Postcard from Balmoral Castle: Greetings from Royal Deeside!

Later in the afternoon of the first day of our stay in Braemar, we made our way to Balmoral Castle, located 9 miles west of Braemar. Since we hadn't planned ahead, we didn't purchase any tickets, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that entry to the grounds and gardens was free, apart from the £5 parking fee. Balmoral has been serving as a private residence for the British royal family since the mid-19th century. The castle is nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and the rushing River Dee. Originally purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852, the Balmoral Estate encompasses expansive gardens, woodlands, and manicured grounds, which are open to the public during certain times of the year. It was a delightful end to our day of exploration on our first full day in the Braemar area - Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK