Since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert began the royal tradition of holidaying every summer at Balmoral Castle, the area along the River Dee has earned the title ‘Royal Deeside’. The Castle is still home to the current royal family during the summer months. The Royal Deeside Railway, once a transport link for the Monarch now offers trips on their steam and diesel services.
Located in Aberdeenshire, Royal Deeside refers to an area along the River Dee, around Braemar and Ballater. The area was given its ‘Royal’ title when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with Balmoral Castle, and began holidaying there every summer; a tradition that has been continued through the royal line, with the current Royal Family still visiting the area every year. The Royal Deeside Railway used to serve the British Monarchs and their families as transportation to and from Balmoral, and now offers diesel and steam services which run short trips up and down the line.