Inveraray
Inveraray is the classic 18th-century planned town (don't call it a village), with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses, and enjoys the most stunning of settings, on the shores of Loch Fyne.
It was rebuilt by the third Duke of Argyll, head of the Campbell clan, at the same time as he restored the nearby family home, which now attracts hordes of summer visitors. As well as its natural beauty and elegance, and fine castle, Inveraray has several other notable attractions that makes the overnight stay in the town worthwhile. Phone code: +44 (0) 1499
All Saints Church
One sight which has great appeal is the Bell Tower of All Saints Church, which attracts campanologists from near and far to ring the second heaviest set of church bells in the world. It's worth a visit, not just to dangle from the end of a rope, but to climb the tower and admire the panoramic view of the town below. Mid-May to end-Sep daily 1000-1300 and 1400-1700.
Sport
Pony trekking: Argyll Riding & Activities, Dalchenna Farm, Tel. 302611.
Eating Out
The best place to eat for miles around is the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, Tel. 600264, about 9 miles east of town on the A83 near Clachan. This restaurant, shop and smokehouse attracts customers from miles around to enjoy their famous oysters and other "Fyne" foods such as the renowned smoked kippers. Open Nov-Mar daily 0900-1800, from mid-Mar onwards 0900-2100 (booking essential at weekends). The George Hotel in town offers good, cheap bar food and good ale in a lively atmosphere. The Loch Fyne Hotel also does good food, but is a bit more expensive.
Region
ArgyllTravel Directions to Inveraray
Inveraray is on the main Glasgow-Oban and Glasgow-Campbeltown bus routes, and Scottish Citylinkbuses from Glasgow (1 hr 45 mins) stop in Front St, 6 times daily Mon-Sat (4 on Sun). Three of these buses (2 on Sun) continue to Oban (1 hr 5 mins), and 3 continue (2 on Sun) to Lochgilphead and Campbeltown (2 hrs 30 mins). For times, Tel. 0990-505050.
Inveraray is a small village and most of the sights below are within easy walking distance.
The Tourist Information Centre is on Front St, Tel. 302063. Open Apr Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1200-1700; May-Jun Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1100-1700; Jul-Aug Mon-Sun 0900-1800; Sep-Oct Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1200-1700; Nov Mon-Fri 1100-1600, Sat-Sun 1200-1600; Dec-Jan Mon-Fri 1000-1500, Sat-Sun 1100-1500; Feb-Mar Mon-Fri 1100-1600, Sat-Sun 1200-1600.
Local Sights & Activities for Inveraray
Inveraray Castle
One of Argyll's most famous castles, Inveraray has been the clan seat of the Campbells for centuries and is still the family home of the Duke of Argyll. The present neo-Gothic structure dates from 1745, and its main feature is the magnificent armoury hall, whose displays of weaponry were supplied to the Campbells by the British government to quell the Jacobite rebellion. The elaborately furnished rooms are also on display, as is the fascinating and troubled family history in the Clan room. There are extensive grounds with fine walks, particularly up to the hill-top folly. Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct Mon-Thu and Sat 1000-1300 and 1400-1745, Sun 1300-1745; Jul-Aug Mon-Sat 1000-1745, Sun 1300-1745. Tel. 302203.
All Saints Church
One sight which has great appeal is the Bell Tower of All Saints Church, which attracts campanologists from near and far to ring the second heaviest set of church bells in the world. It's worth a visit, not just to dangle from the end of a rope, but to climb the tower and admire the panoramic view of the town below. Mid-May to end-Sep daily 1000-1300 and 1400-1700
Castles Nearby
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Inveraray Castle
Home to Clan Campbell's chief and a substantial baronial pile built in 1743 on the site of previous castle. Open to visitors and includes lovely gardens.
Local Visitor Attractions
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Inveraray Jail
Restored Georgian jail and courthouse that is ideal for kids! Tons to see and het involved in. Interactive without any digital rubbish. Highly recommended.
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Inveraray Maritime Museum
Small maritime museum on the Pier with a couple of interesting vessels to wander around: the Arctic Penguin, and the old victualling ship, the Puffer. Grand excursion for the kids and anybody with a little interest in maritime history.
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Argyll Adventure Inveraray
Adventure centre south of Inveraray offering a tons of outdoor activities for age 4 and up. Kids can play paintball or laser tag from 6 and from 10 years.
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Crarae Gardens
Lovely garden beside Loch Fyne set in dramatic glen setting. Best times May and autumn but worth visiting any time.
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Auchindrain Township
Auchindrain is the remains of the only "joint-tenancy" farm village that survived from the 16th century until 1967 including surviving the Clearances of the early 19th century. Very insightful and interesting.
Walks
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Dun Na Cuaiche Woodland Walk at Inveraray Castle
Steep walk from Inveraray Castle with views of surrounding countryside. Allow a n hour. 1.5 miles
Inveraray Hotels & Accommodation
There are several good hotels to choose from, such as the historic Argyll Hotel, Front St, Tel. 302466, Fax. 302389, formerly the Great Inn; or the Loch Fyne Hotel, just of town on the A83, Tel. 302148, Fax. 302348. Also good is the Fernpoint Hotel, Tel. 302170, Fax. 302366, a lovely Georgian house overlooking the loch; and the George Hotel, Tel. 302111.
There's also lots of B&Bs in town, including Newton Hall, Main St, Tel. 302484, a converted church, open Mar-Dec; as well as a SYHA Youth Hostel, Dalmally Rd, Tel. 302454, open mid-Mar to end-Oct; and a campsite, at Argyll Caravan Park, Tel. 302285, 2€ miles south of town on Loch Fyne, with excellent facilities.
Self Catering Cottages in Inverary
- INVERARAY (Near) - Argyll Sleeps 6
- INVERARAY - Argyll Sleeps 8
Inveraray Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Luxury Holiday House, Inveraray - Sleeps 13
Beautifully positioned opposite the shoreline of majestic Loch Fyne, this beautiful listed house was built around the 1820's and exudes a charm all of its own. It has been recently refurbished to offer a touch of special luxury, -
Upper Tower Holiday Apartment, Loch Awe - Sleeps 4
Late 16th century Ardbrecknish House is in a magnificent Highland setting with wonderful views of mountains and glens. These attractive holiday properties are set amid 20 acres of mature woodland close to ... -
Fin Ro Cottage, Inveraray - Sleeps 2
This charming lochside cottage is idyllically located within the historic conservation burgh of Inveraray and enjoys beautiful views of majestic Loch Fyne. The cottage is on the ground floor of a .... -
Auchinellen House, nr Oban - Sleeps 13
Enjoying an elevated position with magnificent views and overlooking Loch Ederline, this detached Victorian house is ideal holiday accommodation for family holidays. Spacious and pleasantly furnished, it is situ... -
Thistle'do Cottage, Loch Fyne - Sleeps 3+2
Situated in the village of Minard on the shores of Loch Fyne, this semi-detached holiday cottage enjoys picturesque views across the loch. Lovingly refurbished, it makes the ideal location to explore the m... -
Tigh an Uillt, nr Inveraray - Sleeps 4
Nestled beside the shore of a sea loch in the peaceful village of Strachur, this stylish, light and airy villa with picture windows giving panoramic views over Loch Fyne and the mountains, is in an area of... -
Brondeg Lodge, Nr Inveraray, sleeps 4
This spacious and cosily furnished detached cottage is set on a hillside and accessed by a shared private road. Its large mature garden is ideal for children and it is ideally situated for walking in the nearby ...