Inveraray Guide
Contents |
Inveraray
Introduction
Inveraray is the classic 18th-century planned town (don't call it a village), with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses, and enjoys the most stunning of settings, on the shores of Loch Fyne. It was rebuilt by the third Duke of Argyll, head of the Campbell clan, at the same time as he restored the nearby family home, which now attracts hordes of summer visitors. As well as its natural beauty and elegance, and fine castle, Inveraray has several other notable attractions that makes the overnight stay in the town wothwhile.
Phone code: +44 (0) 1499
Getting there and getting around
Inveraray is on the main Glasgow-Oban and Glasgow-Campbeltown bus routes, and Scottish Citylink buses from Glasgow (1 hr 45 mins) stop in Front St, 6 times daily Mon-Sat (4 on Sun). Three of these buses (2 on Sun) continue to Oban (1 hr 5 mins), and 3 continue (2 on Sun) to Lochgilphead and Campbeltown (2 hrs 30 mins). For times, Tel. 0990-505050.
Inveraray is a small village and most of the sights below are within easy walking distance.
Tourist Information Centre
The Tourist Information Centre is on Front St, Tel. 302063.
Open Apr Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1200-1700; May-Jun Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1100-1700; Jul-Aug Mon-Sun 0900-1800; Sep-Oct Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1200-1700; Nov Mon-Fri 1100-1600, Sat-Sun 1200-1600; Dec-Jan Mon-Fri 1000-1500, Sat-Sun 1100-1500; Feb-Mar Mon-Fri 1100-1600, Sat-Sun 1200-1600.
Sleeping
There are several good hotels to choose from, such as the historic Argyll Hotel, Front St, Tel. 302466, Fax. 302389, formerly the Great Inn; or the Loch Fyne Hotel, just of town on the A83, Tel. 302148, Fax. 302348. Also good is the Fernpoint Hotel, Tel. 302170, Fax. 302366, a lovely Georgian house overlooking the loch; and the George Hotel, Tel. 302111.
There's also lots of B&Bs in town, including Newton Hall, Main St, Tel. 302484, a converted church, open Mar-Dec; as well as a SYHA Youth Hostel, Dalmally Rd, Tel. 302454, open mid-Mar to end-Oct; and a campsite, at Argyll Caravan Park, Tel. 302285, 2€ miles south of town on Loch Fyne, with excellent facilities.
Eating
The best place to eat for miles around is the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, Tel. 600264, about 9 miles east of town on the A83 near Clachan. This restaurant, shop and smokehouse attracts customers from miles around to enjoy their famous oysters and other "Fyne" foods such as the renowned smoked kippers. Open Nov-Mar daily 0900-1800, from mid-Mar onwards 0900-2100 (booking essential at weekends). The George Hotel in town offers good, cheap bar food and good ale in a lively atmosphere. The Loch Fyne Hotel also does good food, but is a bit more expensive.
Self Catering Cottages in Inverary
- INVERARAY (Near) - Argyll Sleeps 6
- INVERARAY - Argyll Sleeps 8
Sport
Pony trekking: Argyll Riding & Activities, Dalchenna Farm, Tel. 302611.