Royals open Balmoral Castle to extensive public tours for first time

The public, usually limited to seeing the ballroom and grounds, will see rooms including the king’s study. Photograph: AJB/Alamy

The royal family is opening the doors of Balmoral Castle to the public from Monday and giving extensive tours for the first time in more than 170 years.

Visitors will be able to take a guided tour of a number of rooms in the Aberdeenshire castle, such as the entrance hall, red corridor, main and family dining rooms, page’s lobby, library and drawing room.