Visit Inveraray Castle: tickets, prices, schedules

On vacation in Scotland? Visit the Château d’Inveraray. Let yourself be charmed by the legends of Celtic lands.

A holiday in Scotland are usually synonymous with hilly landscapes, wild nature, huge cliffs and of course castles. Among the castles To visit absolutely, there is that of Inveraray. Located northwest of Glasgow in the Argyll area, Inveraray Castle was once the fief of Clan Campbell, one of Scotland’s most influential families. If you want to discover the history of the country and its emblematic monuments, visit the Château d’Inveraray. We have concocted a small guide that gathers all the practical information for your visit.

History of Inveraray Castle

family Campbell arrived in the Argyll area in the 1220s during a royal expedition. At that time, they were settled in Lochaweside where they owned the castle of Innischonnell. It was replaced by the castle of Inveraray (as the seat of the Campbell clan) in the 1450s. The original building of Inveraray Castle was built by Colin Campbell, the first Duke of Argyll County. During their lives, the different Dukes of Argyll obtained their title as a sign of distinction for their achievements in the battlefields.

In the early 18th century, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt by architects Roger Moris and William Adam, under the direction of Jon Campbell, the third Duke of Argyll. The new version is a more modern, baroque and Gothic castle. Following the fires of 1877 and 1975, several construction works were undertaken to give the monument its current look.

The castle of Inveraray is now mainly intended for tourist visits, but it also constituted the place of shooting of an episode of Downton Abbey in 2012.

Our tips to visit the Château d’Inveraray

Before you start visiting the Castle of Inveraray, here are some things to know:

• The duration of the visit of the castle lasts on average 1h.
• The castle visit includes three floors. It is therefore not possible to avoid stairs. However, for people with reduced mobility (detents of a blue badge), the entrance is offered with the possibility of an assistant.
• Wheelchairs are available for those in advance.
• The blind dogs are welcome to the castle and the garden.

What to do during your visit to Inveraray Castle?

Explore the castle

The castle is composed of three floors offering each of the things to discover.

• The ground floor offers its visitors a historical overview of one of Scotland’s most beautiful monuments. The entrance is in a hall with a rather modest look. It is a true deceit of the eye compared to all that awaits you for the rest of the visit. On this floor you will discover the dining room with impressive size and exceptional colors with handmade paintings. Then head to the tapestry salon strongly influenced by French castles. Other iconic pieces present an exhibition of porcelain of the period or an exhibition of weapon.
• Then discover the first floor that gathers all rooms Campbell's family. Observe each detail on the walls, ceilings and floor.
• To finish the visit of the Château d’Inveraray, go to the basement, which welcomes the kitchen. This is the time to discover traditional cooking methods.

Discover the gardens

Uncontournable absolute when you come to visit the castle of Inveraray; the gardens. Regardless of the weather, they're really worth the detour.

The castle gardens represent six acres, two of which are totally decorated with grass and flower beds. During your visit, you will be subjugated by all the colors that illuminate under your eyes. During the Easter period, the jonquilles decorate the park in a thousand shades of yellow. The other months of the year are not left with rhododendrons and azalées in bright colours; red, pink, white, green, etc.

For botanical lovers, discover the many specimens that live in the castle gardens: Cedrus Deodars, Sequoiadendron Wellingtonia, Cryptomeria Japonica or Taxus Baccata.

Tasting specialities in the Tea room

Visiting Inveraray Castle must end with a visit to the Tea room. Here you can enjoy a wide selection of teas, coffees, homemade pastries and many other meals. It is the Duchess itself who personally directs the Tea room to offer you the best local ingredients. The menu includes Mule cheddar and Arran ice, as well as freshly prepared quiches throughout the day. With this, you can accompany your meal with a natural fruit juice, a beer or a good glass of wine.

The Tea room is a very soothing place with its vaulted ceilings and painted stone walls. This is the perfect place to finish the visit while relaxing.

Hiking around the castle

After having finished visiting the castle of Inveraray, it is time to evade you a little in the province of Argyll. Many walks are offered around, whether you are sporty or rather sedentary. During your walk, open your eyes and admire the magnificent panorama of the Inveraray area.

In addition to the exceptional landscape, several historic buildings cross the surroundings of the castle. You will be able to observe monuments of commemoration or small country chapels.

How much does a ticket cost to Inveraray Castle?

• A ticket to Inveraray Castle costs 1150 pounds per adult.
• For seniors and students, the entrance is from 10 pounds.
• It will be 7 pounds for children 5 to 16 years old.
• Des family tickets are also planned 35 pounds for two adults and two children.
• And for all groups of 20 persons or more, it is possible to get one 20% reduction.

How to book an online ticket for Inveraray Castle?

• To visit Inveraray Castle, it is very simple. You can buy your tickets directly on site or online on the official website. To do this, just go to the site and select the tickets you need (number of adults, children, etc.). Once you have chosen, you only have to add them to the basket and pay. You will receive them by email. When you arrive at the castle, you just have to show the tickets on your phone or printed version.
• In addition, tour operators offer excursion packages in which transport is also included. Prices nearby 50€.

Are there guided tours of Inveraray Castle?

There is no guided tour within the castle of Inveraray. On the other hand, some travel agencies offer guided tours so that you know more about the history of the castle and the secrets it holds.

In addition, if you don't have a guided tour, the castle offers a book to serve you as a guide. It is possible to recover it directly at the reception.

Are there combined visits with other monuments in Scotland?

Have you seen enough? No panic, there are combined visits. These ones will make you discover other castles such as that of Kilchurn or other cities such as that of Ban.

These visits from Edinburgh are not necessarily in French, but will always be offered in English and Spanish. The tour then lasts a full day and costs 50€ .

Opening hours

It is possible to visit the castle of Inveraray between the 1 April and 31 October . Between these dates, the castle is open every day between 10h and 17h45 . Attention, the last admissions are at 5:00.

You can also visit private apartments and Broughshane paintings open between 22 April and 11 May . There are only two visits to the day with a number of places limited to twenty people. If you would like to discover them, we recommend that you buy your ticket for Inveraray Castle in advance.

How to get to Inveraray Castle?

Inveraray Castle is located in the Argyll region 38 miles from Ban and 60 miles from Glasgow. Very well served by road networks, there are several ways to get to Inveraray Castle:

• Car: From southern Scotland, just follow Glasgow city center on the M8. As soon as you are on this path, follow Dumbarton and Loch Lomond on the A82. When you arrive at Tarbet, you will see the signs indicating Inveraray. You only have to follow this direction.
• Bus: There is a bus line between the centre of Glasgow and the Inveraray Castle with the Scottish Citylink. The journey lasts on average 1h40.

Where to park near Inveraray Castle?

There is a parking lot near the Château d’Inveraray. This is entirely dedicated to visitors. Anyone not coming to visit the Château d’Inveraray will have to pay a fee 3 pounds to park on this parking lot.

It is possible to request information at the reception to find out where to park as close as possible to the castle.

Where to stay near Inveraray Castle?

The castle is located in the Argyll region. It is a beautiful area that offers many activities. To stay next to the castle, it is possible to sleep in a charming hotel or a beautiful Airbnb directly in the city of Inveraray . It is a charming little town with its many valleys, its port, and very pleasant walks along the beach. Nearby you can also stay in Kintyre known for the Loch Fyne and its Crinan canal.

A little further, you will find the cities of Oban or Glasgow or Edinburgh which is 110 miles away.

So what are you waiting for to visit the castle of Inveraray?