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The George Hotel

Inveraray

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Established in 1745 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, head of the Clan Campbell, Inveraray is the traditional county town of Argyll, with stunning Georgian architecture overlooking Loch Fyne.

There are multiple iconic Scottish visitor attractions to visit in Inveraray, including Inveraray Castle, the home of Clan Campbell and the current Duke of Argyll, and Inveraray Jail, a unique award-winning living museum, where costumed guides tell stories of former inmates and visitors can get actively involved in the experience by trying out some of the punishment methods used or experience the excitement of a trail in the courtroom.

Inveraray makes for the perfect base for your Argyll adventure. Nearby attractions include Auchindrain Township, Ardkinglas Estate & Gardens (with the famous Gruffalo Trail!), Knapdale Beaver Centre, historic Kilmartin Glen, and Crinan Canal. So, come visit and stay a while!

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll contains great richness of expression. Here we have shared a phrase from local Gaelic poetry about Inveraray.

Fhuair mi mo leannan am Bail’ Inbhir Aora
(I found my sweetheart in Inveraray Town)

Iain MacPhàidein

Fhuair mi mo leannan am Bail’ Inbhir Aora (I found my sweetheart in Inveraray Town)

With thanks to partners CHARTS

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Top reasons to visit

Dun Na Cuaiche

Cafes

Inveraray Castle & Inveraray Jail

Loch Fyne Oysters

The George Hotel

The Vital Spark

Why visit Inveraray?

Scotland's Georgian Gem on Loch Fyne

Inveraray combines architectural significance with a spectacular natural setting. Nestled on the eastern shores of Loch Fyne, the historic town remains beautifully preserved, making you feel like you're stepping back into the 18th century – whilst enjoying the 21st century comforts of exceptional food and outstanding places to stay.

Inveraray Castle, which remains home of the Clan Campel to this day, is one of Scotland's premier stately homes, offering you access to rooms rarely seen in privately inhabited castles. The castle's gardens and estate, covering 60,000 acres and including 16 acres of formal gardens, offer beautiful walking opportunities, with rhododendrons and azaleas thriving in the mild Gulf Stream climate.

Beyond the castle, Inveraray town offers excellent amenities, including the award-winning Inveraray Jail, one of Scotland's most popular heritage attractions, where costumed guides bring 19th-century prison life vividly to life. Go for a stroll along the loch's shore with views to the 126-foot Inveraray Bell Tower or visit the Dun na Cuaiche watchtower, known as the stone guardian of Inveraray.

The historic town itself is brimming with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect base for your next Argyll Adventure.

Weekend Getaways and Fun-Packed Holidays

Inveraray is packed with things to see and do, and is a gateway to the West Highlands & Islands. Come, stay a while.

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Good to know!

Plan ahead to make the most of your visit.

Style: A brilliant getaway for history buffs and nature lovers looking to slow down. Spend your days exploring the historic town or venturing further into the Heart of Argyll.
Best time to visit: Inverarary makes for a fantastic destination all year round. Enjoy quiet winter days in its cosy cafes, witness the castle gardens come to life in spring, spend long summer evenings by the lochside or be mesmerised by the colour changing in autumn.
Highland Games & Festival: The region is home to the historic Inveraray Games (July) and the Fyne Fest (May/June), a family-friendly music festival.
Filming location: Inveraray Castle appeared in Downton Abbey's 2012 Christmas special and various other productions.
Parking: Pay & Display street parking is available in Inverarary town. Selected accommodations and attractions provide free car parking for visitors/guests.
Toilets: Public toilets are available next to Inveraray Pier (entry charge).
Stay: Several hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering options provide accommodation. The George Hotel, Brambles Inveraray, and Loch Fyne Hotel are prominent options.
Getting around Inveraray: The town itself is very walkable, with main attractions such as Inveraray Jail and Inveraray Castle within minutes on foot.

Explore Inveraray

Discover places to stay, eat & drink and things to do in and around Inveraray.

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Things to Do in & around Inveraray

Explore the historic attractions in the town, head for a stroll along the waterfront, or spend an afternoon browsing at the many independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Explore the Historic Attractions

Inveraray Castle

Inveraray's story is inseparable from the powerful Clan Campbell, whose chiefs have served as Earls and later Dukes of Argyll since the 15th century. Self-guided tours allow visitors to explore three floors of magnificent state rooms at their own pace, with guide cards and knowledgeable staff available throughout. The castle's remarkable collection spans centuries, from ancient weapons to fine art, family portraits to precious china. The Clan Room displays Campbell family heirlooms, clan colours, and genealogical records, fascinating to anyone tracing Scottish ancestry.

The castle's gardens and estate, covering 60,000 acres and including 16 acres of formal gardens, offer beautiful walking opportunities, with rhododendrons and azaleas thriving in the mild Gulf Stream climate.

Inveraray Jail & Escape Room

This award-winning visitor attraction is a must-do for families and history buffs. The 19th-century courthouse and prison operate as a living museum where costumed guides portray real people from the prison's history. You can explore original cells, try the Crank Machine torture device, and experience what life was like for prisoners and staff. Feel like going the extra mile? Try their Escape Room experience for an even more immersive visit, perfect for families and groups of friends alike!

