Inveraray Castle
Moving over to Argyll, this fairy-tale castle with its iconic pointed towers is the seat of the Duke of Argyll. It sits on the shores of Loch Fyne in the town of Inveraray, with the postcode PA32 8XE.
What to Expect and Enjoy
This castle feels like it has been plucked straight from a Disney movie. It is famous for its unique green-grey stone and beautiful symmetry.
- The Armoury Hall: As you enter, you’re greeted by a room with walls covered in hundreds of muskets and bayonets arranged in decorative patterns. It’s incredibly striking.
- The State Rooms: These are surprisingly bright and colourful, filled with French tapestries and priceless furniture. You might recognise some of the rooms from the TV show Downton Abbey, as they filmed a Christmas special here!
- The Gardens: There are 16 acres of formal gardens and woodland. The “Borders” are world-famous for their rhododendrons and azaleas, which look spectacular in the spring.
- Dun Na Cuaiche Walk: For the active visitors, there is a steep, zig-zagging path that leads to a watchtower on the hill behind the castle. The view from the top overlooking the castle and the loch is one of the best in Scotland.
Best For and Time Spent
This is perfect for couples, seniors, and older families. While younger kids will enjoy the gardens and the hill walk, the castle itself is quite formal.
- Duration: Most people spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the house and gardens.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit
- Parking: There is free parking on-site for visitors, which is very convenient as the main town car parks can get busy.
- Food & Drink: The Castle Tearoom is lovely and serves high-quality Scottish treats like scones and soups. It’s not cheap, but the setting is beautiful.
- Savings: They offer family tickets and discounts for seniors and students. Note that this castle is privately owned, so National Trust memberships usually don’t apply here.
- Season: The castle is generally open from April through to October. It usually closes for the winter, so always check if you’re visiting in the “off-season.”
Nearby and Combine-able Hits
You are right next to the town of Inveraray You can walk from the castle to the Inveraray Jail, which is a brilliant interactive museum where you can experience a 19th-century courtroom and prison.