Balmoral Castle and Buckingham Palace are launching new visitor experiences this summer.

It was recently announced that both royal residences will offer guided tours of previously unseen areas.

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Balmoral Castle has been regarded as the summer residence of the royal family since it was built in 1855. It will now open its doors to the public, marking a historic moment.

While the castle holds happy memories, it also carries the weight of tragedy, particularly the deaths of Princess Diana in 1997 and Queen Elizabeth in 2022.

A guided tour of the interior of the castle promises an intimate exploration, allowing visitors, for the first time, access to areas beyond the ballroom. These exclusive tours will run from 1 July to 4 August and are limited to 10 people at a time, giving you a unique glimpse into royal life.

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace, which has been a popular attraction since its fundraising reopening in 1993, is now launching new sections for public viewing.

The East Wing, where King’s Christmas broadcast will be filmed in December 2023, will open for the first time this summer.

After five years of extensive restoration work, the palace will be open seven days a week in July and August, returning to five days in September.

Despite Buckingham Palace’s importance as the administrative center of the monarchy, it is undergoing extensive renovations, expected to be completed in 2027, with King Charles and Queen Camilla living elsewhere in the meantime.