Royal fans react to Balmoral tours: Stunning or overrated experience?

Balmoral Castle, located in Aberdeenshire, opened its doors to tourists for the first time this summer, from July 1 to August 4. General access tickets were priced at £60, while guided tours, limited to six per day, cost £100 or £150 with afternoon tea. The castle, purchased as a royal residence in 1852, is known to be a favorite retreat of Queen Elizabeth. However, the public's reaction to the tours has been mixed. Some visitors praised the experience, describing it as 'well worth doing' and 'absolutely stunning.' Those who secured tickets for the guided tours reported an 'amazing' experience, exploring seven rooms in the castle's private quarters. In contrast, others expressed disappointment, with one visitor, Helen, labeling her afternoon tea visit as 'disappointing and overrated.' Negative reviews also emerged on platforms like Tripadvisor, where one visitor criticized the high cost, calling it 'a King's ransom' and advising budget-conscious travelers to seek alternatives. Many visitors traveled long distances, only to find that their £60 tickets did not include the exclusive guided tours, which had sold out quickly in April. The castle closed again ahead of King Charles's summer holiday on August 19, leaving many to reflect on the divided opinions regarding the tours. While some found the experience enriching, others felt it did not meet their expectations, highlighting the challenges of catering to diverse visitor preferences.