King Charles III opens Balmoral Castle to public: Cup of tea will cost you R1 180

Visitors will soon be able to tour parts of Balmoral Castle used by the Royal Family for a month in mid-2024.

Balmoral Castle is widely believed to have been Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite residence and where she spent most of her summers.

Guided “castle interior tours”, which will take visitors to parts of the building used by the Royal Family, will be available between 1 July and 4 August.

Each group will be restricted to 10 people and are for adults only.

Tickets are priced at £100 (R2 360), or £150 (R3 540) with afternoon tea included, are limited to 40 tickets per day – and are already selling fast.

The tours will end before King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at Balmoral for their summer break.

BALMORAL CASTLE WAS COMPLETED IN 1855

The Balmoral Castle website says the tours are the first of their kind since the building was completed in 1855.

“You will learn about the origins of the castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal Family.

“Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the castle are used today by their Majesty’s The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family.”

Queen Elizabeth II spent much of Prince Philip’s last years with him at Balmoral and died there herself on 8 September 2022.

Does it sound like something you’d enjoy doing? Let the SAPeople website know.

Booking conditions:

• Prebooking tickets is essential for this adult only tour.
• There is a timed admission system operating on all tours. This is the time you select when purchasing your ticket.
• QR code / booking confirmation is required for check in at the Main Gates and also at the Castle Porte Cochere meeting point.
• Parking for this special tour is provided near the Estates Office.
• Please arrive at the Porte Cochere at least 20 minutes before the Castle tour entry time printed on your ticket, as identity checks are required for this tour.
• If you are late for the booked timeslot, you will not gain entry.
• Please not that no large bags permitted on the tour.
• Handbags can be carried at low levels.
• Security CCTV in operation and recording in progress.
• This is a closed door tour – bags can be left in the lobby if you wish.
• Less abled access is available – please contact us in advance to discuss requirements.
• We have a wheelchair that is free to use within the castle and our team are there to help. 
• If you have more specific needs please contact us in advance .
• Please note mobility scooters are not permitted within the castle.
• Please ensure you have photo ID with you as this may be required.
• Photography is not permitted within Balmoral Castle and the Ballroom.
• Please note the flying of drones, or any other aerial device, within one kilometer of Balmoral Castle is not permitted at any time of the year.
• Eating and drinking aren’t allowed inside the Castle.
• Animals, other than guide, hearing or assistance animals, will not be admitted to the Castle and Restaurant.
• Please note that tickets are non refundable unless we have to close due to unforeseen circumstance, such as Government restrictions.