5 Castles to visit in Argyll
5 Castles to visit in Argyll
- 5 Castles to Visit
- Explore Argyll this Season
- Breaks from just £275
With 60 castles dotted along its beautiful coastline, Argyll is steeped in history – And what better way to embrace the season by getting out and exploring both inside and outside these iconic structures.
1 – Inveraray Castle
Towering at the edge of the quaint town of Inveraray, this iconic Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and a must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland.
Once inside, visitors can marvel at the lavish state dining room, tapestries and the stunning Armoury Hall. The castle’s beautifully maintained garden and estate offers wonderful walking opportunities, with unrivaled views across Loch Fyne.
Argyll Holidays guests can enjoy exclusive discounts of 20% off entry by flashing their accommodation key.
2 – Rothesay Castle
Rothesay Castle is on the stunning island of Bute, accessible by a short ferry ride from Colintraive, which is only a 30-minute drive from Hunters Quay Holiday Village.
It was built by the Stewart family in the early 13th century to defend against invading Vikings and has a unique circular curtain wall, one-of-its-kind in Scotland. Step inside the great hall in the restored gatehouse to see displays about the castle, or walk around the moat to view the stone wall in all its glory.
3 – Dunollie Castle
Dunollie Castle is a four-star visitor attraction based in Oban and is an iconic monument known throughout Argyll. The Clan Chiefs and Lords of Lorne ruled the majority of Argyll and the Isles from here for more than 1,000 years, and it remains the ancestral home of Clan MacDougall to this day.
Whilst visiting, take a moment to admire the incredible views outside over the Western Ocean.
4 – Kilchurn Castle
The remains of Kilchurn Castle perch on a rocky peninsula at the northeast end of Loch Awe, on the main road from Inveraray to Oban. It was first constructed in the 15th century as the base of the Campbells of Glen Orchy but fell out of use and was in ruins by 1770.
It is open to the public in the summer months, and well worth checking out, even if for a stunning photograph glancing at the Castle from across the loch.
5 – Tarbert Castle
Situated on the Kintyre Peninsula, overlooking Loch Fyne, sits the ruins of Tarbert Castle. It’s easily accessible by a scenic drive through Inveraray (perfect for Drimsynie Estate guests), or a short ferry crossing from Portavadie (ideal if you’re staying at Hunters Quay).
The structure holds national importance because of the major role which Robert the Bruce played in its reinforcement and enlargement back in the 1300’s.
Not only is it open all year, but it’s also free to visit, making it an excellent spot for a family picnic.
