Balmoral Castle

Queen Elizabeth II's summer residence in Scotland (7mi/11.2km from Braemar) has come to embody the Neo-baronial style of the Victorian era. The estate was first mentioned in documents in 1484 and, after Queen Victoria bought it in 1852, she commissioned the Aberdeen architect William Smith to implement plans drawn up by her husband Prince Albert. Inside the castle, the Ballroom with its paintings and other objets d'art and also a collection of coaches are open to the public, but only when the royal family are not in residence.

The extensive parkland is ideal for a relaxing stroll.