Balmoral Castle lies in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The estate was presented by Prince Albert to his wife, Queen Victoria, in 1852 
and it has remained a treasured retreat for generations of the British Royal Family ever since.

The castle occupies a picturesque spot on the right bank of the River Dee, whose crystal-clear waters wind through the landscape. The estate is encircled by ancient forests, woodlands, and mountains, all forming part of the Cairngorms National Park. This scenic environment provides a sanctuary for a rich variety of local wildlife.

Today, Balmoral covers a vast area of 50,000 acres, functioning as a working estate managed according to strict organic principles. Twenty acres of the estate are dedicated to the gardens, which are a highlight of the property.

Prince Albert was responsible for the first garden design at Balmoral, creating long, meandering walks for Queen Victoria and their children to enjoy. Over time, each generation of the Royal Family has contributed to the gardens, adding their personal touches and demonstrating a shared passion for flowers and horticulture.

The West Garden is renowned for its beautiful rose beds, alpine flowers, and an impressive selection of conifers. Queen Mary’s contribution to the estate is a sunken flower garden, while Prince Philip designed a tranquil water garden as well as an extensive kitchen garden, which supplies the royal household with fresh fruit and vegetables. In celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, a grand glasshouse was constructed to ensure a continuous display of blooms during the summer months, when the Queen enjoyed her holidays at Balmoral.

His Majesty the King, known for his commitment to sustainable gardening, established his own garden at Highgrove in the 1980s, pioneering biological gardening methods. The gardens at Balmoral reflect his dedication, sustainability ethos, and deep understanding of plants.

A team of seven full-time gardeners tends to Balmoral’s grounds. Their work ensures a breathtaking display each spring, with thousands of bulbs blooming, followed by vibrant herbaceous borders in the summer. As autumn arrives, the changing foliage seamlessly blends the garden with the surrounding Highlands, embodying a harmonious collaboration between humanity and nature.