What's the area like around Balmoral Castle?

Balmoral Castle is located in a welcoming area of Crathie that travelers like for its bars and restaurants. You'll find 5 hotels and other accommodations within a few miles for a convenient home base.

What's the best hotel to stay near Balmoral Castle?

Balmoral Arms is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers a restaurant and free parking. You'll find it 6.7 mi (10.9 km) from Balmoral Castle. Other good choices in the area include The Lodges At Craigendarroch Country Club and Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland .

How many hotels will I find near Balmoral Castle?

Expedia has 5 hotels and other accommodations a few miles from Balmoral Castle.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Balmoral Castle, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most room reservations are refundable if you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to get top deals close to Balmoral Castle.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Balmoral Castle?

For more details about picking new dates or cancelling your stay near Balmoral Castle, click here .

The Best Hotels Closest to Balmoral Castle in Ballater for 2026

Top reasons to visit Balmoral Castle

Guided Tours: Explore the royal history of Balmoral Castle through informative guided tours that provide insight into royal life.
Stunning Gardens: Enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens surrounding the castle, perfect for leisurely strolls.
Outdoor Adventures: Discover waymarked walks and enjoy wildlife watching amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Winter Activities: Experience skiing opportunities nearby during the winter, adding to your adventure.
Charming Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere and explore nearby boutiques and historic sites.

Find great hotels near Balmoral Castle

For a memorable stay near Balmoral Castle, you’ll find a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. From luxury lodges to the charming Balmoral Arms Hotel, options abound for families, adventurers, and those seeking pet-friendly environments. Explore rental cottages and holiday rentals for a more home-like experience, ensuring your visit to this stunning Scottish destination is both comfortable and enjoyable.

Balmoral Arms: Nestled 11km away from Balmoral Castle, the 4-star Balmoral Arms offers a pet-friendly experience for travelers looking to enjoy their vacation with furry companions. With a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, this hotel features essential amenities tailored for pets, including food and water bowls, as well as a clear pet policy to ensure a comfortable stay. The inviting atmosphere combined with thoughtful touches makes it a great choice for those who want to explore the Scottish countryside with their pets by their side.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland: Located 10km from Balmoral Castle, the 3.5-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland is ideal for guests seeking a spa-themed getaway. With a commendable guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, this accommodation provides a full range of spa services, including manicures, body treatments, and a relaxing sauna. The spacious suites and stunning views of the surrounding landscape offer a serene retreat, making it an excellent option for those looking to unwind and rejuvenate during their stay.
The Commercial Hotel: Situated 24km from Balmoral Castle, The Commercial Hotel is a 3-star accommodation with a high guest rating of 9.4 out of 10, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. This hotel offers a variety of exciting recreational activities nearby, including rock climbing, fishing, horse riding, and mountain biking. With a focus on adventure, guests can explore the natural beauty of Scotland while enjoying comfortable lodging, making it a great choice for those seeking thrill and excitement during their visit.

Where to stay near Balmoral Castle

Exploring the area around Balmoral Castle offers a delightful mix of history and natural beauty. Visitors can stroll through charming boutiques in nearby towns, take in the scenic surroundings, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the region. Whether you're seeking adventure or a relaxing getaway, the historic sites and breathtaking landscapes make for an unforgettable vacation experience. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture during your summer holidays.

Ballater: Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Ballater serves as the gateway to Balmoral Castle, making it an essential stop for tourists. This charming town offers a blend of adventure and stunning scenery, attracting visitors year-round, with peak seasons from June to August. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as skiing and golfing, while the breathtaking views of the nearby national parks provide a picturesque backdrop for exploration. Don’t miss the chance to visit local landmarks, including the iconic castle and state parks that showcase the region's natural beauty.
Braemar: A quaint village located just 11km from Balmoral Castle, Braemar is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventures and captivating landscapes. With visitor numbers peaking from July to September, this charming destination offers a variety of activities, including skiing and golfing, set against the stunning backdrop of the national parks. The village is also known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to landmarks that reflect its historical significance, making it a delightful stop for both nature lovers and history buffs.
Crathie: Crathie, a picturesque village that hosts Balmoral Castle, provides a unique blend of culture and romance. With peak visitor numbers occurring from March to April and July, travelers flock to this charming area for its adventure opportunities and scenic beauty. In addition to skiing and shopping, Crathie boasts close proximity to historic sites and national parks, making it a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Scotland’s rich history and natural splendor. Enjoy exploring the serene landscapes that make this region truly special.

Things to do in Balmoral Castle

Shopping

While Balmoral Castle offers some local shops for unique gifts, if you're up for a drive, head to Ballater, where you can explore the charming shops on Deeside. For a broader selection, consider going to Aberdeen, which is about 64km away, featuring various shopping centers and boutiques.

