Royal fans divided over Balmoral guided tours after complaining £60 experience was 'disappointing and overrated' - but others describe day trip as 'well worth doing' and 'absolutely stunning'

It was believed to be Queen Elizabeth's favourite retreat, but it seems public opinion is divided on the delights of Balmoral.

The Aberdeenshire castle – which was bought as a royal residence in 1852 – welcomed tourists for the first time this summer.

Between July 1 and August 4, general access was available for £60 a head, while 45-minute guided tours – which were restricted to six a day – cost £100, or £150 with afternoon tea.

The castle shut its doors again ahead of King Charles's summer holiday on August 19.

But while some of those who managed to snap up a ticket described the experience as 'well worth doing' and 'absolutely stunning', others were less impressed.

Balmoral – which was bought as a royal residence in 1852 – welcomed tourists for the first time this summer

King Charles III outside the gates of Balmoral on August 19

Writing online, a visitor called Helen, who went for the afternoon tea option, complained her visit was 'disappointing and overrated'.

Another gave it a one-star review on Tripadvisor, saying the trip had been 'a King's ransom', before adding: 'If you're on a budget, go somewhere else.' 

Several people drove hundreds of miles to the Scottish Highlands under the misapprehension that their £60 tickets included the exclusive tour, which sold out in hours in April.

However, those who did manage to get one of the prized tickets said the guided tour, which spanned seven rooms in the castle's private quarters, had been 'amazing'.