Members of the public will be given access to previously unseen interiors of Balmoral Castle for the first time this summer, in line with the King’s desire to make the royal residences more accessible to the public. Castle tours will take place as part of the trial period and will cover several rooms used by the King and Queen.
Scotland has a complex relationship with the Royal family, but the truth is that Queen Victoria was responsible for much of the global concept of “Scottishness”; an idea developed by the late Queen and adopted by today’s kilt sport. ruler.
It’s not just the famous castle that attracts visitors from around the world. A Royal-themed visit to Scotland offers a vibrant, enticing adventure with history, epic landscapes and the romantic scent of Royal intrigue. The 10 spots below offer excellent opportunities to do as the Royals do (or have done) and absorb Scotland at its most spectacular.
Balmoral Castle
A must visit on any royal themed visit. It’s easy to see what so captivated Queen Victoria and Prince Albert when they descended into the tree-lined hills in search of an idyllic Highland estate, and attached Deeside to its royal moniker. Basking in the splendor of Balmoral Mansion is like strolling through Hollywood Scotland, while providing an intimate window into the life of Queen Victoria and the more recent Royal family. Currently, the interior of the vast castle remains largely inaccessible to the public, with tours limited to the ballroom, grounds, and gardens only; A trial this summer will determine whether visitors will be allowed to make further attempts in the future.
Where to stay: The next best thing to entertaining at Balmoral is Braemar’s Fife Arms, one of Scotland’s most exclusive and breathtakingly high-end retreats. Drawings of Queen Victoria adorn the walls. Double from £757.
Balater
No Scottish village has been more embraced by the Royal family than Balmoral’s neighbour, Ballater, and this ostentatious retreat has in turn embraced its regular guests; many businesses proudly display their Royal Warrants. Last year, 1,400 residents paid their respects when the funeral cortege passed. Don’t miss Balmoral’s Victoria Station, complete with a vintage carriage housing a wax statue of Queen Victoria arriving at the railway. The Braemar Gathering Highland Games in September are a royal favourite.
Where to stay: The Balmoral Arms smells royal, with themed names given to the bedrooms and restaurant. Learn about the secretly discussed royal toilet. Doubles from £185.
Deeside Road
The Deeside Way follows the old royal railway route from Ballater east to Aberdeen, a distance of 40 miles and a host of cookie-box-pretty views. If you don’t have time to complete it, just tackle one or two scenic areas around Banchory. A shorter adventure is the challenge to the spectacular hole at Burn o’Vat. Head through the rock to a geological wonder formed by glaciation, or enjoy an eight-mile circular walk around Loch Muick, another royal favourite.
Where to stay: Hiker-friendly Banchory Lodge has double rooms from £113.
Royal Perth
Scotland’s unofficial ancient capital is steeped in royal history. For centuries, Scottish monarchs have been crowned at the mysterious Stone of Destiny at Scone Palace, where Victoria once stayed. Edward I stole it in 1296 and gave it to King Henry III. Although she temporarily returned to Westminster Abbey for Charles’ coronation, she is now back home in Scotland. Don’t miss the giant statue of Prince Albert in North Inch Park.
Where to stay: It must be the Royal George Hotel, named after Queen Victoria’s stay in 1848. The Royal Warrant is proudly displayed next to two lamp stands made from the bedposts of Victoria’s bedroom. Doubles from £150.
Glamis Castle
One of the UK’s most historic castles is filled with stories of the Queen Mother living in her ancestral and childhood home. Princess Margaret was born here, the first Royal to be born in Scotland since Charles I, and many Royals have enjoyed Glamis’ legendary hospitality. Leave a full day for the castle and its large gardens, and don’t forget to have lunch in the old Victorian kitchens.
Where to stay: Stay with your family in royal style on the grounds of Glamis House. You can even shoot your own pheasants and partridges for dinner, if that’s your thing.
st andrews
As if St Andrews’ historic student-filled streets weren’t enough, this seaside town is also where the Prince and Princess of Wales met and fell in love after leaving Edinburgh University at the last minute. Visit the bars they frequent and follow in their footsteps to West Sands, famous for the Chariots of Fire scene. St Andrews is of course the Home of Golf and various Royals have been Captains of the Royal and Ancient.
Where to stay: Old Course Hotel is where the Golf Resort and Spa is located. Check out the legendary Old Course, then stroll to West Sands. Doubles start from £420.
Dunferm line
Dunfermline has been named Scotland’s newest city as part of the recent Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Rich layers of royal history lie within the cobbled streets of this mini-Edinburgh: Scotland’s monarchs once resided in the grand palace where the ill-fated Charles I was born, and Scotland’s only Royal saint, Margaret, once reigned. Robert the Bruce was buried in a monastery that rivaled Durham, and although the Stuarts sent the entire court to London in 1603, a rich legacy lives on.
Where to stayLocated in Cairneyhill, four miles west of Dunfermline, Forrester Park Resort is set in 350 acres of parkland and features a gold course. Doubles from £120.
Edinburgh
The royal family spends more time in Edinburgh than anywhere else in the country, especially the Balmoral bar. A Mass of Thanksgiving was held at St Giles’ Cathedral to celebrate the Queen’s coronation, a striking structure that was also part of her final journey from Balmoral to London. The Honors of Scotland (England’s original Crown Jewels), once escaped from Cromwell and presented to Charles at his coronation, are on display in Edinburgh Castle. The royal residence today is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an intoxicating window into royal life.
Where to stay: Balmoral takes its name from a similarly grand Highland castle. Think luxurious public spaces and sumptuous bedrooms. Doubles from £313 – read our review here. Plan the perfect trip to Edinburgh with our guide.
ancient britain
Royal Yacht Britannia, Trip Advisor’s top-rated attraction in the UK, was built in Scotland in 1954 and is currently docked in the Firth of Forth. Step off the tram and wonder around the five decks: visit the State Apartments, examine the engines, peek into the Royal bedrooms and enjoy afternoon tea in the Royal Deck Tea Room.
Where to stay: The Fingal is a luxury cruise hotel docked nearby and its restaurant offers refreshments fit for Britannia’s glory days. Doubles from £300.
‘New Britain’
The Hebridean Princess is the magnificent old little cruise ship that the Queen has twice chartered to sail around her beloved Hebrides instead of Britannia. It sleeps just 48 guests, and Her Majesty’s portrait hangs above the reception (if you’re lucky the crew may talk warmly about their personal Royal encounters). Sailing to the Hebrides with this dame of luxury is the closest ordinary mortals will ever get to traveling with Royalty – and of course they’re stocking up on King Charles’ favorite drama, Laphroaig.
Where to stay: Hebridean Princess offers a range of cruises, with a seven-night Hidden Isles cruise in May starting from £5,880 per person all-inclusive.
Plan the perfect two-week holiday in Scotland with our expert guide.
This story was first published in July 2023 and has been revised and updated.