Recreation

At Balmoral Castle, enjoy peaceful walks through the stunning grounds and gardens, immersing yourself in nature. Discover guided tours that delve into the castle's history, and unwind with a picnic amidst picturesque landscapes, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

At Balmoral Castle, explore the expansive grounds with guided walks through lush gardens and scenic trails. Engage in thrilling outdoor activities like mountain biking and hiking in the surrounding Cairngorms National Park, or enjoy a leisurely picnic while taking in the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.

Nightlife

While Balmoral Castle itself doesn't offer nightlife, nearby Ballater features cozy pubs like the Auld Kirk, where you can enjoy local ales. For a relaxed evening, visit the Ballater Golf Club's bar for scenic views and friendly conversation.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Balmoral Castle

Visitors to Balmoral Castle can explore stunning mountains, historic castles, and charming lodges while immersing themselves in the local culture and breathtaking scenery. The area offers a variety of outdoor experiences and is conveniently located near top hotels. For an enriching visit, be sure to check out the castle itself, as well as other attractions just a short drive away, making it a perfect destination for any traveler seeking adventure and history in Scotland.

Lochnagar: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lochnagar, a majestic mountain just 10km from Balmoral Castle. Known for its stunning scenery and adventurous trails, it's an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in nature's splendor.
Braemar Castle: Located 11km away, Braemar Castle offers a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history and culture. With its romantic atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, this historic landmark invites visitors to explore its intriguing past while enjoying the serene landscape.
Mar Lodge Estate: Situated 18km from Balmoral Castle, Mar Lodge Estate welcomes families with its friendly ambiance. Explore the expansive grounds and engage with nature, making it a delightful retreat for those seeking a warm and inviting experience.

Best time to go to Balmoral Castle

The best time to visit Balmoral Castle is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	33.3°F (0.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	34.3°F (1.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	37.2°F (2.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
October	44.8°F (7.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	38.7°F (3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	34.3°F (1.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Balmoral Castle

Traveling to Balmoral Castle is convenient with three major airports nearby. EDInburgh Airport (EDI), located 122km away, offers several excellent hotel options, including the 5-star Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa and the 5.5-star Crescent House, both approximately 11km from the airport. Aberdeen Airport (ABZ), situated 64km from Balmoral, features luxurious hotels like the 5-star Marcliffe and Trump® International Scotland, both within 13km. INVerness Airport (INV), 76km away, has upscale accommodations such as the 5-star Ness Walk and Rocpool Reserve, both 13km from the airport. Each airport provides various transportation services to facilitate your journey to the majestic Balmoral Castle.

Argyle Guest House

10/10 Excellent

"Host was very friendly. I'm not a whisky drinker but the room had a few free drams for you. With proper whisky tasting glasses. Dont really know anywhere that does that. Room was lovely and large. Lovely breakfast. Would defo stay there again"

Coylumbridge Resort Hotel

8/10 Good

"Reception area & bar area were lovely. Bar staff were excellent as was the bar food. We were VERY disappointed in our room in the Annexe. It was extremely small with little space to move between the beds. The Annexe itself was more like a hostel! We couldn’t believe that the room would not be serviced during our stay! The corridor leading to the Annexe was not cleaned for several days. The swimming pool was beautiful & the staff guy on reception was very nice. Our Grandson was very disappointed that the football park was not opened & in a state of disrepair. It was also disappointing that food stopped being served at the Funhouse at 4.30pm & the activities closed at 5 pm at Woodhouse. All in all, especially the room, we feel that we are due some reimbursement for our stay. In anticipation!"

Douneside House

"We stayed in one of the offsite casa style rooms which was perfect for our family (we were parents travelling with two teenagers). Room was clean and had all we needed for our two night stay. We appreciated the afternoon scones and tea in the main hotel. We were surprised that our rooms didn’t have any housekeeping between our first and second nights so I’m not sure if that was part of the casa room service or not but our request for addition towels was taken care of quickly!"

The Boat Inn

"Excellent stay, been here a couple of times now. Food is great - breakfast gives plenty of options for all tastes (full Scottish to granola and fruit). Lunch and dinner and good pub style offerings. Rooms are generally a good size and nicely decorated. Some rooms can be a bit noisy depending on where you are in the property. Rooms downstairs at the front of the boat house ( the building on the other side of the car park to the main building/pub/restaurant) are quieter whereas rooms at the back and upstairs you can hear guests in other rooms."

Hilton Grand Vacations Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside

"We’ve had an excellent stay at Craigendarroch, I can’t really fault anything. Our suite was beautifully decorated, clean and comfortable and very thoughtfully equipped. We also enjoyed use of the pool and had a lovely meal in the Keiller restaurant."

Find hotels near Balmoral Castle, Ballater from ￥33,642

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Our top choices for Balmoral Castle hotels

1. Balmoral Arms

2. Hilton Grand Vacations Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside

3. Cambus o'May Hotel

4. Braeriach - Mar Lodge Estate

5. Dalvorar - Mar Lodge Estate

6. Macdui - Mar Lodge Estate

Top Balmoral Castle Hotel Reviews

Argyle Guest House

Hotels near other Balmoral Castle attractions

Lochnagar

Find out more about Balmoral Castle