Estate & Royal Deeside Tour offers just that—an opportunity to explore the Scottish countryside, learn about its royal connections, and enjoy some stunning scenery. It’s especially appealing if you love history, scenic views, and a relaxed pace.

What’s particularly attractive about this tour? First, the insights from knowledgeable guides seem to be a highlight, making the stories behind each location come alive. Second, the variety of stops—ranging from castles and stone circles to picturesque viewpoints—keeps things interesting. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include entry to Balmoral itself (unless you pre-book tickets), which can be a minor disappointment if you’re hoping for an intimate castle visit.

This experience is well-suited for those who enjoy a mix of scenic drives, light walks, and cultural storytelling. It’s not designed for travelers seeking a luxurious, private visit to Balmoral or for those with mobility issues (as some walking is involved). But for curious travelers eager to understand why royalty has loved this part of Scotland for generations, it offers a genuine, well-rounded glimpse.

Key Points

• Small group size (limited to 7 participants) ensures a more intimate and personal experience.
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the day more engaging.
• The itinerary includes a variety of interesting stops like Ballater, Queens View, and the Cambus O’ May suspension bridge.
• Balmoral Castle’s closure in late summer 2024 means the stop is replaced with Crathes Castle during that period.
• The tour provides roundtrip transportation from Aberdeen, removing the stress of planning logistics.
• Cost around $114 offers good value considering the length of the trip, scenic stops, and guided commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Start: Meeting Next to William Wallace

The tour kicks off at the William Wallace Statue, a well-known Aberdeen landmark. It’s a straightforward starting point—easy to find and convenient for city-based travelers. From there, you board a comfortable van with a small group, which is ideal for ensuring you get personalized attention and meaningful interactions with your guide.

The Journey Through Aberdeenshire

Traveling in a small, cozy van, you’ll enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside. The routes are thoughtfully chosen, balancing comfortable travel with opportunities to see the landscape up close. The guides are praised for their storytelling skills, sharing stories that bring the scenery and history to life.

Balmoral Castle & Estate (or Crathes Castle in late summer)

The highlight of the tour is, of course, Balmoral Castle and Estate, a place closely associated with the royal family since Queen Victoria chose it in 1850. The estate’s expansive views of the hills, the river Dee, and fields of heather are stunning—perfect for photography and peaceful reflection.

While the castle itself is only open to visitors during specific times (and from August 12th to October 1st, 2024, Balmoral is closed and replaced with Crathes Castle), the grounds and landscape are what make this stop special. If you pre-book tickets, you’ll also get access to an audio tour, which adds a lot of depth to your visit—guiding you through stories about the objects, the estate, and its royal connections.

One guest raved, “The grounds at Balmoral were beautiful. Loved the information the guide provided,” emphasizing how helpful a knowledgeable guide can be in enriching the experience. Others appreciated the chance to walk the same grounds the Royals do, making it feel more personal and authentic.

More Great Tours Nearby

Village of Ballater

Next, the small Victorian village of Ballater acts as a charming break. It’s a lovely spot for a quick stroll, with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and the Victorian Railway Station, which still echoes its royal past. Many visitors enjoy taking their time here, soaking in local food and browsing the shops. One review mentioned having a great meal at the Rothesay Rooms, adding a culinary highlight to the trip.

Queens View & Tarland

A quick photo stop at Queens View offers one of the best vistas in the area—Queen Victoria herself fell for this view, and it’s easy to see why. Overlooking the valley of the Howe of Cromar, with Lochnagar peeking in the distance, it’s a scene that stays with you.

Further along, a walk across the Cambus O’ May suspension bridge takes you into nature and history. Built in 1905, the bridge is a legacy of estate life and a fun spot to take photos or enjoy the sound of flowing water below.

Tomnavarie Stone Circle

For history buffs, the Tomnavarie recumbent stone circle is a fascinating find. These stone circles are unique to northeastern Scotland and are believed to date back around 4,500 years. The mystery surrounding their purpose adds to their allure, and the stories shared by guides make the visit even more engaging.

Wrapping Up the Day

The tour concludes back where it started, after a full day of scenic views, stories, and light walking. The total duration is around 7.5 hours, making it a manageable day trip for most travelers.

What We Love About This Tour

What stands out? First, the expert guides—they’re consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the day both fun and educational. One reviewer called their guide “fabulous,” and many mentioned the stories that “brought the places to life.” Whether it’s the history of Balmoral or the tales behind the stone circles, you’ll come away feeling more connected to the land and its stories.

Second, the scenery and stops are thoughtfully chosen. The views from Queens View, the charm of Ballater, and the historic sites like Tomnavarie keep the experience lively and varied. Many travelers note the “stunning sights” and “beautiful places” they visited, often saying the photos they took will be treasured.

Third, the value for money is often highlighted. At around $114 per person, considering the transportation, guided commentary, and multiple stops, it’s a reasonable way to see a lot in one day without the hassle of planning separate visits.

But a Few Considerations

One thing to keep in mind is that Balmoral Castle is closed from August 12th to October 1st, 2024. If visiting Balmoral is your primary goal, you’ll need to plan accordingly or accept that the stop will be replaced by Crathes Castle during that period. Also, the tour involves some walking and uneven paths, so those with mobility issues should give this some thought—prior notice can help arrange accommodations, but it’s not wheelchair-friendly.

Weather-wise, the tour operates outdoors in all conditions, so packing rain gear or waterproof clothing is a smart move—many reviews mention the rain adding to the Highland atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy small group experiences and want to see a variety of sights without the stress of independent travel. History and scenery are the main attractions, so it suits travelers who appreciate storytelling and nature. It’s also excellent for people eager to learn about the royal connections to Aberdeenshire, especially if they’re fans of the Royals or Scottish history.

If you’re after a luxurious, exclusive castle experience or have specific accessibility needs, you might find this tour’s small group size and outdoor focus a bit limiting. However, for most curious travelers wanting a well-rounded day out, it delivers.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the stops and scenery appeal broadly. Keep in mind there’s some walking and uneven paths, so it’s better suited for older children or teenagers.

Do I need to pre-book Balmoral tickets?
Yes, it’s recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure entry and get access to the audio tour that enhances the visit.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and rain gear are advised, as the tour operates outdoors in all weather conditions.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 7.5 hours, including travel and stops, with a start time that varies—check availability.

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Aberdeen is part of the package.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour is quite fixed in its itinerary, but guides are praised for their flexibility and knowledge, often tailoring the commentary to the group’s interests.

Are there any accessibility issues?
There is some walking involved on uneven terrain, and it’s not wheelchair accessible. Prior notice can help consider accommodations.

What’s the group size?
Limited to 7 participants, making for a more personal experience.

What is the price worth considering?
At $114, the tour provides good value, especially with expert guides and multiple scenic stops. It’s a comprehensive way to explore Royal Deeside without stress.

Is this tour good for history enthusiasts?
Absolutely. The guide’s stories add depth to each stop, making history come alive, from Balmoral’s royal tales to ancient stone circles.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, intimate day trip that offers a taste of royalty, stunning scenery, and Scottish charm, this Balmoral Estate & Royal Deeside Tour hits the right notes. It’s best suited for travelers who want a relaxed experience with knowledgeable guides and don’t mind a bit of walking outdoors.

While it doesn’t include a private castle visit, the stops are thoughtfully chosen to give you a good sense of the area’s beauty and heritage. The small group size ensures you’ll receive attentive guidance, which elevates the overall experience.

For those eager to see why the Royals have loved Aberdeenshire for generations—or simply to enjoy some spectacular Highland views—this tour offers a memorable slice of Scotland that balances storytelling, scenery, and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: