Autumn is a wonderful time of year to visit Inveraray and the surrounding area. The weather can be glorious, our forests are ablaze with colour and with fewer leaves on the trees and less vegetation on the ground, wildlife can be easier to spot. What’s more, many of the town’s visitor attractions are open and you can enjoy them minus the summer crowds! So button up your coat and try these four experiences in Inveraray this autumn.
Visit the iconic Inveraray Castle. The ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, is open until 31st October. Just down the road from Inveraray Jail, it’s one of Scotland’s most magnificent buildings. Inside, view the lavish State Dining Room, the tapestries and the stunning Armoury Hall with its walls adorned with muskets, pole-arms and axes. Pop into the traditional tearoom for some fabulous home-baking. The grounds are a great place for an autumn amble. The 1.5-mile Dun na Cuaiche Woodland Walk is a lovely stroll, especially at this time of year when you can appreciate the season’s colours. The views from the top of the hill across Inveraray and Loch Fyne are just breath-taking.
Discover Scotland’s past at Auchindrain. A short drive from Inveraray, this unique living museum brings an original Highland township back to life. Wander through the longhouses, barns and byres for an unforgettable taste of life in the past. It’s officially open for the season until 31st October, but you can visit during the late autumn and winter months free of charge – just don’t expect the visitor centre and tearoom to be open! Autumn is a great time of year to appreciate the gritty reality of life in Auchindrain, as the temperature drops and the winds begin to blow across the surrounding moorland and hills.
Head for The George Hotel. This lively, family-friendly pub in the heart of Inveraray is full of character with original solid flag-stoned floors and roaring log fires. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some home-cooked food and a real ale after an autumn stroll. Food is served from noon to 9pm.
Treat yourself to a dram. Nothing warms the cockles like a nip of single malt on a cold autumn day. And you can’t beat the Loch Fyne Whisky Shop on Inveraray High Street for choice. Hundreds of bottles of whisky line every wall from ceiling to floor and the friendly staff will help you find your favourite.
And don’t forget to visit Inveraray Jail. We’re open from 9.30am to 6pm (last admission 5pm) until 31st October. From November to March we’re open from 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm).
