Inveraray in a day – Scotland`s perfect family day trip this October Holiday
Inveraray is just 1hr 30 mins from Glasgow. Read on for our suggested itinerary for a day in Inveraray with the family.....
The October school holidays 2017 are upon us already! So, what have you got planned for the family? Whatever your plans, be sure to consider visiting the stunning, historic town of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Here is our suggested itinerary for a day in Inveraray with the family.
Travel:
Start your journey on one of Scotland’s most epic road trips through some of Argyll’s most spectacular scenery. If travelling by car, allow around 1hr 30 mins to get to Inveraray from Glasgow via the A83 Rest and Be Thankful route. (Maybe add a few more minutes for stopping off for family photos against some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland!). Allow around 1hr if coming to Inveraray from Oban or Dunoon.
Scotland’s must see viewpoints along the way:
Must see viewpoints from Oban: Kilchurn Castle from A819, just after the Dalmally turning.
Must see viewpoints from Dunoon: Loch Eck, one of Scotland’s prettiest lochs, from A815.
Must see viewpoints from Glasgow: Rest and Be Thankful, A83.
Mid morning activity:
Start the day right with some fresh air and a walk through Ardkinglas Woodland (www.ardkinglass.com) and the Gruffalo Trail, just 10 minutes from Inveraray. Let the kids’ imaginations run wild as they follow the mouse through the forest in search of the famous Gruffalo. £15 for a family. Ardkinglas is on the way into Inveraray from Glasgow/South, at Cairndow village. If the Gruffalo is perhaps a little too young, just five minutes from Inveraray lies Argyll Adventures, a five star activity centre offering horse riding treks, a paintball and crossbow range and the indoor ‘Laser Blast’. Argyll Adventures is three miles south of Inveraray on the A83. For full details and prices visit www.argylladventure.com
Lunch:
Head in to the town of Inveraray and grab some lunch at the atmospheric Brambles of Inveraray (www.inverarayhotel.com), café and bistro on Inveraray Main Street. Choose from delicious homemade soups to fancy sandwiches and even fish and chips - all served fresh, using local produce. Grab one of their amazing coffees or loose leaf teas. There’s plenty for the kids to choose from on the menu too. Served from 12pm to 5pm.
Shopping:
Go for a wonder round the shops that run up and down the picturesque Main Street. Take home a taste of Scotland and pop into Loch Fyne Whiskies (www.lochfynewhiskies.com). Gear up for the winter with some cosy tweed from MacIntyres of Inveraray. Or start Christmas shopping early with one of Scotland’s finest soap companies, Purdies .
Afternoon activity:
At the top of Main Street, pop us a visit here at Inveraray Jail for a memorable family experience, one of Scotland’s top tourist attractions. Step through the doors of Inveraray Jail and step back in time to a 19th century prison. Experience what life was like for the real men, women and children – some as young as seven – who were tried and locked up here. Explore the atmospheric historic building and meet the costumed characters who animate the past and bring the museum to life. You can even have a go at “whipping” the kids or trying them out on the thumbscrews! For cheaper entry rates, buy your tickets online in advance. Open 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm).
Dinner:
Head for the George Hotel , just next to Inveraray Jail. 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 a wonderful autumn day in Inveraray. Food is served from noon to 9pm.
And there is so much more to see and do in Inveraray and across Argyll. For more information on how to get to Inveraray, or to plan a holiday, click here.