Hotels near Balmoral Castle

Top reasons to visit Balmoral Castle

• Stunning Gardens: Explore the beautifully maintained gardens surrounding Balmoral Castle, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
• Guided Castle Tours: Discover the rich history of Balmoral through informative guided tours of the iconic castle.
• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy waymarked walks and wildlife spotting opportunities in the breathtaking Scottish landscape.
• Charming Ballater: Visit nearby Ballater for delightful boutiques and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Variety of Accommodations: Choose from cosy lodges to luxurious hotels for a comfortable stay.

Find great hotels near Balmoral Castle

In the picturesque setting of Balmoral Castle, visitors can choose from a variety of accommodation options, including cosy lodges and charming hotels. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly retreat, pet-friendly stays, or luxurious lodgings, you'll find an array of choices to enhance your adventure. The Balmoral Arms Hotel and nearby rental cottages offer a welcoming atmosphere for all types of travellers, ensuring a memorable visit to this iconic Scottish destination.

• Balmoral Arms: This charming 4-star hotel is situated 11km from Balmoral Castle and holds a commendable guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. Balmoral Arms is particularly appealing for pet owners, offering a pet-friendly environment complete with amenities such as food and water bowls and specific restrictions for dogs. Guests appreciate the warm and inviting atmosphere, which combines comfort with a touch of Scottish charm. The hotel’s location makes it a suitable base for exploring the surrounding area, while ensuring that your furry companions are welcome during your stay.
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland: Located merely 10km from Balmoral Castle, this 3.5-star property boasts an impressive guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. The Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites is ideal for those seeking a spa-themed retreat. Guests can indulge in full spa and pool services, including manicures, facials, and body treatments, along with access to an indoor pool and steam room. The hotel’s serene surroundings enhance the relaxation experience, making it a perfect getaway for visitors looking to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of exploring.
• The Commercial Hotel: Positioned 24km from Balmoral Castle, this 3-star hotel has earned a remarkable guest rating of 9.4 out of 10. The Commercial Hotel caters to adventure seekers, offering a variety of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, horse riding, rock climbing, waterskiing, and fishing in nearby locations. This accommodation provides an excellent opportunity to engage with the stunning Scottish landscape while enjoying comfortable lodgings. Guests appreciate the friendly service and the chance to experience an active holiday in a picturesque setting.

Where to stay near Balmoral Castle

Nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, Balmoral Castle offers a delightful blend of history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore charming boutiques in nearby Ballater, enjoy scenic surroundings, and immerse themselves in the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. With its rich heritage and opportunities for excursions, this region is perfect for family-friendly summer holidays, allowing travellers to create unforgettable memories in this enchanting part of Scotland.

• Dinnet: Dinnet is a charming village located approximately 21km from Balmoral Castle. This picturesque spot is perfect for those seeking adventure and outdoor experiences amidst stunning scenery. The village sees a steady flow of visitors throughout the year, with peak arrivals in April and the summer months of June to July. Dinnet offers a variety of recreational activities, including access to ski fields and walking trails within the nearby national and state parks. History enthusiasts will also appreciate the local historic sites that dot the landscape.
• Ballater: Ballater is a delightful city situated at the gateway to Balmoral Castle, making it a key destination for visitors. The city enjoys a consistent influx of tourists, particularly from June to August, drawn by its natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities. In addition to exploring the castle, visitors can indulge in activities such as skiing and golf, thanks to the nearby ski fields and golf courses. Surrounded by the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, Ballater offers a blend of scenic views and engaging attractions that cater to all types of travellers.
• Braemar: Just 11km from Balmoral Castle lies Braemar, a quaint village renowned for its outdoor pursuits and stunning landscapes. Visitors flock here primarily from July to September, enjoying a variety of activities in this tranquil setting. The village is well-equipped for adventure seekers, featuring ski fields and golf courses amidst the majestic backdrop of national parks. With its rich history and proximity to remarkable landmarks, Braemar provides a serene escape where one can immerse themselves in nature and local heritage.

Things to do in Balmoral Castle

Shopping

While visiting Balmoral Castle, explore the nearby shops in Ballater, which offer a charming selection of local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, located about 64km away, where you can find unique gifts and regional products.

Recreation

At Balmoral Castle, indulge in serene walks through the expansive grounds, where you can appreciate the tranquil Scottish landscape. Nearby, enjoy wellness activities like yoga sessions amidst nature or guided meditation retreats, allowing for relaxation and rejuvenation in a historic setting.

Adventure

At Balmoral Castle, explore the picturesque grounds on a guided walking tour, offering insights into the royal family’s history. Engage in outdoor pursuits like hiking in the surrounding Cairngorms National Park, or take part in seasonal activities such as deer stalking or fishing in the nearby rivers.

Nightlife

While Balmoral Castle is renowned for its history and royal connections, nearby Ballater offers charming pubs like The Deeside Inn for a relaxed drink and The Victoria Bar for a lively atmosphere. Enjoy a tranquil evening stroll along the River Dee to soak in the picturesque surroundings.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Balmoral Castle

To save on your visit to Balmoral Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of February to March or November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel approximately a month in advance or looking for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can yield significant savings. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Sundays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and hotel type, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for extra savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Balmoral Castle are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Balmoral Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Balmoral Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Balmoral Castle is Sunday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation at Balmoral Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Balmoral Castle

When visiting Balmoral Castle in Ballater, Scotland, tourists can explore stunning mountain scenery, the historic castle itself, and nearby lodges. The area is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Don't miss the opportunity to tour the castle and discover its rich history. Additionally, consider booking a stay at one of the top hotels in the vicinity for convenience and comfort.

• Braemar Castle: Located 11km from Balmoral Castle, Braemar Castle offers a romantic atmosphere steeped in history. This charming fortress provides a glimpse into Scotland's rich cultural heritage, with picturesque surroundings that make it a lovely spot for exploration.
• Lochnagar: A mere 10km away, Lochnagar is a majestic mountain renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, the mountain presents exciting hiking opportunities and unveils stunning panoramic views that showcase the beauty of the Scottish landscape.
• Mar Lodge Estate: Situated 18km from Balmoral Castle, Mar Lodge Estate is a welcoming retreat perfect for families. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, while the friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax and connect with nature.

Best time to go to Balmoral Castle

The best time to visit Balmoral Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Balmoral Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Balmoral Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	33.3°F (0.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	34.3°F (1.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	37.2°F (2.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
October	44.8°F (7.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	38.7°F (3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	34.3°F (1.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Balmoral Castle

Visiting Balmoral Castle is convenient via three major airports. EDInburgh Airport (EDI), situated 122km away, has excellent hotels nearby, including Crescent House, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, and the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, all within 11km of the airport. Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) is closer at 64km, with top accommodations such as Marcliffe, Trump® International Scotland, and Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen, all within 13km. Lastly, INVerness Airport (INV) is 76km away, with fine options like Ness Walk, Rocpool Reserve, and The Factor's House located within 14km, offering various transport services for airport access.