Balmoral Castle took to Instagram today to clarify not everything has shut down ahead of King Charles III’s annual summer retreat.
The estate’s main grounds, gardens, restaurant and exhibitions closed their doors to the public earlier this week, as confirmed in a separate social media announcement on Monday.
However, the clarification made clear the Main Gate Gift Shop and Terrace Café continue to welcome visitors daily between 10am and 4pm throughout August and September, as the rest of the estate remains shut.
The Instagram post highlighted the café’s current menu, which features burgers, ciabattas, soup and bacon rolls, complemented by an assortment of cakes and sweet treats.
It could be a rather appealing pit stop for anyone exploring Royal Deeside this summer.
The post read: “If you’re travelling to the area or simply passing by, we invite you to come and say hello, browse our wide selection of gifts and enjoy a refreshment at the gates of Balmoral.”
Since inheriting the castle from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, the King took the unprecedented step of opening Balmoral’s interior to paying visitors.
The initiative proved a sell-out triumph in 2024, prompting His Majesty to continue offering tours in the years since.
During the public opening window, guests are granted access to five rooms within the iconic residence.
These include the Entrance Hall, the Red Corridor, the Library, the Family Dining Room and the Drawing Room – all spaces the Royal Family still use regularly.
The library holds particular significance, serving as the King’s personal study whenever he is in residence at the Scottish estate.
The estate’s social media channels initially confirmed the seasonal closure on August 9, thanking the thousands who had explored the grounds during the 2026 season and noting that the Exclusively Highlands Artisan Market would return on November 6, 7 and 8.
King Charles has already commenced his Scottish visit, currently residing at the Castle of Mey before making his way to Balmoral in the coming days.
Once he arrives, King Charles and Queen Camilla will serve as hosts to fellow members of the Royal Family, who traditionally gather at the Aberdeenshire residence for several weeks of relaxation away from public duties.
The royal tradition of retreating to the Highlands each summer stretches back generations, originating during Queen Victoria’s reign. Her consort, Prince Albert, acquired the castle and its surrounding 7,000 acres in 1845, establishing what would become one of the monarchy’s most treasured customs.
Situated along the River Dee in Aberdeenshire, the 50,000-acre estate has drawn successive generations of royals seeking respite from the demands of public life.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News the Castle will always be “special” for the Royal Family because it is where they can “have privacy”.
