The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.6 / 5 · 6,053 reports TICKETED

Inveraray Castle

Argyll and Bute, Scotland


Inveraray Castle
Inveraray Castle, further view Inveraray Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Argyll Estates (Duke of Argyll)
Condition
Intact
Access
Staffed, ticketed

Pinpoint

Inveraray PA32 8XE

Telephone 01499 302203

Website www.inveraray-castle.com

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The seat of the Duke of Argyll and chief of Clan Campbell, a fairy-tale confection of round towers and gothic windows built on the shore of Loch Fyne, and still a working family home rather than a museum piece. The gardens are at their best in May, when the rhododendrons and azaleas are out, and the interior tour comes with detailed information boards in every room.

Worth the trip

The exterior itself — reviewers say Inveraray simply looks like a castle should, four round towers and cannons by the front door, framed against Loch Fyne.

Before you go

Arrive early for a quieter walk through before the crowds build, and use the parking app rather than the machines — reviewers report several visitors struggling with the payment kiosks since charges were introduced.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.6 / 5 across 6,053 Google reviews

Visitors consistently enjoy Inveraray Castle's fairy-tale exterior and the novelty of it still being a lived-in family home, with the gardens and woodland walk frequently praised. A recurring tip is to time your visit around the guided tour, since the information without it is limited; some also find the entrance fee a little steep given how few rooms are open to the public, and the tea room can get very busy with coach tour groups.

Seasonal Apr-Oct

“Arrived early so had a lovely quiet walk through. Nice castle with good information boards in each of the rooms. Parking charges had just been introduced we found the app easy to use but saw some people struggle with…”— Karen Rae, visitor review

Further reading

book
Castles of the Clans

Martin Coventry

Find it on Amazon
The Castles of Scotland cover book
The Castles of Scotland

Martin Coventry

Find it on Amazon
Scotland's Castles cover book
Scotland's Castles

Chris Tabraham

Find it on Amazon