About this experience
Experience the beauty of Royal Deeside, with stunning countryside scenery, charming villages, and castles. Embark on a guided tour from Aberdeen to see why the Royals love this region.
Highlights
- Follow in the footsteps of generations of Royals who loved Aberdeenshire
- Delve into the ancient heritage of the Aberdeenshire
- Relax in Victorian splendour and charm
- Enjoy the peace and the majestic hills of the Cairngorms National Park
What's included
- Roundtrip transportation from Aberdeen
- Tour guide
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Balmoral Castle & Estate
Balmoral is a treasured family home for the Royal family since 1850, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert chose this beautiful region to create their great escape. A landscape with stunning views of the hills and mountains, fields of heather and the majestic river Dee that flows through it.
The estate was the late Queen Elizabeth's private country retreat in Scotland and a beloved home. King Charles III has a great affection for the castle and grounds and often spends time walking through the estate.
The Ballroom is only room open to visitors within the Castle. The objects in the Ballroom are from within the Castle, and are all objects that belong to the Royal Family.
*Balmoral Castle & Estate is closed from the 9th of August to early October 2026. This tour stop will be changed to a visit at Braemar Castle and the village of Braemar. When the Balmoral Estate reopens as a country park, we will resume a visit to Balmoral in October 2026.
Village of Ballater
The Victorian village of Ballater sits 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 good selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy some of the local food & drink. Be sure to visit the beautiful Victorian Railway Station and the tourist information centre which has more information about the village.
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. 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.
Tomnavarie Stone Circle
Tomnaverie is a recumbent stone circle, a kind of monument found only in north-eastern Scotland. The stone circle surrounds a burial cairn dating to about 4,500 years ago. Relatively little is known about why we have these structures, there are several theories which you’ll discover on your visit.
The Queen’s View
Just outside the village of Tarland is the Queen's View. 'The Queens View' gained its name from Queen Victoria who fell in love with the view of the lower valley of the Howe of Cromar which includes a view of the peak of Lochnagar.
Things to note
- Comfortable shoes
- Rain gear
Terms & conditions
If you choose to visit Balmoral Castle, then please book a "General Admission Tickets" for the 10:00 - 12:00 (£18.50)
Balmoral Castle closes on the 9th of August 2026, we will substitute a visit to Braemar Castle and the village of Braemar.
This tour operates outdoors in all weather conditions, so bring an umbrella or waterproof clothing.
Arrangements can be made for guests with mobility issues with prior notice
There is a fair amount of walking and some uneven paths in parts of this tour
Tours are limited to a maximum of 7 guests