Inveraray Castle Inveraray

Inveraray Castle is the seat of the Clan Campbell, the Duke of Argyll. Although the design of the castle dates back to 1720 when Sir John Vanbrugh designed it, it was the Roger Morris and William Adam who developed the design. They oversaw the beginning of the construction of the castle in 1746 and the building was completed in 1789. This castle stands on the original site of the village of Inveraray. When Alexander Campbell decided to build this castle, he had the village demolished and rebuilt a mile away.

Only a portion of the castle is open to the public and visitors are not permitted to bring any video equipment or cameras inside with them. This is a remarkable architectural structure featuring details of the Baroque, Palladian and Gothic styles. It boasts four imposing towers and was the first Scottish castle of its kind to be built in such a remote area.

When you enter the ground floor of Inveraray Castle, you will get a fascinating look into the history of the ancestral homes of the Scottish royalty. Even though the Entrance Hall is quite grand, the opulence of the State dining room is breathtaking. See the Beauvais tapestry wall hangings in the tapestry room and the display of porcelain from China and Europe in the China Turret. Marvel at the display of arms in the Armoury room and the many fine paintings on the walls of the salon. There are also more artefacts on display in the basement and on the first floor. Visitors are not permitted above the first floor, as the rest of the castle is the family’s living quarters.

Tour the gardens of Inveraray Castle, which will take you quite some time. Most of the grounds consist of woodland and park areas, but there are two magnificent gardens. The borders on either side of the main path are cut in the shape of St. Andrew’s Cross, the national flag of Scotland. Here you will see many types of blooming flowers arranged so that as one flower goes out of season another blooms in its place.

Inveraray Castle offers a wide range of activities in addition to sightseeing. There are many places where you can engage in fishing for salmon and trout. Walking is a very popular activity with nature trails through the woodlands allowing you to glimpse the abundant wildlife. Inveraray also has a nine-hole golf course and if you want to spend some time in the area, you can go boating on Loch Fyne. The Inveraray Jail is also a major tourist attraction in the town of Inveraray.

Inveraray Castle is open to the public from April to October from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday it is only open in the afternoon. You won’t have any difficulty arriving in Inveraray or reaching the castle. Along the M74, you follow the signs for Glasgow Centre and take the A82 and the A83 to take you to Inveraray. There are also buses that travel this route from Glasgow and the trip only takes about an hour and a half.

It will not be difficult to arrange accommodations with the wide range of self-catering cottages, bed and breakfasts and hotels, all within close proximity of Inveraray Castle. The scenery is something that will stay with you for quite a while and when your memory starts to dim, you can refresh it with the many photos you took while you were here. Drop into the tearoom at the castle and pick up a few souvenirs at the castle gift shop to take home to your friends and family.

Opening Times
April/May & October
During these months the Castle is open on Mondays - Thursdays & Saturdays from 10.00 – 13.00 and in the afternoon from 14.00 – 17.45

On Sundays the Castle is open afternoons only, from 13.00 - 17.45

Last Admission: 12.30 & 17.00

Closed on Fridays

Admission
2006 Admission Prices

Adults £6.30
Senior Citizens £5.20
Students (on production of student card) £5.20
Children (under 16) £4.10
Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 or more children) .. £17.00

With thanks to: Jennifer Sewell

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