The Gardens
Discover the majestic gardens of Balmoral Castle & Estate
Originally developed under Prince Albert’s keen supervision, these historic and regal gardens are a living piece of history, reflecting generations of royal dedication to preserving and enhancing the natural environment. His Majesty, King Charles III is renowned for his passion for gardening, commitment to sustainability and has played a pivotal role in the gardens’ continued evolution.
HM King Charles III“For me, the magnificent, gloriously apparelled Delphinium, with its impeccable bearing and massed in platoons, holds pride of place in my botanical affections.”
Explore
The Gardens
The charming gardens at Balmoral offer a rare opportunity to witness first-hand the passions of generations of royals.
A testament to nature's beauty and human artistry, Balmoral’s gardens are meticulously maintained by a resolute team of seven expert gardeners who tend to 45 acres of lush grounds across the gardens and golf course.
King Charles III’s influence is evident in the seasonal displays, where vibrant spring bulbs, particularly daffodils herald spring, while summer brings a riot of colour and herbaceous perennials. Autumn’s golden hues are reflected in the majestic trees, and winter’s frost-touched evergreens maintain the garden's allure year-round.
His Majesty has also installed a vibrant and regal display of tree and shrub borders to the main lawn in front of the castle.
Enjoy stunning gardens at Balmoral
The newly opened Thistle Maze, situated within the South Gardens and Celtic Ballroom Maze, created under the guidance of His Majesty the King are a beautiful addition and highlight the new generation of the Royal Family’s focus on sustainability combined with protecting the legacy of Balmoral as a regal and vibrant Highland home.
Queen Mary's Garden
Formal gardens with a Sunken Garden and a fountain, devised between 1923-1925 by Queen Mary have been restructured by His Majesty with an Alpine Terrace featuring delicate alpines for year-round interest.
The gates to this garden bear the monograms CR (Charles Rex) and CR (Camilla Regina), and GR (George Rex) and MR (Mary Regina), with a new low beech hedge, providing structure to the area.
South Gardens
Kitchen Garden with organic vegetables, fruits, and flowers. The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, extended the gardens to incorporate a large kitchen garden, with the fresh produce harvested and used for the Royal Family's summer holiday at Balmoral. His Majesty personally selects varieties of cut flowers and heirloom vegetables and has recently made the addition of a new fruit house for peaches and pears.
Jubilee Conservatory
Built in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, the conservatory is used to display a variety of different flowers and pot plants. His Majesty King Charles III plans to use the glass house for themed flower displays for the public to enjoy.
The Jubilee Conservatory is adorned with an inscription above the door reading “One is nearer God’s heart in a garden, than anywhere else on earth.”
Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Conservatory“One is nearer God’s heart in a garden, than anywhere else on earth.”
Formal Gardens
Three-acre gardens with glasshouses and a conservatory that are designed to be in full flower between August and October for the Royal Visit.
Water garden
Located in the trees between Garden Cottage and the West Drive were formulated by the former Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
Sustainability
From field to fork
A fully sustainable operation, the produce grown in the South Gardens is not only visually beautiful, but serves a practical purpose, too. The produce is fully organic with no chemicals or pesticides used, which helps to support Balmoral’s biodiversity efforts and attract pollinators like bees and birds.
These high-quality ingredients are used to create the Royal Family’s favourite dishes during the Court and bejewel the castle with flowers. Any excess is used in the castle’s restaurant to create delicious soups, sandwiches and Afternoon Tea and Private Dining experiences celebrate the garden’s lush bounty.
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