Experience the Balmoral & Royal Deeside Tour from Aberdeen and walk in the footsteps of generations of Royals. Explore charming villages, ancient stone circles, and Queen Victoria’s favorite views.
- Balmoral Castle - *Balmoral Castle & Estate is closed from the 12th of August until the 1st of October 24. This tour stop will be changed to the National Trust for Scotland’s- Crathes Castle thereafter.
Balmoral has been a cherished family residence for the Royal family since 1850, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert selected this picturesque area for their grand retreat. The landscape offers breathtaking views of hills and mountains, fields of heather, and the majestic River Dee flowing through it.
The estate served as the late Queen Elizabeth’s private country retreat in Scotland and was a beloved home. King Charles III holds a deep affection for the castle and grounds, often spending time walking through the estate.
We highly recommend listening to the audio tour, which shares stories and guides you around the estate.
The Ballroom is the only room open to visitors within the Castle. The items in the Ballroom are from within the Castle and belong to the Royal Family.
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Ballater - The Victorian village of Ballater is located in the heart of Royal Deeside, at the eastern gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most scenic visitor spots. A stroll around the village reveals an interesting range of specialty shops and a good selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy some local food & drink. Notice the shops displaying Royal Warrants on their storefronts, a sure sign of quality and support from the Royal family. Nestled alongside the River Dee and surrounded by hills and mountains, Ballater is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Be sure to visit the beautiful Victorian Railway Station and the tourist information centre for more information about the village. Walk past the Victorian Barracks, still in use when the Royal family is staying in Balmoral.
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Cambus O’ May Suspension Bridge - The Cambus O’ May suspension bridge spans the River Dee and is a legacy from the estate of Alexander Gordon. Built in 1905, the footbridge is 50 m long and carries visitors to the other side. The Deeside Way, a trail following the former Deeside Railway, passes the north-eastern end of the bridge. Footpaths from the bridge lead to Torphantrick Wood and the Muir of Dinnet nature reserve, popular spots for visitors who enjoy woodland walks and wild swimming in the river.
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Tomnaverie Stone Circle - Tomnaverie is a recumbent stone circle, a type of monument found only in north-eastern Scotland. Its characteristic feature is a large stone on its side, flanked by two upright stones, usually on the south or south-west arc of the circle. The stone circle surrounds a burial cairn dating back to about 4,500 years ago. Relatively little is known about why these structures exist, but there are several theories you’ll discover on your visit.
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B9119 - Just outside Tarland is the Queen’s View, reportedly one of Queen Victoria’s favourite views over the Howe of Cromar towards Lochnagar. We will stop to admire the view, and on a good day, you can see 12 different hills and Munros!
- On-board WiFi
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Entries & Tour fees
Starting from Aberdeen we trace the river Dee to Balmoral where you can walk in the footsteps of generations of Royals who have called this estate home.
*Balmoral Estate is closed from 12th of August 24 until 1 October 24. We visit the National Trust For Scotland’s Crathes Castle during the closure.
Take a stroll in the charming Victorian village of Ballater, explore the local heritage, the Victorian train station and the views of the area.
Next, we visit the iconic Cambus O’May suspension bridge, before we continue our journey to the Tomnavarie Stone Circle.
Finally, on our way back to Aberdeen, we stop at Queen Victoria’s favourite views of Aberdeenshire.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
