Top Things to do in Argyll and Bute
Top Hotels in Argyll and Bute
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Things to do in Argyll and Bute, Scotland: The Best Castles
Discover the best top things to do in Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom including Ardmaddy Castle Garden, Inveraray Castle, Skipness Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Mount Stuart, Carnasserie Castle, Castle Stalker, Dunans Castle, Kilmahew Castle, Gylen Castle.
Restaurants in Argyll and Bute
1. Ardmaddy Castle Garden
2. Inveraray Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,240 reviews
Inveraray Castle is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll and their young family. Ancestral home of Clan Campbell. Iconic visitor attraction on the West coast of Scotland.
Reviewed By Marls1234
I had an amazing time at Inveraray Castle. All staff were lovely, the gardens were magnificent, the castle itself is a fantastic historical gem and the scones in the tea room are to die for. Notably, my guide Bridget was extremely informative and her bubbly personality absolutely made our day. Thank you Bridget.
3. Skipness Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
A 13th Century Castle, owned and maintained by Historic Scotland. The main tower is open April-October, offering stunning views to Arran.
Reviewed By Stevenson_steve - Harrogate, United Kingdom
Free to park and get in, the village is quaint small church school (NOW CLOSED) would recommend visiting in good weather the castle is a stable ruin, only the main tower is intact (not accessible to general public)
4. Kilchurn Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 548 reviews
The castle is closed but you can still visit the exterior of the site. Please continue to follow government guidance, staying 2 metres away from other visitors, and bring your own hand sanitiser with you, to help keep everyone safe. Look out over Loch Awe from the powerbase of the Campbells of Glenorchy and one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
Reviewed By 240tarynk - San Diego, United States
Kilchurn Castle is well worth a stop. There's a nice car park and it's maybe 1/2 mile walk through a field to the castle. There's something of a mini petting zoo on your way in with a donation bucket. We were there in July and were able to get inside the castle.
5. Mount Stuart
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,205 reviews
Reviewed By HMac_2013 - Santa Fe, United States
We didn’t see the inside of the house - we’re not much for house tours. It was the gardens we came for and they are lovely, and the grounds beautiful, extensive and well tended. The rock garden, right by the house, was my favorite, with paths winding around rocks, a brook, and an interesting variety of trees, shrubs and flowers, including my favorite wild orchids. The Wee Garden, a 10-15 minute walk from the house is hardly “wee” except in comparison to the hundreds of acres of Mount Stuart’s grounds, but quite extensive with paths winding among trees, some of them exotic from places like New Zealand and Tasmania. The cafe, too, makes for an exceptionally pleasant lunch or afternoon snack.
6. Carnasserie Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By 133glynd - Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Step back in area some 10,000+ years ago at kilmartin glen a neolithic anceint site then visit a stunning castle 1 mile from kilmartin dated back to 1565 wth legeons of williiam wallace (braveheart) and king robert the bruce
7. Castle Stalker
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By sagard725
Castle Stalker is just a short walk from the cottage we rented in Appin. We reached it by a walking along the shoreline. It looks majestic, situated on its own small island in Loch Linnhe. The castle can be visited internally but not in 2020 due to COVID. It’s so pretty with a beautiful setting! The water is so shallow and clear near the shoreline. Our doggy loved swimming here. Definitely worth visiting.
8. Dunans Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
*BOOKING ESSENTIAL* A tour set in the grounds of Dunans Castle. A-listed bridge, B-listed castle and a fantastic restoration project set in wonderful policies. Booking is necessary so that we continue to comply with our public liability insurance and keep our visitors safe when onsite.
Reviewed By MustangAndy - Oakland, United States
This property was historically owned and concurred by many different clans. It is a must-see while in Scotland not far from Glasgow Airport. The history here goes back hundreds of years. The remnants of the castle that currently stands was conquered by the Sinclair and Campbell family. Originally the property was where the Gordon Clan roomed and prospered. I'm a descendant of the Gordon Clan so it is amazing to own a plot and see the beautiful botanical Gardens and trout streams there are still a natural resource to this land. The current owners who care for the land and are working on restoration of the castle are family oriented and amazing polite people. I highly enjoyed my visit and I'm anticipating the full restoration of this beautiful castle and its historical history. I invite you to purchase a plot of the castle or a plot of land to help with the restoration costs of the castle.
9. Kilmahew Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Kilmahew Castle is a ruined castle located just to the Cardross village. Once home of the Clan Napiers of Kilmahew, progenitors include engineers such as Robert Napier, and mathematicians such as John Napier. The house is a conventional tower house with some gothic elements. Only the shell of the tower remains. Although there’s not a massive amount to see, I found it great fun as an urban explorer. As other reviewers have mentioned, the ruin can be difficult to find and get to. I got there by driving on Carmen Road until I got to a metal gate on the left, which is opposite a farm road. The gate itself is locked for some reason, but about 10 metres further up is a path. It’s fine to leave the car at the gate and from there it’s about 15 minutes of walking through a trail and woodlands. There are several trails, so the one to follow is between the golf course and the stream. While the ruin isn’t much to look at, it’s a great hike on an unmarked trail, through unspoilt woodlands and the whole thing is a fun piece of urban exploration.
10. Gylen Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By W3342YAjohnd
Great circular walk and the beach under the castle was a great spot for a picnic lunch. Allow 3-4 hours for the trip. Castle in really good condition and wonderful views.
