Self Catering Holiday Accommodation in Inveraray, Argyll, Scotland

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Attractions and activities in Inveraray and area.

Photos of some of the attractions can be found on the gallery page.
For a map of the wider area click here (maps do not cover all attractions)


Local visitor attractions include:

1) Inveraray Castle
At the northern edge of the town of Inveraray, the castle is, unlike many in Scotland, in good condition, having been rebuilt in the 18th century. Don't miss the Armoury Hall with a wide range of weapons including pikes (no, not the fish!), claymores (big old Scottish swords!), targes (shields) and so forth.

2) Inveraray Jail
Museum dedicated to prison life in the 19th Century; Inveraray Jail, near the centre of the town, won the European Museum of the Year Award. The Jail consists of an old prison and new prison together with a courthouse. Tableaus of figures and guides dressed in period costume show you the reality of prison life in 19th Century Scotland. There is also an exhibition of torture in Scotland (some ideas for keeping the kids in order?) at the Jail.

3) Auchindrain Highland Township
South west of Inveraray (take the A38 south) is Auchindrain Folklife Museum, an open air museum of farming life. Wander through stone cottages with thatched roofs to catch a glimpse of how farming families lived in the past.

4) Crarae Gardens
Beautiful woodland garden further south-west (A38) of Inveraray than Auchindrain. Trees and shrubs from all over the temperate world thrive in the superb setting of a natural highland glen.

5) Kilmartin House Museum, standing stones and cairns
The Museum of Ancient Culture was awarded the "Scottish Museum of the Year" in 1998. Over 5,000 years of human history are traced across the Kilmartin Valley. At least 150 prehistoric sites lie within 6 miles of the quiet village of Kilmartin

6) Cruachan – the hollow mountain
Power station visitor centre. Cruachan is situated on the banks of Loch Awe (take the A819 north). One of only four pumped-storage facilities in Britain, Cruachan is owned and operated by ScottishPower. It was constructed during the early 1960's and was officially opened on October 15th 1965 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Power Station is built deep into the heart of Ben Cruachan. The only visible evidence of its existence is the high Storage Dam on the slopes of Ben Cruachan and the Administration Office block beside Loch Awe.

7) Ardkinglas Gardens
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden can be enjoyed through all seasons, but the most spectacular time is early summer. Take the A38 north east out from the town and follow it round the head of Loch Fyne. This garden is featured in the new BBC2 series Flying Gardeners.

8) Loch Fyne Oyster Bar & Tree Shop
Famous for its wonderful Scottish fare. The seafood shop is open from 8.30 am to 8 pm in summer. Winter Hours open from 9 am (closing times vary) Food is served in the restaurant throughout the day. The menu includes shellfish and smoked fish along with white fish dishes, Scotch beef steaks and a vegetarian option, home made dessert and Scottish Cheese. The Tree Shop offers wide range of indigenous and exotic trees. It also has a large selection of rhododendrons, azaleas and unusual shrubs and carries a large stock of quality British made woodwork.

9) The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower was erected by the 10th Duke as a memorial to Campbells who had died in war. Climb up the bell tower for a good view of the loch.

10) Arctic Penguin Maritime Museum
The Arctic Penguin is on the pier at Inveraray. The museum collection is displayed aboard the Arctic Penguin, a three-masted sailing schooner built in 1911. The ship is an excellent example of a riveted iron vessel from the period of the Titanic and the exhibition relates to the maritime history of the River Clyde and the West Coast of Scotland.

11) Argyll Wildlife Park
Over 50 acres of woods and natural habitats, situated alongside Loch Fyne, only 2 miles from town on the A83 towards Lochgilphead . Animals to see include wildcats, badgers, red foxes, silver foxes, red deer, fallow deer, wild goats, white wallabies, bennett red neck wallabies, monkeys, racoons and chipmunks.

12) Mount Stuart House
One of the most spectacular houses of the 19th century sited on the accessible and unspoilt island of Bute, to the south west.

Activities available locally include:

13) Fishing: - fishing is available on Loch Awe (take the A819 north)

14) Swimming Pool: Swimming pool, Steam room, Sauna & Spa Pool available at Loch Fyne Hotel, Inveraray

15) Golf: Inveraray Golf Club has a 9-hole course

16) Riding, Cycling and Shooting: Mountain Bikes and Clay Pigeon Shooting are available at Argyll Riding & Activities, Brenfield Estate & Farm. Located to the south west - follow the A83 south - just past Lochgilphead.

The town is is close to mountains offering breathtaking views to cyclists, climbers and walkers.

There is a Tourist Information Centre situated in the centre of Inveraray (only 5 minutes walk from the flat) - which can provide further details about local attractions and activities. The Scottish Tourist Board website has information for visitors to all parts of Scotland. If you need someone to guide you round on your visit, the owner of Arkland is a fully qualified Scottish Tour Guide.

You may also find the Inveraray guide helpful for local information.

Scotsmart is useful for finding things in or about Scotland more generally. This directory lists all sorts of Scottish things - if you want to find a genealogist to trace your family history, find a haggis supplier (or, on the opposite side, the save the haggis campaign), where to buy a a kilt, find that elusive bit of bagpipe music or a site with information about your clan ... try this directory.

If you're interested in visiting distilleries during your stay in Scotland to find out how the "water of life" (whisky) is made, then Kathy (the owner of Arkland) is just the person to sort out your arrangements - visit friskywhisky for more information.
For information about general tours with Kathy, go to the Scottish Tour guide pages.