A Mind-Blowing Tour of Queen Elizabeth II's Many Castles

Balmoral Castle is the queen's private residence in Scotland. It was the favorite retreat of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who spent a great deal of time there after the death of her own husband, Prince Albert.

Today, Balmoral is where the queen and Prince Philip spend a month in the late Summer. Their extended family journeys to Scotland to join for part of the lengthy holiday.

The queen, who loves the outdoors, has long enjoyed the riding, walking, and picnicking possible at Balmoral. When the queen is not in residence, the gardens are open to the public, if the weather permits.