Inveraray Waterfront

Go for a wander along the shores of Loch Fyne

The Bell Tower

Commissioned by the 10th Duke of Argyll as a memorial to members of Clan Campbell killed in the First World War, the Bell Tower stands 126 feet tall and can be seen from pretty much anywhere in the town. We recommend climbing the 176 steps to soak in the panoramic views across Loch Fyne, Inverarary town, castle, and the surrounding countryside. The tower houses the world's second-heaviest ring of ten bells, which ring out regularly across the town.

Dun na Cuaiche watchtower

Looking for a wee walk? Head to the historic watchtower, standing high on the hill above the town (248 meters). Built in 1756, this tower offers breathtaking views over the town and adjacent Loch Fyne. Start your walk at Inverrary Castle, heading through beautiful woodlands up to the viewpoint. You will pass by stone bridges, old lime kilns, and trees that were planted by Queen Victoria in 1875. During the springtime months, stop to breathe in the sweet scent of bluebells, covering the woodland floors!

Waterfront Walks

Inverarary's esplanade makes for a brilliant backdrop for a relaxing stroll. Watch boats coming and going and keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels and even otters! In summer, you can join a boat trip on Loch Fyne to experience a different perspective on the town and the surrounding landscapes.

Just Beyond Inveraray

Discover the Heart of Argyll

Auchindrain Township

Auchindrain Township, located 6 miles south of Inverarary, is Scotland's only surviving example of a Highland township. The immersive open-air museum preserves original buildings showing how rural Highlanders lived and worked communally. Furnished cottages, barns, and farm buildings create an authentic picture of 18th and 19th-century Highland life, offering fascinating contrasts to the Duke's opulent castle lifestyle. It's a brilliant place to visit, for all ages!

Ardkinglas Estate & Woodland Gardens

A short 15-minute drive (16 miles) outside of Inveraray, the 4,800-hectare estate is a fascinating place to visit. Ardkinglas Woodland Garden is an arboretum with champion trees and a renowned collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. It is particularly lovely in May and June, when it is in full flower, but it is worth a visit at any time of year. The Gruffalo & Fairy Trail is a must-visit for all, nestled within the extensive woodland garden. Come and have a go!

Kilmartin Glen & Knapdale

A bit further afield (32miles / 45 mins drive), you'll find Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland’s richest and most important prehistoric landscapes, with over 350 ancient monuments, including cairns, standing stones and stones. Kilmartin Museum and Dunadd Fort are both enthralling places to visit. Beyond the glen, you will find Knapdale, bounded to the south by the Kintyre peninsula and to the north by the Crinan Canal.

Planning Your Visit

Places to Stay & Eat in Inverarary

Places to Eat & Drink in Inverarary

The town's primary industry was herring, which was smoked to produce the famous Loch Fyne Kipper, so you'll find a fantastic selection of seafood restaurants in Inverarary. But beyond that, all cafes & restaurants pride themselves on only serving the freshest of Scottish & Argyll produce. Here are some of our local recommendations:

Loch Fyne Oyster Bar – Just outside of Inveraray, this is a must-visit place for seafood lovers. Try the iconic Loch Fyne Oysters or their delicious smoked fish!
The George Hotel – Run since 1860, the George has provided quality and authentic Scottish hospitality for over 160 years. The historic pub is a truly unique place to enjoy a meal and a wee dram.
Brambles Cafe – Enjoy a selection of delicious breakfast & lunch items, often influenced by the seasons. The perfect place to fuel up for a day of exploring.

Where to Stay in Inveraray

From traditional luxury to rural tranquillity, here are our favourite places to stay in and near Inveraray:

Brambles of Inveraray – Located in the heart of the town, the luxurious rooms make for the perfect base for your getaway. Choose from a selection of rooms, apartments and dog-friendly stays. Book directly to save!
The George Hotel – A boutique hotel complete with an award-winning restaurant and cosy rooms filled with antiques.
Killean Farmhouse & Cottages – Choose between B&B or cosy self-catering cottages.
Lerigoligan (self-catering) – A traditional highland croft house in the bustling village of Adfern. Brilliant for families & groups of friends!
Ederline Estate Holiday Cottage – Stay in a cosy cottage on a family-run working hill farm. Great fishing is available, too!

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How to get to Inverarary

Planning Your Visit

By Car

Travel from Glasgow on the A82 along the west side of Loch Lomond, passing through Tarbet & Arrochar, and then onward to 'the Rest and Be Thankful,' and Cairndow before arriving in Inveraray. You can travel onwards to Kilmartin Glen, Tarbert or Kintyre by car or bus.

Alternatively, travel via the A85 and then south after Dalmally to Inveraray, or go as far as Oban and then follow the A816 southwards to Kilmartin and onto Inveraray via Lochgilphead.

By Public Transport

By bus, Scottish Citylink operates regular coach services connecting Inveraray with Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oban, and Campbeltown. Services from Glasgow take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

By train and bus, the nearest railway stations are at Dalmally (15 miles) and Oban (38 miles). From either station, connecting bus services reach Inveraray.