A Day Trip & Adventure Around Inveraray Castle

A Visit To An Iconic Castle, Inveraray Castle

Overlooking Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle is one of our favourite Scottish castles, located just a short walk from our Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa. As the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Inveraray Castle has a rich and colourful history, and is a must-see attraction when visiting Inveraray and the west of Scotland.

We recommend exploring the inside of the castle before heading outside to discover the beautiful grounds and gardens.

Inveraray Castle Interiors

The interior of the castle dates back to 1746, and has 13 fascinating rooms to explore. From the impressive Armoury Hall on the ground floor, to the historic kitchen in the basement.

On the ground floor, you can discover the Armoury Hall, State Dining Room, and The Saloon. When you enter the Armoury Hall, you will find a magnificent collection of over 1300 weapons including pikes, muskets and swords that have been preserved from the Battle of Culloden. One of the most interesting aspects of this spectacular room is that it is home to the highest ceiling in Scotland. The weapons on display were all used between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries and have been preserved as treasures to showcase the Campbell Clan’s contribution to British history.

The State Dining Room and Drawing Room contain stunning French Beauvais tapestries that were woven exclusively for the castle, as well as unique furniture and artwork from across Britain and France. In addition to the amazing artwork that lines the walls of the castle, the priceless collection of family heirlooms, spanning many generations, are on display throughout the Clan Room in an intriguing genealogical exhibit.

The final room on the ground floor, The Saloon, is a room that was created for the Duke’s relaxation. At the time of residence, the decor of this room was very modern and was used to entertain guests with games, food and music. The walls of this room are filled with family portraits that keep a watchful eye over the castle’s guests!

When you make your way up to the first floor, you will find The Gallery, Clan Room and various bedrooms that all boast family history and artwork. And if you love a spooky story, it is said that there are multiple ghosts that occupy the upper floor, including a floating ship, the ‘Grey Lady’, and a murdered harpist!

Finally, the kitchen, which has not been used since the 1950s is situated in the basement and boasts seven fireplaces. The display shows the methods of cooking once used in the castle kitchen and a unique collection of pots, pans and crockery that date back to the Victorian, Edwardian and pre-war eras. When exploring the basement, you can also take a break from history to wander through the castle gift shop, or grab a coffee or bite to eat from the tearoom.

Inveraray Castle Gardens & Grounds

The Inveraray Castle estate occupies over 60,000 acres of land with a 16-acre garden that surrounds the castle itself. The grounds alone are worth the visit, but also make a great addition to a fascinating day out exploring one of Scotland’s greatest castles. No matter the season, the gardens are kept immaculate and something is bound to be blooming; from azaleas and daffodils at Easter to heathers and roses throughout autumn.

Beyond the gardens that immediately surround the castle, there are many trails and tracks to explore. The Woodland Walk is a tranquil trail that leads you through the extended grounds where you can discover new views of the castle from a distance.

Loch Fyne & Inveraray Castle

Although there is great access to the castle via the grounds’ car park, Inveraray Castle is just a short walk away from our Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa. Stay with us and discover the great history of the castle and admire the extravagant decor on offer, and then explore a little further afield with our picturesque walking trails in and around Inveraray. Our beautiful seaside hotel in Inveraray will welcome you back after a day of adventure where you can wine and dine in our Cladach Mòr Bistro overlooking the loch.