King Charles III is set to begin his annual summer break at Balmoral Castle, his cherished retreat nestled in the Scottish Highlands.

With that, the iconic royal residence is preparing to close to the public later this month to ensure privacy for the monarch and his family.

Public Access Winding Down

Since opening on April 1 this year, Balmoral has offered visitors a rare peek into the royal estate. Guests have been able to explore parts of the property, including the historic ballroom and the expansive gardens. But starting August 10, public access will come to a pause, marking the official start of the King’s summer stay.

Until that date, visitors still have time to tour the ballroom—currently showcasing a special exhibition—and take in the serene beauty of the estate’s grounds.

Special Events Before Closure

Before shutting its gates, Balmoral will host two public events on Saturday, August 2: a family day and an open-air cinema experience. These events are part of the estate’s ongoing efforts in recent years to welcome more guests with interactive features and guided tours that celebrate Balmoral’s royal legacy.

For generations, Balmoral has been a peaceful haven for the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II traditionally spent her summers there, enjoying the quiet landscapes of Aberdeenshire. It was also at Balmoral where the late Queen passed away in September 2022, ending her historic 70-year reign.

Following in her footsteps, King Charles is expected to use Balmoral as his personal base throughout the late summer months.

Spanning over 50,000 acres, the estate includes lush forests, flowing rivers, and farmland—making it a perfect setting for rest and outdoor activities. With the castle set to close on August 10, it won’t reopen to tourists until October, when the estate resumes guided tours of the grounds and gardens.

As the summer season winds down, these final days offer one last opportunity for the public to explore Balmoral before the Royal Family arrives. The temporary closure allows them to enjoy uninterrupted time in one of the monarchy’s most beloved and historic private retreats—an estate held by the royals since the days of Queen Victoria.