Balmoral Castle issues 'stay safe' message as royal residences announce 'closure'
Balmoral Castle has announced that it will be closed for the rest of the month
Balmoral Castle, King Charles’ beloved Scottish residence, has confirmed that it will remain closed to the public until January 28, 2026. But this time, not because of the weather.
After a weekend of icy conditions and two consecutive days of public closure, Balmoral Castle announced an extended winter break from visitors.
A return date has been set for late January.
Royal residence will remain closed until late January
The castle’s official website now states, “Explore the gardens, admire the castle, or immerse yourself in the estate’s natural beauty, and discover the timeless charm of Balmoral. Open from 10:00 until 16:00 on certain dates from late January until late March.”
Visitors were also informed of a free general admission period during that time. This will give guests access to the estate’s grounds, Mews Gift Shop, and restaurant.
The estate’s social media accounts echoed the update alongside a breathtaking photo of the castle bathed in snow.
“The grounds, gift shop, and restaurant at Balmoral Castle are now closed to the public and will reopen on Wednesday, 28 January 2026,” they wrote.
“From then on, we’ll be open Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00–16:00, until Sunday, 22 March. As the snow continues to fall here at Balmoral, we hope you’re all keeping warm and staying safe!”
The temporary winter closure comes after the estate was forced to shut its doors on Saturday, 3 January and Sunday, 4 January due to an active weather warning.
“Balmoral remains closed to the public today (Saturday 3 January) due to winter weather conditions and an active weather warning,” the estate shared at the time.
A follow-up note on Sunday confirmed, “Balmoral will remain closed to the public on Sunday, 4 January. All Sunday lunch booking deposits will be refunded.”
The public was advised to follow updates via Balmoral’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Sandringham Estate issues weather warning
As the Scottish winter intensifies, King Charles is spending time at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk, having hosted the royal family over the Christmas holidays.
The monarch and Queen Camilla led the traditional Christmas Day walkabout at St Mary Magdalene Church, where they greeted well-wishers.
But now, Sandringham is also feeling the chill. On Monday, January 5, the estate posted a warning on Instagram Stories.
“Due to the current weather conditions, we may close the Courtyard facilities early today,” they wrote. “The Children’s Play Area is closed until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”
The update coincided with a yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office. The warning forecasted scattered snow showers and icy patches across eastern England and parts of Scotland. The alert was in effect from Monday evening into Tuesday morning.
Despite the frosty forecast, the king and queen made their first public appearance of the year on Sunday. The couple attended a service on the Sandringham estate.
Charles bundled up in a brown wool coat and gloves. Meanwhile, Camilla wore a cream jacket and a faux-fur hat.
They were seen speaking warmly with locals. At one point, Charles knelt down to chat with a young boy on a red tricycle.
The royal couple spent the holidays hosting senior royals at Sandringham House, including Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children.
On 28 December, Charles was also joined at church by Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Peter Phillips with his fiancée, Harriet Sperling.
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