Would love some opinions on the best way to spend one of our days in Scotland. We will be leaving Inverness to drive to St. Andrews and are trying to decide whether we should stop at Balmoral along the way, or instead we could head straight to Glamis for the Strathmore Highland Games and spend the day there before heading to St. Andrews for the night. Thanks!
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1450 posts
Balmoral is open to view from April to July. Check calendar dates available as some are taken over by special events. I think it would be well worth it if it is on your way. Strathmore Highland Games are Sunday June 9th 2024. On the other hand, the games are only one day and gates open at 10am with games staring at Noon, I might get there early. Unless you have a golf reservation you can go the St. Andrews afterwards. P.S. If it were me if would probably pick the Games, though it will be very crowded. If you don't want that; Balmoral is very scenic. Book your tickets online.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Yes, the day we will be going to either Balmoral or the Strathmore games is June 9th. We will not have the time to do both, so I am wondering which would be the better choice.
Posted by
Banchory, Scotland
268 posts
Unless you are an ardent royalist or Balmoral is on a bucket list for you then I'd miss it altogether and go the the games instead.
There's not much to see inside at Balmoral although landscaping is taking place to improve the visitor experience outside in the grounds and gardens. The planting work being undertaken will take a few years to mature to be seen at its best. As far as I am aware the only room you get to see in the castle proper is the ballroom which has been the case for decades. There are a couple of small exhibitions in the stables area but much of what they tell you can be read on-line at your leisure.
Work is currently taking place to extend the cafeteria but when I was at Balmoral for a walk in the grounds a couple of weeks ago this did not look to me as though it would be complete by 9 June.
Posted by
SoCal
322 posts
One more vote for seeing the Highland Games. Balmoral is viewable only from the road, and not a very good view. Highland Games are a hoot.