The Fife Arms Hotel earned two Michelin keys last year for offering ‘extraordinary experiences’ and celebrating Scottish culture
A luxury Scottish hotel is set to offer private tours of Balmoral Castle, giving guests an exclusive glimpse inside the Royal Family’s summer retreat.
The Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, has become a favourite among A-listers, with stars such as Dame Judi Dench, singer Rita Ora, and Cold Feet actor James Nesbitt among its high-profile visitors.
The five-star Victorian coaching inn, just a 15-minute drive from Balmoral, has also welcomed members of the Royal Family over the years.
Queen Camilla was spotted at the venue last year to celebrate the launch of her son Tom Parker-Bowles’ book, Cooking and the Crown: Royal Recipes from Queen Victoria to King Charles III.
King Charles also visited the hotel in 2019, when he was Prince of Wales, alongside Camilla. The royal couple attended a special event following the hotel’s extensive refurbishment, where Charles unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.
King Charles first opened Balmoral Castle to the public last year, part of his efforts to make the monarchy more accessible while raising funds for the upkeep of the Royal Family’s historic residences, Scottish Daily Express reported.
This summer’s tours, led by Palace staff, have already sold out despite the £110 ticket price. In 2024, the castle hosted 40 tours per day, generating nearly £200,000.
On top of that, the estate welcomes around 75,000 visitors between May and August each year, bringing in an additional £500,000. Running Balmoral reportedly costs the Royal Family around £3million annually, with £1million spent on staff alone.
Now, visitors eager to step inside the royal retreat have another option, as one of Scotland’s most exclusive hotels is offering a premium alternative.
The Fife Arms in Braemar, owned by Manuela and Iwan Wirth of the Hauser & Wirth art empire, is launching exclusive private tours of Balmoral for its guests. Taking place on select dates in June, July, and early August, the experience starts at £550 per person.
The tour includes a private viewing of the castle’s interiors and a guided walk with the hotel’s Ghillie team, showcasing the Grampian mountains, which have been a cherished royal escape for nearly 200 years.
Guests booking on certain days can also opt for a three-course meal at the hotel’s sister restaurant, the Fish Shop in Ballater, adding an extra touch of luxury to their visit.
The hotel’s private tours include a transfer through the scenic landscapes of Royal Deeside to Balmoral, where visitors will be taken on a guided journey through the castle’s grand rooms. These spaces, still used by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other members of the Royal Family, provide an intimate glimpse into royal life.
On its website, the hotel writes: “Originally purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, our guests have been granted exclusive access to private guided tours of the Castle during the summer opening period.
“Enjoy a private transfer from the Fife Arms through the spectacular scenery of Royal Deeside to Balmoral, where you will be treated to a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within the Castle, offering an up-close look at royal life.
“During your visit, discover the history of the castle and how it has been cherished by generations of the Royal Family, from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to the present day, where rooms within the Castle are still used by Their Majesties The King and Queen, as well as other members of the Royal Family.”
For those looking to indulge further, the hotel’s Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded sister restaurant, the Fish Shop in Ballater, offers dishes such as crab crumpets, Macduff lobster tagliarini with chilli, garlic, and chervil, and Cape Wrath oysters. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a Champagne afternoon tea back at the hotel.
The Fife Arms has become a magnet for A-list visitors, with Barbie star Margot Robbie reportedly purchasing a cottage in the area after staying at the hotel.
Rachael Henley, general manager at the Fife Arms, said: “Our ‘Bonnie Royal Experience’ offers guests a unique opportunity to explore the magnificent Balmoral Castle.”
