Inveraray Castle ready to open its doors and gardens
Inveraray Castle is planning to re-open its doors for the season on May 27.
After a limited season in 2020 and a delayed start to 2021, the family and team at Inveraray Castle are delighted the house will be open to visitors after so long.
Home to the Duke of Argyll and the seat of Clan Campbell, Inveraray Castle is one of Scotland’s most visited and recognised buildings.
Inspired by Vanbrugh – of Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace – its baroque, Palladian and gothic style is fairytale in design while the interiors include exquisite hand painted walls and ceilings.
French tapestries still hang in the rooms they were intended for; a soaring 21-metre high room displays arms in the Armoury Hall and there are items from Queen Victoria and her daughter Princess Louise, who was married to the ninth
Duke, as well as a room dedicated to the Clan Campbell.
The Campbell family has been a key part of Scottish and British events since their arrival in the 1220s and the experienced team of guides will bring the family’s extraordinary history to life with anecdotes and explanations.
From Robert the Bruce to clan wars, Rob Roy, royalty, scandals and even the paranormal, the family and house have played a major part in British history.
The castle gardens, extending to 16 acres of formal lawns and flower beds as well as 180 hectares of park and woodland, will also be re-opened.
One of the most important designed landscapes in Scotland, the garden is famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas as well as trees planted by distinguished visitors in the past. Planned walks throughout the estate include one up Dun na Cuaiche overlooking the castle, Inveraray town, Loch Fyne and the majesty of the west Highlands. The estate will be open for those who wish just to walk in the grounds and the shop, coffee shop and parking will be available to non-castle visitors. Torquhil Argyll, the 13th Duke, said: ‘We have spent the closed months preparing for the re-opening and welcoming back visitors.
‘We have missed the energy and buzz that a visitor brings with them.
‘Inveraray Castle was one of the first stately homes to open its doors in 1953 and we can’t wait to share our home and history with visitors again.’
The castle will be opened with the safety of the visitor in mind.
Covid regulations will be adhered to and there will be regular cleaning, hand sanitising stations and contactless payments, while an online booking system will reduce the chance of overcrowding.