Balmoral Castle

For some years now I have been wanting to visit Balmoral Castle, and finally we were in the neighbourhood and as the estate is only open 4 months of the year to the public we were in luck. The existing castle and lands was purchase in 1852 by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Albert designed and had the a new castle built as a Royal Residence which was completed in 1856, and expanded to more than 260 square kilometres in total.

Although we didn't get to go into the castle, we were able to walk around the estate and go through the ball room. I can see why the royal family come here, it is so peaceful it must be great for them to be able to get away each year. Although the roses weren't out yet you could tell spring was in the air, buds on the trees, squirrels running around the forest floor.