King Charles is set to open his Balmoral garden to the public, including a maze with Thistle designs and impressive exhibits

King Charles is set to unveil his latest gardening work at Balmoral Castle in just a matter of weeks. 

A site loved by the late Queen Elizabeth, Balmoral Castle, situated in the Highlands, has been the Scottish home of the Royals since the mid-1800s.

The castle gardens have been improved and expanded by various Royals over time. King Charles is set to reveal the renovated Balmoral Gardens to the public on April 1, 2025.

A statement issued by the castle read: ‘From Tuesday April 1 to Sunday August 10, you can explore our grounds, gardens, exhibitions, and more. 

Visitors will get to explore the exciting changes made by HM The King, such as the Thistle maze, the Celtic maze garden, and new plantings of trees, shrubs, and topiary.

Additionally, in 2025, the Ballroom will host an exhibition that continues the garden theme. It will highlight the history of Balmoral Castle’s gardens spanning 170 years and offer insight into HM King Charles III’s future vision.

While the gardens are yet to open for a few weeks, King Charles’s Scottish-themed maze at the site, only the second Royal maze in 300 years, is already open to the public.

It features trees sprouting several feet skywards and a mini castle tower and has been constructed directly in front of the castle near its iconic Garden Cottage.

And in a particularly classy touch, the maze’s gates have been specifically designed to reflect the initials of King Charles and Queen Camilla. 

A site loved by the late Queen Elizabeth, Balmoral Castle, situated in the Highlands, has been the Scottish home of the Royals since the mid-1800s

The site’s newly-renovated gardens are set to open to tourists on April 1 fresh with the Thistle maze and the Celtic maze garden

King Charles has been involved in a number of gardening projects

‘His Majesty’s decision to open parts of the Estate and Castle Grounds for much of the year marks a remarkable evolution into a new era, guided by the spirit of openness, sustainability, and heritage,’ reads the estate’s website. 

‘While remaining true to Balmoral’s legacy as a cherished Royal home, the castle and estate have never been more welcoming. Visitors now have the chance to explore areas inside the castle, as well as immerse themselves in the estate’s abundant wildlife, rich culture, and masterful craftsmanship.

‘Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, are thoughtfully considering the entire estate and its impact on the local community. Their dedicated investment is fostering opportunities in rural Scotland, playing a significant role in sustaining the Highlands.’ 

King Charles himself highlighted his deep commitment to preserving the Caledonian Forest in the Scottish Highlands, saying: ‘For me, one of the most precious, and almost sacred, parts of the countryside around Balmoral is an area of ancient woodland which forms one of the few remnants of the great Caledonian forest that used to cover much of the Highlands.

‘The fact that this part of it still exists at Balmoral is entirely due to the intervention of my great-great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.’

The new site at Balmoral is not the King’s first experience of maze designing, however, he was too involved in the creation of the first Royal maze in three centuries at Dumfries House in Ayrshire. 

The then Prince’s Foundation, now King’s Foundation – which is headquartered at the stately home which Charles saved for the nation – took on the project nine years ago.

Inspired by memories of his childhood, Charles wanted to create the green puzzle north of the border.

The monarch donned a kilt for his visit to the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen a couple of weeks ago 

Taking the time to speak to the D-Day veteran, the King leans down to shake Jim Glennie’s hand

He instructed gardeners to construct the 6ft high maze and personally oversaw the project personally. 

The hedge puzzle even has a Japanese-style pagoda for reflection at its centre as well as obelisks and statues.

Indeed, the estate highlighted The King’s ‘passion for gardening’ and his ‘commitment to sustainability.’

The estate added: ‘The charming gardens at Balmoral offer a rare opportunity to witness first-hand the passions of generations of royals.

‘A testament to nature’s beauty and human artistry, Balmoral’s gardens are meticulously maintained by a resolute team of seven expert gardeners who tend to 45 acres of lush grounds across the gardens and golf course.

‘King Charles III’s influence is evident in the seasonal displays, where vibrant spring bulbs, particularly daffodils herald spring, while summer brings a riot of colour and herbaceous perennials. Autumn’s golden hues are reflected in the majestic trees, and winter’s frost-touched evergreens maintain the garden’s allure year-round.

‘His Majesty has also installed a vibrant and regal display of tree and shrub borders to the main lawn in front of the castle.

‘The newly opened Thistle Maze, situated within the South Gardens and Celtic Ballroom Maze, created under the guidance of His Majesty the King are a beautiful addition and highlight the new generation of the Royal Family’s focus on sustainability combined with protecting the legacy of Balmoral as a regal and vibrant Highland home.’