Balmoral to stage more tours after tickets sell out

THE success of the King opening up the interior of his private Scottish retreat to the public for the first time has led to even more tickets being released today.

The initial tranche sold out in less than 24 hours in April, with £140,000 worth of tickets snapped up. The Balmoral website at one point crashed due to the demand.

Last night the castle said additional tour dates would be released at 9am today. Only a small number of people will enjoy a guided tour inside Balmoral Castle as just 300 tickets will be available at £100 each.

Announcing the tours last month, the estate said: ‘For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with our experienced guides. They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle.

‘You will learn about the origins of the castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal Family.

‘Travel through time from the purchase of Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the castle are used today by their Majesties the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family.’

The additional tour dates are between July 8 and August 4.

Last month it was announced that only 40 tickets will be issued each day and cost £150 if an afternoon tea is included. There are no tea tickets in the latest release.

It is described as an ‘adult only experience’. The normal adult admission is £17.50 – but that excludes the new interior tour.