Inveraray Castle
Gothic Revival castle on the shore of Loch Fyne, home of the Duke of Argyll and Clan Campbell, with historic rooms and gardens.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
A castle has stood on the shore of Loch Fyne since the fifteenth century, but the building visitors see today dates from the eighteenth century. It grew out of an idea sketched by the architect Sir John Vanbrugh, which the 3rd Duke of Argyll took up after Vanbrugh’s death. The foundation stone was laid in 1746, and the design was drawn up by Roger Morris and William Adam, who combined baroque, Palladian and Gothic elements in a very modern castle for its time.
Both architects died before the work was finished. William Adam’s sons, James and Robert, completed the castle forty-three years after the first stone was laid. A serious fire in 1877 shaped its present look, because the rebuilding added a third floor and the conical roofs on the corner towers that now give Inveraray its distinctive outline.
The castle is the seat of the Dukes of Argyll and the heart of the Campbell family’s estate. Visitors can explore rooms on the ground floor, first floor and basement, with a virtual tour available online, and walk in the gardens included in the ticket. The estate also offers walking routes, holiday houses and filming locations, and the castle is a popular day out in the west Highlands.
Highlights
- Eighteenth-century Gothic Revival castle on Loch Fyne
- Rooms on the ground floor, first floor and basement
- Gardens included in the ticket
- Campbell family and Dukes of Argyll heritage
- Estate walking routes
Permanent exhibitions
- Castle rooms – Rooms on the ground floor, first floor and basement, telling the story of the castle and the Campbell family.
- Gardens – Gardens around the castle, included in the castle ticket and available as a separate gardens-only ticket.
- Founded
- 1746
- Operated by
- Argyll Estates
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £18.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £16Seniors aged 60 and over and students |
| Children & teens | £12free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 15; under-5s are free. |
| Seniors | £16Aged 60 and over. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Disabled visitors and carers are free. |
| Students & apprentices | £16 |
| Families | £60Castle and gardens for 2 adults and 3 children. |
| Gardens only | £10Same price for adults, seniors, students and children; under-5s free. |
| Private tour guide (pre-booked) | £75Per group. |
Prices are for 2026 general admission, castle and gardens. Historic Houses members are admitted free. Booking ahead is recommended. Car parking costs £4.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The front door has a ramp, and Blue Badge parking and an accessible toilet are shown on the castle’s accessibility page. The upper floor and basement are reached by staircases. Virtual tours of the first floor, basement and garden are available online, and the estate office can give further advice.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £60 · Castle and gardens for 2 adults and 3 children. |
A family ticket is available for 2 adults and 3 children.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Car parking costs £4, payable by card at the machine or with the JustPark app.
- Accessible parking
On the shore of Loch Fyne in Inveraray; an estate map is available on the website.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Gift shop on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | A private tour guide can be booked in advance. |
