7 Great Things to Do in Inveraray, Scotland
Inveraray is a quaint 18th-century Scottish town on the banks of Loch Fyne, the country's longest sea loch.
We were on our England to the Scottish Highlands Road Trip and were staying in the Trossachs National Park for four nights, so as Inveraray was so close, it was the perfect place to explore.
Inveraray had lots to discover, from a fairytale castle to charming restaurants, tea rooms and picturesque loch-side views. And not forgetting the chance to sample a wee dram (a shot of Scotch whisky) at Loch Fyne Whiskies for the non-driver - me!
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Useful Information about Inveraray
How to Get to Inveraray
We travelled to Inveraray from Ardgarten on the A82/A85 in 30 minutes.
If you travel from Glasgow, the drive will take just over two hours with no stops. From Edinburgh, the drive will take just over three hours.
If you don't have transport of your own, then you could rent a vehicle from Discover Cars.
The drive up to Inveraray is breathtaking, with magnificent landscapes, huge mountains and mesmerising lochs that seem never-ending.
You may find your drive takes longer than planned with all the photo stop opportunities on the way.
Places to Stay in Inveraray
Best time to travel to Inveraray
Scotland has very temperamental weather, so expect glorious sunshine one minute and torrential downpours the next.
I travelled in September, and the weather was mixed. The plus factor was fewer crowds and no midges (biting insects prevalent in summer).
Winter will see snowfall, making a road trip quite tricky. Spring and Autumn are good times to visit in general.
Best Things to do in Inveraray
Visit Inveraray Castle
At the top of our list of things to do in Inveraray was to visit the castle; it was small enough only to take an hour to visit but undoubtedly a fabulous landmark to explore.
The castle is currently home to Ian, Duke of Argyll, and his family. The castle interior tells the story of the Campbell Clan, a close-knit group of interrelated families especially prominent in the Scottish Highlands. Clan Campbell settled in the area in the early 13th century to watch over the King's land.
Typical Scottish castle clan heirlooms such as swords, tapestries, furniture, china, and silverware are displayed for visitors to enjoy. Also, the Christmas special of "Downton Abbey" was set here, so fans of the TV series will be delighted to walk in the footsteps of the cast members.
Four conical turrets make Inveraray Castle similar to many other fairytale castles in Europe.
Don't miss the castle's Armoury Hall, which is said to be the highest room of any Scottish castle, at 21 meters high.
Stroll in Castle Gardens and Dun Na Cuaiche
Set on extensive grounds, the gardens are planted with flowers and plants which thrive in the Argyll climate. Don't be shocked to see a palm tree growing in the garden of this Scottish castle!
Several woodland walks are around the garden, but the crowning glory is the strenuous walk up to Dun Na Cuaiche. At the peak, you will find a tower from where the vistas across Inveraray and Loch Fyne are sensational. Allow an hour for the round journey.
- For more information about the castle and the Duke of Argyll, visit the Inveraray Castle website.
Explore Inveraray Town
The Duke of Argyll demolished the old town in the late 18th century so that the grounds in front of Inveraray Castle could be landscaped. The first buildings of the "New Town" were completed in 1753, and by the early 19th century, Inverary looked much as it does today.
Inveraray has excellent places to stay (see recommendations above), superb restaurants, great coffee shops, and fantastic visitor attractions for such a small town.
If you haven't booked accommodation in your next port of call, you may want to stay in Inveraray for longer than a few hours.
However, if, like us, the town is just a pit stop on a Scottish road trip, then you can still see what Inveraray has to offer by visiting the castle and wandering along the quaint high street with its unmistakable black and white-fronted buildings.
If you want to stay in one of the traditional fishermen's cottages overlooking Loch Fyne, check out Newton Cottage for a taste of Scottish character and charm.
If you enjoy a wee dram (taste of whisky), you will enjoy visiting the whisky shops on Inveraray's high street.
Visit Fyne Malts of Inverary and Loch Fyne Whiskies and learn everything you want to know about whisky! If you are looking for traditional Scottish gifts and handcrafts, The Courtyard has a wide selection.
While you are on the banks of Loch Fyne, discover the late 15th-century Inveraray stone cross, which once stood in the middle of the Old Town.
Inveraray Jail Museum
Housed in an award-winning listed building, Inveraray Jail Museum was previously a 19th-century prison and courthouse. Men, women and children as young as seven were tried and imprisoned here, with many jailed simply for having mental health issues.
Inveraray jail was left abandoned for 100 years. It was renovated and re-opened in 1989 as a living museum depicting scenes from its past.
Take an audio tour and discover what incarceration in the early 19th century was like.
- For more information on opening hours and prices, visit the official website.
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Loch Fyne Views
Loch Fyne, the longest sea loch in Scotland, is famous for its oysters and seafood. It is also a magnet for visitors to Inveraray, offering beautiful vistas like those in my photographs.
Grab a coffee from Campbell Coffee on the main street, find a loch-side bench, and absorb the breathtaking scenery. We did exactly that and were mesmerised by these commanding panoramic views of the harbour.
Inveraray War Memorial
The memorial commemorates the residents of Inveraray who were killed or missing in World War I and II. It stands proud beside Loch Fyne and reminds visitors of the lives lost in a tiny Scottish town.
Climb Inveraray Bell Tower
All Saints Bell Tower can be seen for miles along Loch Fyne and, along with the castle, dominates the skyline.
If you climb the 176 steps, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Arrochar Alps. If you are lucky, you may hear the ten bells being rung out across Inveraray.
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
Scotland has been a revelation, ever since my son started studying at Glasgow Uni in 2017 we've been exploring this beautiful country. We've driven around part of loch Fyne but haven't been to Inveraray itself. One for the next visit!
Great itinerary and easy to follow. We had an all too short visit to Scotland a few years ago...returning is high on my list. I'm saving this to refer to when we do. thanks.
I loved my visit last year to the Scottish Highlands but unfortunately missed Inverary & the castle. It sounds & looks lovely though & will add it to my plans for next time. Thanks for highlighting it!
Even though this may be a small town, it seems there are many things to do worth a visit. Give me history and some water and I'm happy. Oh, and that wee dram wouldn't hurt!
What on earth could a seven year old have done to end up in that jail!?
We’re planning a trip to Scotland with the grandkids in a few years. Would this be a good stop with kids?
Anything from stealing an apple and they would be put in jail! To be honest everywhere in Scotland is a good place to stop for all the family. I'm sure they would love the castle and of course the stories surrounding the jail. If you want to see my in-depth itinerary on Scotland then you may like to read my 2 weeks in Scotland post - it is based on the road trip we did and there are lots of ideas for all ages.