It was once thought to be Queen Elizabeth’s favourite retreat, but public opinion seems to be divided over Balmoral’s charms.
The Aberdeenshire castle, which was purchased as a royal residence in 1852, welcomed tourists for the first time this summer.
Between 1 July and 4 August, general admission was available for £60 per person, while 45-minute guided tours (which were restricted to six per day) cost £100, or £150 with afternoon tea.
The castle closed its doors again ahead of King Charles’ summer vacation on August 19.
But while some of those who managed to get a ticket described the experience as “worth it” and “absolutely stunning”, others were less impressed.
Balmoral, which was purchased as a royal residence in 1852, welcomed tourists for the first time this summer.
King Charles III at the gates of Balmoral on August 19
Writing online, one visitor named Helen, who opted for the afternoon tea option, complained that her visit was “disappointing and overrated”.
Another gave it a one-star rating on Tripadvisor, saying the trip had been “a bargain,” before adding: “If you’re on a budget, go somewhere else.”
Several people travelled hundreds of miles to the Scottish Highlands mistakenly thinking their £60 tickets included the exclusive tour, which sold out within hours in April.
However, those who managed to obtain one of the coveted tickets said the guided tour, which took in seven rooms of the castle’s private chambers, had been “amazing”.